Lee Valley Japanese Smooth Wooden Plane

Like Japanese saws, Japanese planes are pulled, not pushed. They can be pushed, but cutting control is better on the pull stroke.

This white oak plane is similar to a traditional Japanese plane; however, a metal chip breaker with a capscrew replaces the traditional wooden wedge. To increase the cut, simply tap the front of the plane with a mallet; to decrease the cut, tap the back of the plane. The high-carbon steel blade will hold a keen edge to achieve tissue-thin shavings, even in difficult woods.

The smooth plane, with its 36mm wide by 4mm thick (1 3/8″ × 3/16″) blade, works like a block plane. It may require a bit of practice in setting up the blade to achieve the final cut, but once there, performs remarkably well.