About the Kurogane Kazura Hand-Forged Steel Ruler
The Kurogane Kazura Hand-Forged Steel Ruler comes from the stationery line of Inoue Tool Works, a Japanese metalworking company founded in 1911 as a maker of traditional knives. Made from 3 mm thick stainless steel, the ruler is hand-forged and then hammered to create its distinctive textured surface. Its substantial weight and traditional metalworking finish give this everyday tool a distinctive character.
The measurement scale is laser-engraved, with major numbers represented by traditional Japanese kanji numerals. Each size features its own set of markings: zero, five, ten, and fifteen on the 170 mm; and zero, five, and ten on the 140 mm. This distinctive detail gives the ruler a connection to Japanese craftsmanship while keeping it practical for everyday measuring.
Forging the stainless steel at high temperatures creates natural brown-to-black surface tones. With use, some areas may wear to reveal the silver steel beneath. Each ruler is handmade, so variations in colour and small processing marks are part of its individual character. Stainless steel forged at high heat is not completely rust-proof. If a powdery surface rust appears, simply wipe it off with a cloth.
Choose between the 140 mm overall length, with a 130 mm scale, and the 170 mm overall length, with a 160 mm scale. Each ruler comes with a snug-fitting genuine leather case for protection and is presented in a paulownia wooden box, making it a thoughtful gift for stationery enthusiasts and admirers of Japanese metalwork.
A Closer Look at the Texture
Watch this short clip to see the ruler's fire-forged texture and traditional kanji scale up close.
Close-up view of the hand-forged hammered finish and traditional kanji scale.
