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Japanese Plane (Kanna) Beginner
I usually recommend a 48mm or 54mm block plane for a Japanese tool beginner to start. It’s less expensive, versatile size, easier to sharpen (the blade) and setup (the block). Even if you make a mistake, damage would be smaller. After you get comfortable using it, you will be ready to move onto a smoothing plane:
Please note that what is the most important is your sharpening skills. As you excel in your sharpening skills, the tools will increase in their performance. Unlike western tools, which work FOR you, Japanese tools work WITH you to achieve your goal.
The books and DVDs that I recommend about Japanese planes (tools):
1) Book of “Sharpening and the Japanese Hand Plane in Depth” by Dale Brotherton
https://suzukitool.com/tools/japanese-woodworking-books/book-dale-brotherton.html
2) DVD of “Japanese hand planes” by Jay Van Arsdale
https://suzukitool.com/tools/japanese-woodworking-dvd/jay-van-arsdale.html
3) Book of “Japanese Woodworking Tools" by Toshi Odate
Kezurou-Kai USA is an educational non-profit organization (Japanese woodworking). I’m one of the board of directors and we have online classes and an annual event (hands-on demonstrations). If you are interested in, please check its website at www.kezuroukai.us
I would also recommend to take a Japanese woodworking class with:
1. Kezurou-kai USA Online Classes https://kezuroukai.us/shop/classes/
2. Jay Van Arsdale and Jason Forster in Oakland, CA https://laney.edu/woodtechnology/courses/
3. Andrew Hunter https://austinschooloffurniture.com/product/japanese-handplanes-2024/
4. Brian Holcombe in New Jersey https://brianholcombewoodworker.com/classes/
5. Dale Brotherton in Port Townsend, WA https://www.ptwoodschool.org/dale-brotherton
6. Yann Giguere in Ashland, OR https://www.mokuchiwoodworking.com/class
7. Jason Fox in Mercer, ME https://www.neverstopbuilding.com/classes-and-workshops
Please let me know if you have any further questions at contact us.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
Arigato,
Suzuki