A few days ago we published a post where we discussed the main characteristics of Japanese hand planes. These centenary tools are part of the oriental traditional woodworking thanks to its excellent properties and versatility. It is not surprising that, since a few years, these tools are also found in the workshops of the West. Therefore, today we want to present the best brands of Japanese hand planes for woodworking.
Best brands of Japanese hand planes
Like chisels, Japanese hand planes are a tool difficult to find. It is true that there are versions manufactured in an industrial way that are sold at low prices. In fact, in many shops they offer “Japanese brushes” for 16-40 €. Not for this we must understand that they are of poor quality. First of all, we must ask ourselves what use we want to give this tool: are we looking for something to practice our technique? Will we use it from time to time? Or we are looking for use it every day, even for demanding works?
According to the purpose, we can identify best brands of Japanese hand planes or at least those best for our expectations.
Kakuri
The Kakuri company offers a wide range of carpentry hand planes. It presents a design that unites the Japanese tradition with less effort in each work, being a really attractive tool. The blade is of steel with a high proportion of carbon, obtaining a hardness of 60 Rockwell points. They come sharpened like a blade, being suitable for hardwoods.
Kakuri hand planes come with a chipbreaker that is easy to adjust. In addition, the body is manufactured in Japanese white oak and the blades are replaceable.
The price for a Japanese brush of the Kakuri brand is around 60€.
Tsunesaburo
Tsunesaburo blacksmiths are the most well-known and respected hand planes manufacturers in Japan. They are already three generations of a family given to know how to make these tools centenarians and this is noticed in the product. Woodworkers from all over the world endorse the quality of these brushes that offer high performance at a contained price.
The blade of the Tsunesaburo hand plane is forged in blue steel, with a body of Japanese white oak. It has a traditional but effective breaker without screw that breaks the fibers of the wood immediately after cutting.
For 150 € we can get a Tsunesaburo hand plane. They also offer more exclusive hand planes, with damask blade, for 300 €.
Takakatsu
These hand planes are made in the small forge Takakatsu (in Sanjo – Niigata), specialized in supplies for schools and training centers for wood professionals. This has allowed them to get the feed-back needed to perfect these hand planes. Thus, they present one of the best blades at a low price.
Regarding the blade, it is made of two layers of carbon steel, easy to sharpen. It is an ideal hand plane for beginners or professionals who do not want to spend a lot of money to get good benefits.
The price of a Takakatsu brush is around € 80.
Tsuruginomai
Finally, Tsuruginomai is probably the best choice for those who are looking for the most exclusive product. Handcrafted by the master Syuji Ohgata in Nagaoka, these brushes are a living testimony of the Japanese woodworker tradition.
He was apprenticed to the blacksmith Kengo Usui, the 4th generation of the great masters of the blade. Throughout his life he managed to develop some of the best Japanese hand planes. In fact, his creations were used to rebuild ancient temples. He opened his own store with 23 years and since then has made brushes of excellent performance. The blade is made of Hitachi Super Blue steel and has a hardness of approx. HRC65. It comes in a beautiful paulownia box. The back of the blade has a thickness of 9 mm approx.
Unfortunately, that know-how accumulated in more than 60 years can be lost. Syuji Ohgata, who is 83 years old, stopped producing these brushes in 2010. Once they are finished, there will be no replenishment. This explains that they are very difficult to find and can be paid up to € 800 for them.
We must remember that, for all brands of Japanese hand planes require prior preparation before being used. Mainly, we must adjust the angle and depth that we want. Also, it is important to sharpen and tune the blade before doing any work.
We leave it here for today. We hope we have helped you find the best brands of Japanese hand planes. See you in the next post 😉
Where can I buy these tools in Europe ir any website in Japan with English ?