A rasp in name only
Shinto Saw Rasp - 9"
While technically not a rasp in looks or design, the Shinto Saw Rasp does the work of one. As with hand-stitched cabinetmaker’s rasps, the Shinto’s teeth aren’t in rows, resulting in more uniform cutting. But unlike a rasp’s punched teeth, the Shinto has double-sided hacksaw blades with big teeth for aggressive shaping on one side and small teeth for finer smoothing on the other. And it doesn’t clog. Sawdust and shavings are removed on the push stroke as the tools cuts, and with its lattice design, there is virtually no place for debris to get trapped. Loved by luthiers, I’ve found it helpful in my work: shaping spoons and other contoured items and quickly rounding over edges and ends. The Shinto Saw Rasp may not be well-named, but it’s well-built and relatively inexpensive for the great work it can do.
—Chad McClung
