Where Did It Come From?

In an earlier post I mentioned my sextet of Russian (or rather, supposedly Russian) planes. As I’ve continued to research them, however, I’ve come to the conclusion that the final plane in that group may not be Soviet at all.

In an earlier post I mentioned my sextet of Russian (or rather, supposedly Russian) planes. As I’ve continued to research them, however, I’ve come to the conclusion that the final plane in that group may not be Soviet at all.

A single tool, two entirely different roles - Smoother & Scrub Plane - very clever.

Soviet smoothing plane that seems to borrow design cues from Western makers, but don’t quite follow them exactly.

The Record #043 Plough Plane never had a direct Stanley equivalent. However, it did inspire a very close copy from the Soviet Union.

When these small planes appear for sale online, they’re almost always described as a “Russian copy of a Stanley No.1.”

It seems that no matter where in the world you look, a copy of the ubiquitous Stanley No.4 was sure to appear in the lineup of metal bench planes.

Amongst my collection of woodworking tools, I have six different planes of Russian origin.

Kakuri brand Hira-Kanna with a 42mm blade, along with a chopstick-making jig and six jarrah blanks ready to be turned into pairs of chopsticks.

Just when I was telling myself it was time to rein in the plane buying I found 4 Japanese planes for just $25 in total.

A comparison of Japanese Kanna vs Western Planes (not my own work). A prelude to the next post.

A snapshot of a tradesman’s kit from another era - toolbox & 49 wooden planes.

A Facebook Marketplace purchase turns out to be excellent value, and then opens the door to a major buy.