Tenkara-ya is one of my favorite tenkara shops; not just because they have a solid lineup of high-quality Japanese products, but also because they carry a variety of esoteric tackle–things you can’t find here in the U.S.. And in particular, they offer several gorgeous wooden fly boxes (all of which I now own).
I recently added this beautiful Yaki-sugi Kebari Case from Tenkara-ya to my collection and it’s one of the most unique boxes I’ve ever come across. It’s made with a traditional cedar firing technique which is used in the construction of homes, temples, pagodas, etc. in Japan because it provides a durable, weather-resistant finish (and the cedar repels insects).
This firing technique brings out the natural grain of the wood and gives the outside a really interesting texture I’ve never seen on any fly box. And the dark exterior contrasts nicely with the light, natural interior for a really striking look.
But there’s a lot more to this box than just good looks. In this video, I explore the little details you might not notice at first glance that make this box not only beautiful, but extremely practical.
Links Mentioned in this Video
Video of Yaki-sugi Firing Technique
Specifications
External dimensions: 4.25″ L x 2.68″ W x 0.94″ D (108mm L x 68mm W x 24mm D)
Internal dimensions: 3.86″ L x 2.13″ W x 0.71″ D (98mm x L x 54mm W x 18mm D)
Weight: 1.1oz. (35g)
Materials: Cedar, cypress, stainless steel, neodymium magnet, mother of pearl
Style: Compartment
No. of Compartments: 6
Closure: Magnetic
Features Mentioned in this Video
6-compartment interior in “bright brown”
Neodymium magnets
Stainless steel screws in lid for magnet catch
Stainless steel hinges (interior)
Exterior of hinges
Genuine mother-of-pearl orientation indicator (to prevent accidentally opening the box upside down)
Closed, yaki-sugi exterior texture
Product insert
Get your own!
The Jisaku-ya Yaki Sugi Kebari Case is one of the most beautifully crafted, and most eccentric fly boxes I’ve ever seen. On the inside, it’s rustic and rugged, but the inside is pure luxury–like a lux SUV! This box is heirloom quality and I look forward to handing it down to my daughter one day (after I’ve put it through some adventures of my own of course).
Visit Tenkara-ya for more info., pictures, and to get one for yourself. The owner, Keichi-san, is extremely friendly, eager to help, and speaks excellent English, so if you have any questions, feel free to contact him through the site (or me).
Jason, yo do know that will be the only box I will loose while wading! Probably why all I have is cheap, plastic ones! Beautiful box, well crafted. Another nice review.
It teaches you to be mindful! 🙂
Not one of my attributes! Always good to see you active.