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These Japanese Tapestry Artisans File Their Fingernails Into Thread-Channeling Tools

Functional manicures

By Rain Noe - September 3, 2020

in Tools & Craft

Aside from cocaine scoops, I can't think of many instances of folks cultivating their fingernails to use as tools. In Japan's Shiga Prefecture, however, exists a traditional tapestry weaving tradition called tsumekaki hon tsuzure ori that reportedly goes back 4,000 years, and which requires the artisans to file grooves into their nails in order to work the thread:

Here's what they're then able to do with these funky nails:

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I admire their dedication to craft. All I have to do is keep my nails short enough to not hit the keyboard keys.

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Stewie Griffin

3 years ago

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Jewish ritual slaughterers (shochtim) use their fingernails to check the sharpness of their knives and as a result, often have an unusually long fingernail on one of their fingers. See here (http://www.thekosheromnivoresquest.com/blog/deconstructing-kosher-slaughter-part-2-the-basics, there's a picture there too):

"To ensure that the chalef (ritual knife) is perfect, the shochet (kosher butcher) carefully checks it for nicks using his fingernails and re-hones it if even the smallest imperfection is discovered."

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Tucker Drake

3 years ago

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Guitarists also grow their nails to be used as guitar picks. Richie Havens being a famous example of one such guitarist.

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