Edo-style Handmade Tweezers: Pure Silver, Iroha
$180
Feature
Kurata Seisakusho's Tweezers
"Edo Hon-Handmade Tweezers" are designed with precision to capture and gently pluck even fine hairs measuring 0.5 millimeters. Based on a design that dates back to the Muromachi period, each tweezers is handcrafted using traditional Edo techniques, offering a comfortable feel and reliable plucking sensation, making them a long-lasting tool.
What are Kurata Seisakusho's Tweezers?
Kurata Seisakusho, founded in 1875, crafts these "Edo Hon-Handmade Tweezers" by artisans in Japan who continue to use traditional Edo-period manufacturing methods. Each tweezers is crafted individually by hammering 3mm thick 18-8 stainless steel plates over 500 times, undergoing over 30 processes. The blade tip and spring are adjusted by the artisan's sense and eye, ensuring high precision and ease of use.
The crafting process of Kurata Seisakusho
Experienced master craftsman Kurata can only produce around 10 tweezers a day. Adjusting the thickness with his fingers and eyes, "Edo Hon Handmade Tweezers" are crafted through over 30 steps. This skilled dexterity is a tradition of artisanship dating back to the Edo period.
(1) Material Selection, Hammering, Core Removal, and Conditioning
First, both ends are hammered with a hammer. Next, the central spring is carefully hammered, turning the tweezers over and over. This process "cores" the material and requires skilled control of pressure. The surface is then hammered again to smooth it out.
(2) Cutting, Sanding, Deburring, and Polishing
The horizontally stretched sections are cut out using a press. The cut-out edges are filed, and then the diagonal edges are filed. This process carefully removes any rough areas known as "burrs" to give the blade a smooth feel. Three types of buffs (sand, linen, and cloth) are used for polishing.
(3) Sharpening, Inscription, Sharpening, Sharpening, Tip Bending, and Center Bending
The blades are then moved to a homemade workbench and subjected to the "sharpening" process, which corrects any subtle bends. The registered trademark "Kurata Yoshiyuki" is then carved into the blade. The blade is then sharpened again and the tip (the part that holds the bristles) is sharpened. The head (tip) is bent and adjusted to the shape of a tweezers. Finally, the cored center is bent and hammered again to achieve the desired shape.
(4) Polishing, Filing, Teeth Alignment, Whetstone Placement, and Finishing
Four types of buffs (sand, linen, thread, and cloth) are used to smooth the surface and finish the blade. Next, the teeth that grip the object are filed with three types of file (coarse, medium, and fine). After checking the shape and spring elasticity, the teeth are fitted together perfectly. Finally, a grinding stone is placed in the opening of the tooth tip for the final finish.
What Makes This Artisan's tweezers So Special
- Handcrafted by the only artisans in Japan who continue the traditional Edo-style hand-making method.
- Over 500 hand-beats achieve a precise finish, surpassing the limits of machine pressing.
- Reliable quality, meeting all three criteria: blade alignment, spring, and adhesion.
- Technical expertise has received official recognition, including the Traditional Craftsmanship Award and the Arakawa Meister Award.
The workshop
Kurata Seisakusho, Japan
Yoshiyuki Kurata, the third-generation owner of Kurata Seisakusho, has inherited the family business, which dates back to the 8th year of the Meiji era, and is the only craftsman who continues to produce Edo-style hand-forged tweezers using traditional Edo-period manufacturing methods. He has been working in the family business since middle school and has honed his skills for over 50 years. Based on the belief that "tools are only truly useful when they are used," he carefully crafts each tweezers with the understanding that they will always work. His commitment to engraving his own name on his products and offering free repairs even after years of use demonstrates his commitment and sincerity as a maker. He currently continues to pass on the joy of craftsmanship and the importance of hard work to the next generation through training and hands-on workshops.
Use cases
- Grooming fine hairs such as eyebrows and downy hairs.
- Removing ingrown eyelashes.
- Tweezers for a relatively wide area, such as beards and underarm hairs.
- Professional use as a cosmetic tool and ophthalmic medical device.
FAQ
Do hairs come out without force?
The blades are perfectly aligned, so when you pinch a hair, it naturally catches it and pulls it out with just a light pull.
How do I care for them?
After use, lightly wipe the tip with a soft cloth and store it in the included box or cloth.
What if the blades no longer fit together?
If the blade becomes damaged, we will adjust it free of charge (shipping costs are borne by the customer).