We had a really interesting Basket Guild meeting - a master craftsman from Japan demonstrated the preparation of bamboo. Here's the group, and three of his baskets to show.
Mr. Kazutaka Toda is a 5th generation "Miyoshi Basketry" craftsman, and has studied bamboo for 20 years. Here he is showing his knife, which was made for him. The translator is on the right. He doesn't speak any English, but we learned a lot from him.
Splitting the bamboo half.
Further splitting.
Even thinner.
Sometimes it's easier to hold it with your teeth.
Shaving the rounded part off.
Pulling through knives to make an even strip.
Pounding the knives into the working block.
Pulling through again, this time to slightly bevel the top of the strip.
Bowing to applause, Massy on the right. 
Showing one of his pieces, a kimono purse.
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