Just when I was telling myself it was time to rein in the plane buying, another Facebook Marketplace ad popped up that was simply too good to pass by. Four Japanese planes for just $25 in total.
From the photos, it was clear that the planes were of four different types, and that sealed the deal for me. The seller explained that he’d picked them up as part of a larger lot of tools but had no interest in the planes themselves—hence the very fair price.
Let’s take a look at what came home with me.
Kiwa-Kanna (Corner Cutting Plane)
A Kiwa-Kanna is designed for shaving the inside of L-shaped corners. The blade extends right to the edge on one side, allowing the plane to cut cleanly into a corner. They are usually made in pairs—one left-handed, one right-handed—but mine is a single, right-sided version.
Adjusting the blade is trickier than with other kanna. Not only does it need to protrude evenly, but the blade edge also has to align perfectly with the edge of the dai (the wooden body). A delicate balance, but part of the tool’s charm.
Kikai-Shakuri-Kanna (Machine Plow Plane)
The Kikai-Shakuri-Kanna is essentially a Japanese plow plane, designed for cutting narrow, precise grooves—often across the grain. The “kikai” designation (meaning machine) refers to its use of nuts and bolts for adjustment, rather than the purely wooden setups found in more traditional planes.
This plane has a main blade to cut the bottom of the groove, plus small nicking blades that score the sides, preventing tear-out and leaving a crisp, clean channel. An adjustable fence, set with wing nuts, controls both the depth and position of the cut.
It’s the Japanese equivalent of a Western plow plane, perfect for grooves used in joinery or furniture making.
Motoichi-Shakuri-Kanna (Fenced Plow Plane)
Another grooving tool, the Motoichi-Shakuri-Kanna, is a plow plane specifically designed for cutting consistent grooves—traditionally for features like the top rails of Shoji screens.
Like all Japanese planes, this one works on the pull stroke rather than the push, giving the user greater control and precision. A fence guides the blade to ensure repeatable accuracy.
Inro-Mentori-Kanna (Flange Moulding Plane)
Traditionally, the Inro-Mentori-Kanna was used to cut matching joints on the edges of panelled doors, helping to keep out drafts, wind, and rain. These planes usually feature a square profile, but mine has a rounded profile for cutting grooves. It also comes with an adjustable fence, making it adaptable for different door thicknesses.
Condition and Character
All four planes show signs of honest use, with a deep patina that speaks to their working life. The Kiwa-Kanna even came with a few shavings still tucked up against the blade, a quiet reminder of its last outing.
It was common for Japanese tradesmen to make their own kanna, and with these planes showing a mix of handmade elements alongside commercial hardware—like bolts and wing nuts—I suspect these may well have been made by the craftsman who used them.
Four distinctly different planes (all types that I didn’t have), each with its own purpose and story, all for $25. Too good a buy to ignore—and another reminder that the hunt for tools often uncovers more than just wood and steel; it finds history, tradition, and the hand of the craftsman who once relied on them.
References & Further Reading
- Kato, T. & Konobu, M. (1989). Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit and Use. Weatherhill.
- Odate, S. (1998). Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit, and Use. Linden Publishing.
- Nagyszalanczy, S. (1998). The Art of Fine Tools. Taunton Press.
- Schwarz, C. (2017). The Difference Between Japanese and Western Planes. Lost Art Press Blog.
- Kezurou-kai USA – Japanese Planing Events