Jim Blauvelt

Jim Blauvelt, founder of Bluefield Joiners, shares his journey from childhood tool exposure to mastering Japanese woodworking. He discusses how mentorship shaped his skills and his transformative experience with hand tools at renowned schools. Jim reveals his love for sukiya architecture after attending a tea ceremony and contrasts the Japanese craftsmanship mindset with Western art perspectives. He also highlights restoring a Kyoto entertainment house and the commitment required for Japanese tools, sharing insights on blade smithing and debunking tool myths.