No, it’s not a tuning fork.

A few years ago, I read an article in Fine Woodworking Magazine that featured a craftsman (Toshio Odate) using a chisel like this while making a shoji screen. Upon seeing the chisel, I decided to research it a bit a see if I could locate one on eBay. I learned it was referred to as a nihon mukomachi, was very hard to find in good condition, and could be rather expensive. I didn’t want one so much because I’m always using  1/4” twin tenons in my work (I’m not), but because I, like a couple other guys I know ( looking at you Steve ), just can’t pass up a good deal on a good tool. So after a couple years of searching eBay and a few other vintage tool sellers, I finally found one for a good price. On top of that it came honed, hollow ground, ready to go. The only fault is a tiny split in the handle that I’m not too worried about. The two blades measure exactly 1/4” each and the gap in between is also exactly 1/4”. It also came with a nifty wooden sheath. Anyway, just wanted to share this unique tool with everyone. Cheers. 

Edited September 5, 20196 yr by Adam Welker

That is really neat! Glad you were able to succeed in your quest!!!

Very unique tool, be interesting to see you post some picture of using it for making a joint.

Great tool Adam, really nice find man!

That wood sheath is really neat too, quintessential Japanese tooling sheath.