Japanese Tool Sharpening Workshop

Master traditional Japanese sharpening techniques with this tool-sharpening workshop in Scotts Valley.



2.5 hours Location Pasadena Class size 1 to 5 (public classes), 1 to 8   $175 - $225 ($225 per guest when you book for 1 guest, $175/guest for 2+ guests)
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Discover how to finely tune Japanese woodworking tools in this hands-on sharpening and setup class in Scotts Valley. Designed for beginner to intermediate woodworkers, this workshop demonstrates the art of traditional Japanese tool care, maintenance and basic setup.
Our expert instructor will begin with an engaging overview of Japanese woodworking tools, exploring their history, regional styles, and common types, from essential chisels to more specialized options. You’ll learn how to identify tools like oire-nomi and tataki-nomi, plus practical tips for buying quality tools.
The majority of the class focuses on practical skills, including sharpening and setting up Japanese chisels and plane blades for peak performance. You’ll also gain insight into restoring well-used or damaged tools, helping you extend their life.
This workshop is perfect for beginners looking to get into woodworking or slightly more experienced woodworkers looking to get more education and sharpen their skills. By the end of class, you’ll leave with clearer techniques, greater confidence, and sharper tools ready to elevate your projects.

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Upcoming dates for Japanese Tool Sharpening Workshop

Times are Los Angeles time. Dates and prices as of 14 Nov 2026, 3:32pm; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

28 upcoming dates between 12 Dec 2026 and 12 Dec 2027.

  • Sat, Dec 12 2026, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun, Dec 13 2026, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat, Jan 9 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun, Jan 10 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat, Feb 6 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun, Feb 7 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat, Mar 6 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun, Mar 7 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat, Apr 3 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun, Apr 4 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat, May 1 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun, May 2 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat, May 29 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun, May 30 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat, Jun 26 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun, Jun 27 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat, Jul 24 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun, Jul 25 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat, Aug 21 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun, Aug 22 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat, Sep 18 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun, Sep 19 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat, Oct 16 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun, Oct 17 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat, Nov 13 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun, Nov 14 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sat, Dec 11 2027, 10am-12:30pm
  • Sun, Dec 12 2027, 10am-12:30pm
What you'll get
Participants will go home with a strong foundation in the setup and sharpening of Japanese chisels as well as their history and use. The basics of Japanese plane setup will be gone over as well, however this is not a class specifically for learning the total setup process as that is more involved and is offered as a separate stand alone class.
Knowledge required
Beginner to intermediate
What to bring
If only interested in theory then bring a notebook and pencil. If you want hands on then bring a chisel or two and a plane as well as your stones. Recommend having at least a 1000 grit and 6000 grit stone.
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, Christmas party, birthday or bachelorette party.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mom, Xmas gift or gift for couples.

Location

Pasadena, CA

Exact location is masked for privacy. You'll automatically get the specific address after booking.

Japanese Tool Sharpening Workshop location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Japanese Tool Sharpening Workshop

  • 5/5 from Steve Shepard, attended Jun 2026: Great class! I've been woodworking for a while, but am new to Japanese tools. The instructor was knowledgeable and used a combination of demonstration and hands-on coaching to walk me through the process of setting up a new hand plane (kanna) I bought on a recent trip to Japan. We covered tuning the iron, fitting it to the wooden body, or dai, sharpening, and scalloping the dai so the plane cuts cleanly and takes a fine shaving. I especially appreciated that the instructor could speak to the history behind the tools, encouraged questions, and tailored the pace to my experience level. Highly recommended for anyone looking to get into Japanese hand tools.
Your teacher

David Swernofsky
David Swernofsky

5.0 (1)

Finely sharpened and tuned Japanese tools offer a level of performance that all woodworkers seek to achieve. A chisel that can cleanly slice through end-grain or a plane that creates see-through shavings, brings a joy to your work that nothing else can. Getting your tools to perform this way can be an elusive and frustrating task. There is so much information out there it can be overwhelming to process and implement. There are also nuances and subtleties of technique that can be hard to learn from books or videos. I spent a long time wishing I had someone to show me how to sharpen tools in a traditional way, or set up the tools I had finally collected. I even remember sitting there with my new tools and stones, everything ready for me, but being paralyzed by fear that I would somehow ruin them. Eventually you have no choice but to jump in and just get at it, making mistakes and fumbling your way to success. By offering this class I aim to shorten that path and take out some of the stones you may stumble upon.
My class starts with an overview of the history of Japanese tools, the various styles and regional differences. We will also go over the various tools from standard to specialized. Do you want a tataki-nomi or a hantataki-nomi? I will show you tips on how to find and buy them without getting ripped off.
The bulk of the class will be practical, the sharpening and setup of chisels and an overview of setup up hand planes. The full process of setting up a hand plane is too complex to cover in the same class as chisels. Upon request I can set up a class the completely covers hand plane set up and use.
I have been working with wood for over 25 years, and using Japanese tools for over 15 years. I am a professional woodworker and by that I mean I make my living with my hands and tools. I design and build furniture, high end finished structures like pavilions and outdoor kitchens, as well as timber framing and custom lighting. I also teach classes on beginner and intermediate Japanese woodworking.

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class 0 4FHB8OR140 b96a490f1dd90bcefdba5812d2d1076a 1 production los-angeles Los Angeles CA US los-angeles