Sliding T Bevel 8" Blade

If you're looking for a T-bevel of significantly higher quality than you can find in your local big-box home stores without breaking the bank, then this is the sliding bevel for you. It seems there are only a few options out there for high quality sliding bevels: taking your chances on an antique off of eBay, spending a lot on a high end bevel from some of the smaller manufacturers, or this bevel. This bevel is definitely function over form, but it that doesn't mean that is in anyway cheap. The body is made from aluminum and has good weight to it with straight edges that are parallel to each other. The same goes for the blade but it is made from steel, not aluminum. The locking mechanism is excellent is is the style that is out of the way on the end of the handle. Some of the cheaper models have a locking wing nut or other locking device that is located at the pivot. Having the lock at the pivot is easier for locking down with one hand, but it can get in the was when you flip the bevel over. The triangular end lock on this bevel is also better than the knurled end knob that you find on other models. This allows you to get a good amount of torque to lock it down. I usually gently tighten it with one hand when I am setting the angle, remove the bevel from the work and then give it another quarter turn or so to really lock it down. I've never had the blade move when I lock it down and I have marked pretty roughly using pencils and knives against the blade. Other people have mentioned that the shape of the triangle locking mechanism allows you to really lock it down by inserting the blade of a screwdriver through the triangle and using that as a lever to lock it. While this will definitely work, I've never seen the need when I've been using it. Maybe if you use the 10" size then that could be handy when you are marking far out from the body. It does come with a small amount of machine oil left on the blade, but it wipes off easily and also protects the blade from the elements in transit. Overall, this is an excellent sliding t-bevel and the only regret I have is not buying two of them as sometimes it's nice to have a couple of bevels to keep track of more than one angle.

This is a very nice, refined, elegant design which does it's job perfectly. It is lightweight, accurate and locks in tightly to accurately transfer an angle. Because the blade locks from the end, either side can be laid flat allowing for the angle to be transferred using either side. My advice is to skip the brass and rosewood cheap, but pretty, versions and buy this lightweight, highly functional tool.

Best t-bevel I've ever used, hands down. I've used others over the years, most recently an Empire bought form HD. It has a large knurled nut on the pivot screw. No matter how much I crank on it the blade still moves when I don't want it to. This Shinwa locks up really tight with only moderate pressure on the wing nut. If I give it an extra half a turn I can hang a ten pound weight from the end of the blade and it won't move at all. Plenty tight enough to transfer angles to another work piece or to set up a saw blade. Extremely happy with this purchase. I had never heard of Shinwa before seeing this but I'm definitely looking at their other tools now. Quality product at a great price.

This T-bevel is fantastic. The rear tightening screw is a great design and holds strong! Better than I expected - Love it !!!

Very solid, functional and inexpensive sliding bevel. Made in Japan. The nicest design feature here is the locking/adjustment happens from the tail. Screwing it in/out holds/loosens the bevel angle and it is easy to adjust with one hand. Many sliding bevels have a set screw or lever at the apex of angle (where the two parts meet), making it harder to hold the angle flush while tightening and thereby increasing room for error. This piece is simple, functional and highly recommended. It is not a 5 star item because the machining is not perfect and the finish lacks some polish, but over all it is 100% functional and well thought out.

This T-bevel works great. It does not require the locking mechanism to be very tight to hold the angle. I feel like this is a great every day tool. It isn't heirloom quality, but it does what it's supposed to do and feels well made. It's nice that the locking mechanism doesn't hamper either side of the tool.

I bought another Shinwa sliding bevel model that has the locking mechanism at the head. The locking mechanism was getting in the way of using the tool and I decided to try this model out. It is the fourth Shinwa tool that I have purchased and all have been very high quality. The locking mechanism at the bottom of the base allows this tool to do all of the tasks that I couldn't do with the other sliding bevel. The tool is simple to use and the locking mechanism holds the blade firmly. Recommended.

My previous sliding bevel gauge was adjusted by tightening a wingnut located at the pivot, which required pliers to get a secure setting and I still needed to be careful while handling it not to change the setting. The Shinwa unit tightens way more securely, needing only finger-tightness to hold it securely in position. Overall quality is good. Good value. The blade is stainless and the body is cast aluminum with a good finish. -retired engineer

Great quality, locks well and the locking mechanism doesn’t get in the way of the bevel blade.

Best thing about this style of t-bevel is the locking screw. It will not allow the blade to move if bumped accidentally like other styles of this tool. Not too pricey either.

Absolutely love it. Easy to adjust and actually stays in place better than any other I have used

Well made and a pleasure to use.

Best ever- top quality product