I’m happy to share something I’ve been working on this summer: nomi (tools) for use in the art of tebori, which is traditional Japanese tattooing done by hand. These nomi were developed in collaboration with a close friend specifically for his preferred technique, shamisenbori, where the tool is held much like a pen or paintbrush. I’m just a woodworker, so this was all very new to me, particularly with the odd requirements involved. We needed to produce a consistent product with the correct geometry and a finish that is resistant to solvents and disinfectants…all while keeping the production time per unit below 20 minutes. The examples pictured above are made of Sapele, with two hand-rubbed coats of marine epoxy and a final dip coat of the same. The economy of scale means that when I make 30 at a time, each unit ends up being about 17 minutes from rough stock to deliverable. Thanks for looking! I’m happy to try and answer any questions.