The Harvey Chopstick Master has evolved with the release of the Gen. 2 model, offering improved portability, simplified design, and enhanced usability—especially for travel, classrooms, and teaching environments. Below is a detailed comparison to help you decide which version suits your needs best.
Chopstick Master Comparison Table
| Category | CSM v1 (Gen. 1) | CSM v2 (Gen. 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Plane / Iron | Uses HP-8 style mini block plane iron (PI-HP8). | Same as Gen. 1 |
| Honing Guide | HG30-CSM included. | HG30-CSM included. |
| Sled / Guide System | Uses plastic depth skid only on the planing jig. | Adds pivoting sled for skew (angled) planing. |
| Depth Skids / Pivot | Plastic skids only. | Plastic skids + pivot sled enable angled cuts. |
| Table Support Hook | Larger orange aluminum support hook. | Smaller redesigned plastic hook for compact design. |
| Chopstick Styles | Makes both thicker “Chinese” and thinner “Japanese” chopsticks. | Same capability, but includes only the red (Chinese style) insert. |
| Chopstick Inserts Included | Red (Chinese) + Green (Japanese) inserts included. No Blue (flat stock) insert. | Red insert only. Green and Blue inserts sold separately. |
| Diamond Finial Making | Uses dedicated saw blade (SB-CSM) for diamond tips. | Uses plane sled with pivoting action to shape finials—no saw blade needed. |
| Accessories Included | 10 blanks + sleeves, 1 pair wedges, pencil, oil bottle, HG30-CSM, saw blade. | 10 blanks + sleeves, 1 pair wedges, pencil, oil bottle, HG30-CSM, plane sled. |
| Manuals | PDF download link | PDF download link |
Summary and Practical Takeaways
Functionality
Both versions can produce Chinese and Japanese-style chopsticks. However, CSMv2 omits the green (Japanese) insert by default, which must be purchased separately.
Finial Shaping
Gen. 1 uses a small saw blade to cut diamond-shaped finials. Gen. 2 achieves the same result using a pivoting plane sled—this removes sharp tools and enhances safety.
Design Improvements
Gen. 2 is lighter, more compact, and designed to be more carry-on/travel-friendly. It also removes sharp saw components, making it better suited for classroom or family use.
Included vs Optional Components
Gen. 2 ships with fewer inserts and accessories, but supports the same functionality through optional add-ons.
Travel & Portability
Gen. 2 comes in a much smaller box—about half the volume of Gen. 1.
Gen. 2 finial components can be disassembled using a single thumbscrew for quick storage.
Saw blade was eliminated from Gen. 2 to simplify travel compliance and improve safety for children.
Chopstick Dimensions
Red Arm (included): Produces chopsticks with a 5mm tip diameter (Chinese style).
Green Arm (optional): Produces a 3.5mm tip (Japanese style). Available separately for Gen. 2 kits; but included with Gen.1 kits.
Conclusion
The Chopstick Master Gen. 2 is a safer, more portable update ideal for schools, travelers, and casual hobbyists, while the Gen. 1 remains a more complete kit for users who prefer an all-in-one solution with the saw blade and both chopstick style inserts included.
Still have questions? Contact our support team (info@bridgecitytools.com)—we’re happy to help you decide which model is right for your needs.
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