What is the important point for the sharpness of nippers?

Matsui: In fact, the blades of the nippers are not symmetrical, but slightly overlap each other.
This covering condition sharpens the sharpness of the kimo.
When the right blade covers the left blade, it is said to be the correct blade.
Conversely, if the left blade overlaps the right blade, it is called a "reverse blade", and it tends to become dull.

ーーWhy are you covering yourself?

Matsui: This is to increase durability.
If the blades hit each other straight when opening and closing, it will immediately cause a blade spill.
By escaping this up and down, it eliminates the hit of the blade and enhances the durability.

However, only the tip of the blade is covered. 0. just a few millimeters
this 0. How many millimeters is the secret to sharply cutting even thin wires.

Nishio: If you use a reverse blade, or even if it is a forward blade, if you cover it too much, there will be a gap between the blades and you will not be able to cut thin objects.
At Fujiya, we make nippers that can be cut even with tissue paper. 0 Both durability and sharpness are enhanced by suppressing to a few millimeters.

--Is it necessary to be able to cut something that thin?

Matsui: I don't think there are craftsmen who cut tissues with nippers (laughs).
However, speaking from my experience in my previous job as an electrician, it would definitely come in handy to be able to cut thin wires.
Nippa 1 If you can cut both thick and thin wires with a book, you can carry less tools.

Nishio: The waist and tool box become lighter, and you can carry different types of tools accordingly.

Matsui: On the back of the product package, the "cutting capacity" that indicates how many millimeters can be cut is written, but from the user's point of view, I don't think they read the number one by one.
Don't you think it's better to be able to cut quickly without thinking about cutting ability?
That's why Fujiya can cut everything from thick to thin. 1 I am obsessed with making books.

ーーIs there a way to check the degree of coverage?

Nishio: We hold a nipper up to a fluorescent lamp to see the direction of the light.
If you can see the light when you tilt it to the right and you can't see it when you tilt it to the left, then the right blade is properly covering the left blade.
However, as I said earlier, even if the way of covering is correct, if it is covered too much, the gap between the blades becomes large, so it is difficult to distinguish between them.

Matsui: The easiest way is to actually cut the paper.
If the right blade is properly on top, the paper will fall to the right if you pinch it slowly. Falling to the left means that the blade is reversed. Why don't you try it with your nippers?

ーWhy is it not good to use a reverse blade?

Nishio: In the case of the regular blade, the left and right blades are alternately crossed at the root and the tip, so the blades are tightly interlocked and rattling is unlikely to occur, but with the reverse blade, the left and right blades are just stacked vertically.
So, as you use it, the rivet part (crimped part) becomes loose, and the gap between the left and right blades gradually widens.
This way you won't be able to cut thin lines.

ーーIs it possible to adjust and fix it by myself?

Matsui: Hmm, I think it's difficult.
We use both a diamond file and an oil whetstone when sharpening the blade, but it is so difficult to adjust the force that even a single rub can reverse the blade.

Nishio: I am in charge of cutting 1 I'm young, but at first I wasn't allowed to use a diamond file.

Matsui: Diamonds are rough, so it's easy to cut too much and make a mistake.
100 If you have a book nipper 100 All books are different, so you have to gain experience first.
As I gained more experience, I learned, "If I rub this place like this, OK It's good," and the rubbing technique will follow.

ーーThat’s craftsmanship. It certainly seems difficult for an amateur. In addition to the degree of cover of the blade, are there any conditions necessary for good sharpness?

Nishio: I think that the hardness of the opening and closing of the grip part is also an important point.
with a hammer ” crimp ” I adjust it by tapping the part, but if the opening and closing is too loose, the grip will rattle as I use it, and the wire will come out from the gap no matter how well I sharpen the blade.
That's why Fujiya's nippers are adjusted to be a little stiff so that the handles don't come loose.
However, there are many customers who find it easier to use when it is soft, so we pay close attention to the balance between not being too loose and not being too hard.

Matsui: Recently, in response to customer requests, we have made it a little softer than before, but you may still feel it is stiff at first.
As you use it, it will soften little by little and become familiar with your hands. 1 I would be happy if you could use the book for a long time.