Traditional knifemaking is generally divided into rough work and clean work. Forging, shaping, and kaji-togi polishing can be done in the kajiba, but finishing work must be done in a cleaner area. This small shiageba will provide work areas for carving saya (scabbards) and tsuka (handles), polishing blades, and other finishing work such as lacquering with natural urushi and tsukamaki (handle wrapping).
The original shed was built by a friend about a decade ago, mainly from reclaimed materials and finished with a painted plywood skin. For years it was used as a farm building and later partially finished inside for use as a creative space and storage area. During the kajiba project it became the storage area for tools and materials. After moving to its current location a large reclaimed window was added and the exterior was finished with charred Nootka Cypress and hand split shakes from Red Cedar driftwood. In this location the windows face north to provide stable lighting conditions throughout the day.
Yakisugi style charred Nootka Cypress siding.
Red Cedar shakes from reclaimed driftwood, hand split with a froe.
Charred (Red Cedar) Cypress trim and Red Cedar shakes on each end.
Upper window was existing, reclaimed lower window added for light, small overhang in yakisugi charred Cypress mirrors detail over the kajiba doors.
View of the north end, upper window lights the wood working area, lower window lights the polishing area.
Shelves made from reclaimed boxes, boards, and scrap wood.
Reclaimed solid oak hardwood flooring, hardwood doorskin walls, and scrap fir trim.
Reclaimed fir school gym climbing ladder and fir railings finish off the loft.
Loft: Two mat floor woodworking space for carving saya (scabbards) and tsuka (handles) along with storage for tools and seasoned wood. more about preparing the carving area
Main floor: Togi-dai (研ぎ台) polishing platform for collecting and managing the water while working with natural Japanese waterstones. more about preparing the polishing area
The interior walls are finished with a natural earth plaster made from sand, clay, cattail fiber, and chopped straw. Wood is charred in yakisugi style and then wiped clean. more about making the clay plaster
Washi paper lamp made from scrap wood, ancient antler rack displaying sword kata for tachi and katana.
Adjustable/removable low-ceiling lighting cover made from copper and antique wooden floor grate.
View with the island kajiba and charcoal kiln.
Afternoon light through the trees. Sudare in the windows and stones to form the drip line for the roof.
The long term locals approve of the new hangout spot.
