Need help identifying a mark on a tool


Apologies for cross posting from the woodworking stack exchange.

I ran across an auction of a set of Japanese chisels for woodworking. The only
visible markings are stamped on the chisel itself, and I'm looking for any
help identifying the kanji (assuming that's the proper term).

Here's a zoomed version of the faded markings with some sharpening:

[![](https://i.stack.imgur.com/6Fu19.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/6Fu19.jpg)

I've sent a note to the auction house for more photos of the storage box or
any other clarifying info, but I haven't heard back.

Thanks for taking a look!




The image is upside down. The writing says "長弘" which is the tool's brand in
Japan.

長 means "long", "always", "excel in", "leader" depending on the context.  
弘 means "expansion", "enlarge", "liberal", "great"

I am not sure what is the true meaning, it depends on what the company wanted
to convey here, but one could easily feels something big and prosperous from
that.

[![enter image description
here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/kdABt.gif)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/kdABt.gif)




The image is upside down. The writing says "長弘" which is the tool's brand in
Japan.

長 means "long", "always", "excel in", "leader" depending on the context.  
弘 means "expansion", "enlarge", "liberal", "great"

I am not sure what is the true meaning, it depends on what the company wanted
to convey here, but one could easily feels something big and prosperous from
that.

[![enter image description
here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/kdABt.gif)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/kdABt.gif)

