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Kurogane Kazura Hand-Forged Steel Ruler with Leather Case / Inoue Tool Works

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Kurogane Kazura hand-forged steel ruler – Forged in fire. Made for a lifetime.

Hand-forged stainless steel ruler with a hammered finish
This ruler is crafted from 3mm thick stainless steel and hand-forged with a hammered finish.

Hand-forged steel ruler held in hand, showing its solid weightThe hammered texture and solid weight provide a satisfying sense of ownership.

Ruler scale marked in traditional Japanese kanji numeralsThe markings are laser-engraved, and the numbers are inscribed in traditional Japanese kanji. Each size has its own set of numerals:
• 17cm: 零 (0), 伍 (5), 拾 (10), 拾伍 (15)
• 13cm: 零 (0), 伍 (5), 拾 (10)
• 6.3 in.: 零 (0), 参 (3), 陸 (6)

Close-up of the kanji numeral and maker’s mark on the ruler
Close-up of the laser-engraved inch scale

Brown-to-black colors created by forging stainless steel at over 1000°CWhen stainless steel is hand-forged at over 1000°C, the surface undergoes high-temperature oxidation, producing brown to black tones. Natural wear may reveal the original silver color. Over time, the surface will also develop a patina, enhancing the antique look and depth of the piece.

Each hand-forged ruler has unique color and surface variationsAs each ruler is handmade, surface variations such as color unevenness, processing marks, and small scratches may occur, making each piece unique.

Some pieces may show dark line marks on the surface. These are not scratches, but heat marks unique to the metal, created as the steel is forged by hand at high temperatures. Over time and with use, they gain even more depth and character—a charm that only handcraft can offer.

Ruler with a genuine leather case and paulownia box
Steel ruler in its leather case inside a paulownia gift box
Paulownia wood gift box for the Kurogane Kazura ruler

The ruler comes with a genuine leather case and is housed in a paulownia box, making it perfect for gifting.

Inoue Tool Works factory in Japan, founded in 1911 as a knife makerEstablished in 1911 as Inoue Tool Works, a manufacturer of traditional Higonokami knives, the company’s main products later shifted to construction and civil engineering tools such as chisels and crowbars. Today, it primarily produces attachments for power tools.

Craftsman working at Inoue Tool Works“Kurogane Kazura” is the company’s stationery brand, created by applying the fire-forging techniques used in the production of knives and cutlery, a craft the company has cultivated since its founding.

Kurogane Kazura ruler in 6.3 in., 17cm and 13cm sizes
Choose your size

 6.3 in. • Dimensions: (Approx.) 6.69 × 0.93 × 0.12 in / Box: 8.46 × 2.48 × 0.79 in
• Weight: (Approx.) 3.2 oz
• Inch notation
• Other: Scale goes up to 6.3in (Scale markings: Zero/Three/Six)
17cm •Dimensions: (Approx.) 170 × 23.5 × 3mm / Box: 215 × 63 × 20mm
• Weight: (Approx.) 90g
• Metric notation
• Other: Scale goes up to 170mm (Scale markings: Zero/Five/Ten/Fifteen)
13cm • Dimensions: (Approx.) 140mm (length) x 21.5mm (width)
• Weight: (Approx.) 65g
• Metric notation
• Other: Scale goes up to 130mm (Scale markings: Zero/Five/Ten)


About Dark Line Marks

Dark line marks on the surface are not scratches, but a natural discoloration that occurs during heating and forging due to slight variations in the metal composition. This is not a defect, but a heat mark unique to the metal, created as the steel is forged by hand at high temperatures. As part of the material's own individuality and texture, with no two pieces exactly alike.

Care Instructions

Stainless steel (SUS304) is not completely rust-proof. Due to the high temperatures used during forging, it is more prone to rust compared to standard silver-colored stainless steel. If rust appears, wipe it off with a cloth. For long-term storage, clean the surface before storing.

Materials

Stainless steel

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A
Anonymous

Wonderful to hold, admire, and use.

S
S.D.

Beautifully made ruler with excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. It has a satisfying heft and feels substantial in the hand. The steel develops a lovely patina over time, giving it even more character. The leather case is a nice finishing touch. A simple, functional tool that’s also a pleasure to own and use. Very happy with the purchase.

C
C.C.

The ruler is a solid piece, meant to last me a lifetime and then some! It is substantial and beautiful! The traditional workmanship is evident.

D
D.D.

This is an amazing product!