We boobed, but it's OK! Cutting Kentos and my Japanese Woodblock for the Mokuhanga, Mokulito project

Things go wrong and that's OK - we messed up the filming, I changed my mind about the blocks - it's real life! We considered reshooting all this to make it run more smoothly, but that seemed wrong. The whole point of this series is that I'm learning and documenting my trials as I go.

[@simonedoherty6195]

Can you tell me more about the difference in the sharpening process for hangi-to for cutting straight lines and those that cut curved lines please? is it a finer angle bevel? Great film once again, thanks Laura, Ben and the rest of the team behind. Cheers Simone

[@LauraBoswellPrintmaker]

I’m not sure words would do for explaining that - maybe check out Will Francis website as he may have covered it

[@tzerland]

🙏♥️

[@blisz2718]

Is there a particular reason why you are using a left handed Hangito? From what I have researched the beveled edge on the hangito is supposed to be (for right handed Hangitos) on the right hand side of the knife.
The flat edge of the knife sits against the printing surface whilst the bevel is supposed to push the wood away from the printing surface, this is because the bevel causes stress to the wood when it cuts (and is why a double bevel knife is not used). Thus, if the beveled edge is touching the printing surface when you cut will it not cause the edges of the printing surface to be weak?
In addition to Handprinted. Intaglio in London is an amazing place to buy imported from Japan printing supplies.
Love the vids btw!

[@blisz2718]

Sorry, it seems you are using a right handed Hangito but your hand is tilted the opposite way.

[@blisz2718]

@@janefultonsuri9215 interesting. Thanks for the insight!

[@graveldiet]

it’s my limited understanding that the grip laura is using is common among western printmakers. there is nothing wrong with it but i have read that left handed tools are suggested when using that grip with the right hand and palm up because, like you said, the flat edge of the hangi to will be pressing against the wood to remain and the bevel will cut up and push away the wood on the side to be removed. i think when the bevel is on the inside like this it is more likely to minorly bruise the wood along the edge that you want to keep. i’m sure it is inconsequential in the scheme of things. i believe the traditional grip is the same fist with the thumb on top, but palm down like you said and working across/on the other side of the hand, looking over the hand at where it’s cutting. the second hand for is not used as a brake like laura, but the fingers help push. www.imcclains.com/productinfo/documents/HoldingKnife.pdf

[@blisz2718]

@@graveldiet wow nice resource there. I had not come across McClains before. I like the idea of using the left handed blade in the right hand. it solves the issue :D

[@graveldiet]

@@blisz2718 mcclain's is great, they have a lot of learning resources and are the go-to for imported japanese printing supplies over here in the US!