Value of Double Bevel Straight Edge With Notch

For a long time I have been testing the hollows of my Dai with a Veritas straight edge. The Veritas straight edge has a square 1/4" profile. I however have been temped to try a Japanese straight edge for testing the Dai sole. The Japanese version has some nifty features. One it has a notch that allows you to project the blade fully as if it is in use. This gives a true measure of the Dai under tension as the blade distorts the dai when fully seated.

The second feature is that it comes in a single and a double bevel version. The single bevel is cheaper but not as accurate the double bevel is more expensive but more accurate with a near 0 razor edge. It is however more fragile. It comes in a nice case. I am handling it with gloves. Socking it in rust inhibitor even if it is Stainless I want it to last. So handling with gloves.

The difference between the Japanese version and the Veritas is amazing. The later will say that a surface is complainer, but the Japanese double bevel shows even the finest inconsistencies. I had a go at reconditioning a large dai, it actually took me a long time to get zero light shining through.

I will scrape the hollow out tomorrow and I hope to have more delicately setup dai. Which I hope will provide even finer shavings and superior surface finish.

The version I opted for is the double bevel at 600mm long.

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The Japanese version would not be very practical for woodworking like testing for flat. It is a really one trick pony. But definitely worth it.

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Looking forward to a detailed description of what you find and what you do.:)

They're great, aren't they. Especially for, as you said, having the blade protruded and where the tsutsumi maybe be pressing out slightly, easy to see if it needs some refinement / relief. I don't have a traditional pair of winding sticks so I just a pair of these to also check the sole of the dai for parallel after flattening on a glass sheet with 240 grit on it. Think mine are only 350mm or so long. Funny, the leather or leatherette case color must correspond to the length. Mine are an army green colour.

Any developments?

Not much with work I have little time left for Woodworking. I also decided to reshape the bevel which then means I have to tap out the Ura etc, etc... maybe this weekend I will have a go.