I'm not aware of anyone who actually collects these. Several sword collectors have picked them up as curios; I actually use mine down in the workshop.
Don't know how far back they were made, but suspect since the Japanese were/are excellent woodworkers, that they've been around a long time. I think the older ones were likely used up and discarded, but that's just speculation. I know the carpenter's knives are still being made and avialable thru several online dealers. Might check Google for Japanese wood working tools. Still a nice find and neat items to have.
Rich S
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