I have 2 of these little ‘Select’ brand razor blade planes.
As shown on the box in the picture – this is a razor blade tool. The box claims it is ‘The World’s Sharpest Tool’.
The base is 9cm long by 4.5cm wide. The back working edge is curves and 3.7cm long. material is a zinc die casting with a plastic knob.
This planer is marked as ‘Made in Australia’ but versions have also been seen as ‘Made in U.S.A.’ (Peachey Conservation website).
It also seems as if it has gone through several design & packaging changes.
The two I have are identical with the exception that one has a small bolt inserted through the hole that can be seen at the front of the plane in the photo.
The instructions for the plane show 2 positions for the razor blade.
- One is through the flat base with the plastic knob used to tighten the blade in position. This would then be operating like a normal plane.
- The other is through the curved back with either the plastic knob or a wing nut used to tighten the blade in position.
On the box, there is a third position shown for the blade. This is protruding from the front of the plane (and parallel to the base). In this position it becomes a scraper.
From the box that the plane came in it lists its suitability for use on:
- Wood
- Plastic
- Leather
- Rubber Tile
- Linoleum
- Pressed Wood
I’m also aware that these sort of planes are used by hobbyists working with balsa wood.
Obviously the marketing is also aimed at home use with possible users being – tradesmen, handymen, hobbyists, housewives. That last group is interesting!
I purchased my made in Aust. ‘Select PLANER RAZOR BLADE TOOL’ (Their label punctuation) from a local market. Complete with the original box, owners booklet, made in Japan razor still in its packet & countersunk screw – for front countersunk hole. Distributed by Majestic Products Limited, 321 Kent St., Sydney. I think the plane has never been used. Nice piece. Cheers.
Thanks for the comment Ken – I wonder how many of them were made & what proportion actually got used. One of the ones I have also came with a separately boxed ‘Select Adjustable Vice’ which is actually a pressed metal triangular shaped holder with a plastic slider.