Just a news announcement for all Japanese woodworking aficionados - Chris Hall's forum is now open to the public - for free!!

http://www.thecarpentryway.com/Craft...Wood/index.php

The 'Sharpening Japanese Style' thread in the hand tools section, alone, is worth the effort of registering and joining in the conversation:

http://www.thecarpentryway.com/Craft...php?f=13&t=294

I look forward to seeing you all over there. I personally hope that the forum becomes a permanent, vibrant and diverse home for the
online Japanese woodworking community.

Regards

Derek