The Far-Eastern Wood Butcher: Prime cuts from the far east.

I am fortunate in that I have scraps of Paulownia in excess. Being slightly alkaline it does not promote rust and discourages insects. Cut four pieces to same length. Place the Top and bottom, with the sides glued on to record the chisel's taper. I highly recommend 5 min epoxy. Anything slower takes away the joy, unless you're into dollhouses. The joint should cure and withstand handling in an hour. No need to be square or tidy. We will plane later. Dried epoxy. I then sand the edge end flush and square. Bevel a piece of hard exotic FIRST. Then cut it out. Again flush the mating end on a flat sand paper. No need to be dead flat, as the epoxy will fill the clumsiest gap. Check, then mate Background: #400 sandpaper, steelwool and a little Stanley 101model maker's plane I like to camber the opening end to a slight arc, much like a scrub plane iron. Helps to guide the chisel in the sheath.