Shinto Rasp Review | Paul Sellers
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- For shaping wood the Shinto Rasp is highly effective. From kayaks to guitar necks and cabriole legs to eagle wings, Paul would always have one of these on hand.
Paul made this video on the Shinto Sawrasp for you, our audience of hand tool enthusiasts, because it works so well and the cost is less prohibitive than hand-cut rasps but it works almost as well. Paul wanted to say upfront that he does not nor will he take any payment for showing this tool in this video.
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Alright I'm sold, take my money.
Gonna pick a bloody lock with it, or throw it? ;P
amazing
As a professional maker of English longbows, I get through about 3-4 of these a year. I go across the grain with the coarse side for removing large amounts of wood, then flip it over and use the finer side going with the grain and gives you an almost 80 grit type of finish. Almost like using a smoothing plane for ironing out small hills and valleys where you absolutely cant have any chance of tear out . All the best
Where can I buy one or are they not for sale
I bought one of those a year or so ago on Amazon and was amazed at how aggressive it can be, yet still controllable. The biggest advantage over a conventional rasp or file is that the open design prevents clogging.
When I first saw it, I thought it was a stack of hack saw blades riveted together, but it's far more sophisticated than that. Fantastic addition to my tool chest.
by the way, i‘m really impressed by the great colors in your videos. very warm, relaxing and cosy setting. not easy at all to get that right. it‘s an absolutely underrated thing that every viewer takes for granted.
What an odd thing to say. lol
Have had one of these in my shop for 15 years. This one tool has paid for itself many times over, it is as valuable to me as my table saw. Incredible value. One of my most favourite features is the lack of fine dust production in use. Love would be an understatement.
Hi Paul, my father has just bought one, been an extreme traditionalist this was quite radical for him at the age of 85 😁currently using it to dress a sheep's horn for a stick handle, he's well impressed 👍👍
I probably will not buy one (even being a inexpensive tool, the currency exchange to my country is not in favor of me doing so), but what I like is that, by doing so few of these tool reviews and never trying to convince the subscribers to buy an expensive or ineffective tool, we all know that you must be really impressed with the rasp.
Credibility is one of your channel strongest forces. Thank you for all (I still use the screw in a block of wood as a marking gauge, lol).
I absolutely love these. Sometimes I just pick a wood scrap from the shop's floor and start working it like a madman with this rasp because it's just so exhilarating to see a piece of wood go from something to nothing in a matter of seconds.
Little bits of scrap can be fantastic trim and mouldings. I use all my small wood for that. You can stick beautiful little features on furniture and cabinets with a simple little bit of scrap.
Thanks Paul at least one tool you appreciated from the Orient. I like your way of thinking your tools to be number one. God bless you. Like your honest approach to your profession. Keep it up. I am also a wood work lover. Almost 65 years have passed, l am 73, started tinkering when 10.
One of my favourite tools always find a use for it, guitar necks or axe handles very handy for shaping wood.
Same, I use it to shape banjo necks. Works amazingly fast while also leaving an easily polishable (is that even a word?) surface
i bought one after i saw your videos and i think i'll never be able to go back to work without one, this thing is amazing
I bought a Shinto around 2005. I had no idea how wonderful it was. Thanks for the video, I've never seen anyone else use one.
Huge difference between you and Rob Cosman. You are educational in everything you post. Rob always sounds like a sleazy salesman toting his line of tools when showcasing a tool. Thanks Paul!
Rob is a master craftsman, to be sure. But yeah, he (and several others on YT) is now in sales. This is not to say his tools are not good, but I cannot afford him. This rasp is affordable and worth every penny.
I can’t believe how useful this is. While waiting for it to arrive I sort of regretted ordering it as it’s not a standard tool. I’ve used it a lot. It’s coarser than a file and leaves a far better finish than any rasp I have tried previously. Of course if Paul recommended it then it’s going to good. I shouldn’t have worried.
I've been using one of these since I say Ben from Crimson Custom Guitars using one. They're a great versatile tool and nice to see Paul demonstrating it here.
I use one for guitar building - neck carving and body contouring, and I absolutely love it. Very inexpensive and highly effective.
Thanks for the great review and demonstration Paul. You are an invaluable asset to us all.
I've been using this rasp for several years. It is one of my primary tools for finishing green wood work after the bulk of the wet is out of it.
Generally I just look for videos by keyword when researching something, I never subscribe, but I just love the way you talk and the way you demonstrate, so there you go. I look forward to watching more videos.
I love mine! It makes shaping a guitar neck a quick and fun task. Very versatile tool.
I got one to shape the neck on my first guitar build after Crimson Guitars recommended it. That tool really works.
Great review, Paul. I picked up one of these a few months ago for a project and I was pleasantly surprised how well it worked for hogging away material. I was lucky enough to get one on sale for a great price, but even with no discount, I would recommend this tool without reservation.
I've used these when I restore antique axes to shape and fit the handles to the heads. Extremely useful tool.
Just purchased it on amazon. Grateful for your tool recommendations. Been watching your videos for a few years now. God bless you Paul.
I bought one of these years ago on the advice of Ben Crowe at Crimson Guitars for shaping guitar necks. One of the most useful tools that everybody needs to have in their toolkit. Can't recommend it highly enough.
Great video! No music 👍 Simple & effective. Thanks!
Thanks very much for your review. I have been looking at one of these for a while but wasn't sure if it was just another gimmick tool. Really appreciate your review and all your other reviews.
Thanks, Paul. These had entirely passed me by, but I've been looking for a high speed rasp that won't shred the wood like my solid one does, & this looks exceedingly easy to use compared with having to sand.
The thing that grabbed my attention was at 4:45 when you were about to attack the wood against the grain. I expected some form of disaster but was pleasantly surprised.
I bought it after watching this video and I'm now using it often, it's really the best rasp I can put my hands on.
I've had one of these rasps for 5 or 6 years now. I use it mainly for initial shaping knife handles, before I change to a cabinet maker's rasp and sandpaper. It's excellent!
Very fond of mine, too, although for guitar necks I like a spokeshave better, though that's maybe because I love using a spokeshave.
If you need sawdust to make filler with (it happens), lay the rasp on a bit of paper on the bench and rub a bit of wood over it. The diamond shapes stop the dust spreading, then you collect it on the paper.
Thanks for the tip, gonna make some ebony and ash dust later on
I had never heard of a Shinto Rasp before. Looks very useful. Thanks Paul!
Thanks for the review! The tool is excellent. I have been using it for more than a year.
A close look at the constriction reveals it's made from toothed steel bands very similar to that in a hacksaw blade. The zig-zag bends in the 'blades' and the riveted spacers keep the teeth oriented like the alternating teeth of a file and it cuts incredibly efficiently. And it's easy to control.
i've had one for quite awhile and absolutely love it. i've even used mine to make curves. but i would like to add a note of caution. if you aren't careful the edges can accidentally dig in putting a gouge in a corner of your work.
The amount of shavings/dust coming off on each stroke is as astonishing as the ease with which you use this, which is as astonishing as the quality and smoothness of the finish at the end of the work.
It is brute savage, with just the right amount of civility. I must have one for my knife handle work.
Good video. I showed this tool to some of my relatives just a few weeks back - as the most useful tool they probably had never heard of.
Thanks for the review. I've been waiting for a high-end furniture maker to review this tool. Now I would feel justified in purchasing one. Your opinion is quite valuable in the wood working industry.
I bought one of these when I was vacationing in Japan a couple years ago. They are extremely useful! I believe I paid about $10 for mine.
One of the absolute best tools ever made.
They are totally awesome, got two the file and the sort with the knob on pointy end.
👍👍👍👍👍
Some time ago I asked what you thought about this rasp. I took your advice and ordered one that same day. Very, very pleased with this tool. Now, you have shown yet another use for it. Why bother getting out a router? Thanks, loads.
I got really into turning a chunk of dowel into a shorty handle for a straw-broom head as my shop dust broom yesterday. I did more filing yesterday than I had in decades, I'll finish it today. I thought I'd take a look at some files as I feel the urge to keep going. First time seeing a Shinto rasp, how ever did I live without one?
I just got this in the mail yesterday. Was able to very quickly able to fine tune a rectangular hole to fit ducting for a build in my shop. I will also highly praise the tool.
The instructions, though? They need a new translator!
I always wanted to know what he thought about this tool. Finally lol.
For myself, The first time I used it. I was shocked how powerful it was as a rasp. It’s like a power tool that runs off slight elbow grease. Besides it’s much cheaper, and more efficient then all those over priced rasps.
The Shinto saw file is a great tool! The new ones have either a plastic (wood look) handle or a soft grip, I recommend the soft grip. Great woodworking tool.
Got mine last Christmas for knifemaking, its awesome
Having only recently taken up woodworking, I have been acquiring tools I figured were "necessary." As it turns out, too many have proven not (yet) to be, but this rasp is in my top three that I would not do without. If you are using your typical flat or curved rasp, just get one of these. You won't believe how much better it is than any other you've used. Of course, if Paul prefers it, you can pretty much figure it's a winner, but find out for yourself.
G'wan Ben and Crimson Guitars, great recommendation on this tool
Since got this Shinto rasp, rarely pick up the other rasps. Very reasonable price and shape wood efficiently.
Great product review Paul.
Now I have to increase my tool compendium to include this rasp!!
Thank you I have always had trouble using a rasp didn’t know they were right/left handed. I am lefty.
I didn't know either. I have to look at a rasp closely and see why that should be.
Shintos are not right or left biased. doesn't matter you can use it either way.
Just ordered one, thank Paul.
its a fun tool to use. i shaped a guitar neck with it very quickly
I've used one for years for making handles for blades and axes and love it. It takes down brass pins and tubes in the handles effortlessly.
Great review on that Paul. I have seen other UA-camrs use on of those and have wanted to get one for quite some time but haven’t ever known what the actual name of it was.
I wish wood wasn’t so expensive at the moment. I used to build wood stuff in school and a tool like this would have been nice 15 years ago
Been using one for years and love it.
The 1 thing that impresses me most about Paul is he isn't trying to impress viewers by standing in front of an arsenal of tools. Every tool in that shot behind him is alone, meaning there aren't 5X #4 planes and 50X chisels ie way more tools than any individual would ever need. He's not a hoarder preaching hoarding, literally proudly exclaiming that having more than you need is cool or even useful. He's not a jack of all trades and he doesn't present himself as one. Unless you are running a literal school (or preparing for the end of the world in which you plan to re-populate the meek survivors with woodworking tools) YOU DON'T NEED 10X OF EVERYTHING UNDER THE F-ING SUN, DOUCHEBAG. Bravo, Paul, for being a humble and rational human being - above and beyond ALL the other stuff that you do.
Pleasure to watch you work.
One of my kids got me a Shinto rasp, it works so much nicer than my old Stanley rasp.
Nice review. I’m going to pick one of these up for making axe handles and other wooden tools.
I use mine mainly for quick stock removal on rocking horses.
Before I used surforms, but they clog so quickly and I spent more time unblocking them than using them.
I know this is an older post, but no mention of the size you purchased? It appears there are more than one size available in the US. I agree our 4 in 1 rasps are no longer serviceable, as are most of the rasps and files commonly found on store shelves these days. The steel seems subpar and the hardening is almost nothing - another sad day when it's hard to find user tools for a decent price. Thank you for posting this, please keep up the good work.
what a great tool, I think I know what tool I will buy next.
have had one for 4 years. use to all the time.
Thanks for Video.
Rasps are looks great. But the most great tool is your Vice.
They also have a "Planer style" one with a differently angled and removable handle.
I have that one but without the handle since it was a hand me down from a co-worker.
from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Cool. First time hearing about the Shinto file. Must get one.
And the technique on this tool. I own it and have used it, but now will use it more.
Thank you Paul. I will be adding that to my shop.
That's an interesting plane you have Mr. Sellers. I'm talking about the one that is closest to the center of the bench. Doesn't look like bevel-up plane nor Stanley-Bailey pattern.
My father had one of these, or something very similar, more than 50 years ago. I need to get one.
Hi Paul. Merry Christmas. I Love this tool. I bought one a while back and use it often. Enjoy your videos,
Rasps are left and right handed?! 😮 I did not know that, and as a lefty I guess I've just discovered what I may have been doing wrong. Time to get me a Shinto rasp 👍
My Christmas present today!
Nowyhat is a great tool! I will find and equip myself with one as soon as I can!
Owning one of this for three years, combining with iwasaki files is perfect.
Yes, very good for shaping the neck of a guitar!
All Japanese tools are amazing and well thought out, thanks for demonstrating Paul.
It's the best tool I know for chamfering the bottoms of table and chair legs to avoid splintering.
Not just that, but I use it to even the chair or table legs if one is longer. The easiest way I have found is with the shinto.
Was just considering buying one off of Amazon last night, you've sold me
as a stonemason, we remove rasp handles for finishing work as you can use it flush to your workpiece . do you ever remove your rasp handles ?
great product, I have enjoyed using it for some time, Paul's skill with hand tools translates very nicely to using this. Watch using fingertips and palm to put pressure directly on the cutting surface of this tool, you will see the skin chewed up a bit. Does he have a video on the making of this cutting board?
I've had this happen several times, and try to remember to wear thick gloves now if I'm going to do that!
One of the best tools money can buy
Thank you. I've been looking a this. I'm going to purchase one now.
i find this tool quite atrractive to be honest, seems efficient as well. would like to see a V carve with it too. it could hold a nice straight edge due to the smooth side that could work as a guide.
Thanks! I've been wondering about these things.
Impressive.. I use a 'Farriers' rasp for longbow shaping and it is also excellent..
I see good reviews of this tool , maybe I will give it a try . 🤔
I love my Shinto saw rasp.
I just love them, been using mine this morning.
I already have it, I'm glad you enjoyed it to.
You should give a try to Iwasaki "files" (can buy at Finetools), it's between a file and a float. Very agressive, smooth finish.
@J. Hatcher Same, I really like my Iwasaki "files", but I can now see myself getting one of these Shinto rasps for larger jobs., having seen one actually in action.
This is so funny; i recieved the 200 mm version today direct from Japan! Great tool!
I thought it would fall to pieces after a few months.....I've had mine fot 4 years now and use it weekly, it's still as good as new.
Not sure if anyone has tried them, but: Ferrier's Rasp. Used on horse hooves. Does an amazing job when it comes to stock removal, and its inexpensive.
I have used these too but they are no way as efficient or effective as the Shinto.
I have one but only used it minimally. Now it will see more use.
I love mine. I have to differ with you about the aesthetics of the tool. I think it looks good.
works great for shaping a guitar neck profile.