Tansaikaden Katsusaburo

-70mm—2-3/4" (2-1/2"cutting edge) 

-Koban-aogami-ichigo-tanrenko / Blue Steel #1

We can accommodate any bedding angle for a Hira-ganna / Smoothing Plane. If it's steeper than 40 degrees, an additional charge will be required. Please contact us for more details.

The name Tansaikaden refers to the painstaking blacksmithing process, passed down through generations, that is used to produce this remarkable and superior quality plane.

Beginning with a 6mm thick plate of Blue Steel #1, master blacksmith Tetsushinsai Houraku uses a charcoal forge to heat one end of the metal to a high working temperature. Using a small, fast spring hammer, he strikes the piece repeatedly in order to condense the metal's molecular structure. Then he lowers the heat and uses a heavier hammer to draw out the working end, flattening the steel to 3mm and creating the wedge-shaped Kobantanrenko that will become the cutting end of the tool. Lastly, this dense, hardened blue steel is put back in the forge to be laminated with a layer of softer, less brittle Joston steel.

The result of this combination of superior materials is a very high quality blade that is easy to sharpen and maintain. It is the finest blade that we sell. For any questions concerning the Tansaikaden Katsusaburo planes or any of our other products, please do not hesitate to contact us.