Michi Hamono Little Jizo carving kit laid out with tool roll, carving tools, instruction booklet, wood blank, and box
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Michi Hamono Little Jizo Carving Kit for Beginners

$310.00

Beginner Japanese wood carving kit by Michi Hamono with hinoki blank, six Blue Paper No.2 carving tools, blade caps, case and illustrated guide. A thoughtful first carving project for learning tool control while carving a small Jizo figure.

East West Tools Quality Guarantee

We stand behind the quality of our tools with a 30-day return policy and support for exchanges or repairs when needed. Read the full policy here.

Shipping

We dispatch every weekday from Perth. Orders over $250 ship free Australia-wide, with free local shipping over $100. Regular shipping is $12.50 and express shipping is $19.00. Read the full shipping policy here.

Product Care

Japanese carbon steel tools stay at their best when they are wiped dry, kept clean of sap, sharpened before they become blunt and oiled before storage. Read the full guide.

 

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Description

Beginner Japanese carving kit with a meaningful first project

The Michi Hamono Little Jizo Carving Kit is a complete introduction to Japanese wood carving for beginners. It includes a prepared hinoki blank, six carving tools, blade caps, case and an illustrated guide so you can learn tool control while carving a small Jizo figure.

Unlike a disposable craft kit, this set is built around real carving tools from Michi Hamono in Miki, Hyogo. The tools use Aogami Blue No.2 carbon steel, giving beginners a proper introduction to sharp Japanese carving tools rather than blunt hobby blades.

What is included

  • Hinoki wood blank for the Jizo figure
  • Flat chisel, 9mm
  • Knife tool, 6mm
  • Gouges, 3mm, 6mm and 9mm
  • V gouge, 3mm
  • Tool case, blade caps and illustrated manual

Best suited to

  • Beginner wood carving
  • Gift buyers looking for a thoughtful Japanese craft kit
  • Learning basic shaping, slicing, gouging and detail cuts
  • Slow, hands-on creative work rather than a throwaway craft project

What to understand before buying

These are sharp carbon steel tools. The kit is beginner-friendly, but it still requires careful hand position, patience and respect for the edge. It is not a children’s toy or a no-risk craft activity.

Jizo, or Jizo Bosatsu, is a well-known figure in Japanese Buddhism, often associated with compassion, protection and quiet presence. This kit is best treated as a respectful carving project rooted in Japanese culture rather than as a novelty ornament.

Care expectations

Wipe the blades clean after use and store them dry with the protective caps fitted. Avoid twisting or levering the blades. When the tools begin to feel forced, sharpen rather than pushing harder.

Browse related Japanese carving knives and spoon tools, the broader Japanese woodworking tools and saws, or Japanese tool care and sharpening.

Specifications
  • Brand: Michi Hamono
  • Product type: Beginner wood carving kit
  • Project: Little Jizo figure
  • Wood species: Hinoki
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Made in: Japan
  • Maker location: Miki, Hyogo
  • Blade steel: Aogami Blue No. 2
  • Handle material: Hinoki
  • Included tool 1: Flat chisel, 9 mm
  • Included tool 2: Knife tool, 6 mm
  • Included tool 3: Gouge, 3 mm
  • Included tool 4: Gouge, 6 mm
  • Included tool 5: Gouge, 9 mm
  • Included tool 6: V gouge, 3 mm
  • Included accessories: Chisel case, blade caps, illustrated manual
Maintenance

Wipe the blades clean after use and store them dry in the included case with protective caps fitted. Use the tools only for controlled hand carving on suitable wood, and avoid twisting or levering the blades.

If the edges begin to lose sharpness, maintain them with a suitable sharpening setup from the Japanese tool care and sharpening range rather than forcing the cut with extra pressure.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this kit suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. Michi Hamono designed this set specifically for beginners and includes a hinoki wood blank and a full-colour instruction manual to guide the carving process.

What wood is included in the kit?

The kit uses hinoki wood, which Michi Hamono describes as smooth in texture and pleasant to carve, making it a good choice for first-time users.

What tools are included?

The set includes a 9 mm flat chisel, a 6 mm knife tool, 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm gouges, and a 3 mm V gouge, plus a case, blade caps, and an illustrated manual.

Are these real carving tools or just craft tools?

These are real carving tools from Michi Hamono, a Japanese carving-tool maker based in Miki, Hyogo.

What is a Jizo figure?

Jizo, or Jizo Bosatsu, is a well-known figure in Japanese Buddhism, often associated with compassion and protection. This kit lets you carve a small Jizo figure as a beginner carving project.

Is this a good gift?

Yes. It suits beginners, hobby makers, and people interested in Japanese tools, wood carving, or slower hands-on craft projects.

Can the tools be reused after the project is finished?

Yes. The tools are not limited to one use. After completing the Jizo project, they can continue to be used for small carving and detail work, within the limits of their size and intended use.

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