Hand Planes

Japanese hand planes, known as kanna, shave wood as you pull them toward you. Their key features include:

  • Wooden Body: Beech or Japanese white oak, depending on the model. The lightweight design is easy to handle.
  • Thick Steel Blade: Provides rigidity for stable cutting.
  • Smooth Finish: A sharp, properly adjusted blade leaves a smooth surface that highlights the wood’s natural grain.

SUIZAN hand planes are made by skilled craftspeople in Sanjo, Niigata, a town with over 100 years of metalworking tradition.

How to Choose a Japanese Hand Plane

①Blade Width: for Different Tasks

  • 1.7" / 42mm: Choose this compact size for chamfering edges, small parts, and box projects.
  • 2" / 50mm: A versatile choice for general woodworking.
  • 2.4" / 60mm: Choose this wider blade for smoothing boards. It is a practical first kanna if board finishing is your main goal.

②Single Blade or Double Blade: for Grain Control

  • Single Blade: A simple structure makes basic adjustments easier to learn.
  • Double Blade: A chipbreaker (uragane) helps reduce tear-out when properly adjusted.

The 1.7" / 42mm size offers both options. The 2" / 50mm and 2.4" / 60mm models are available only as double-blade planes.

Start with the Starter Set

Start with the Starter Set for hand planes in two sizes: a 1.7" / 42mm model for chamfering and small projects, and a 2.4" / 60mm model for smoothing boards.
It also includes a 9.5" / 240mm Ryoba saw and a 6" / 150mm Flush Cut saw, with two replacement blades for each saw.

✓ Ships direct from Japan

Shop the Starter Set · $169.90

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FAQ

Do Japanese planes need to be set up (tuned) before use?

Yes. Before planing, check the blade projection and alignment, and adjust them for a light, even cut. Japanese planes use light taps to adjust the blade rather than screws or dials. On a double-blade model, also adjust the chipbreaker. Check that the sole is properly adjusted and the blade is sharp, then test on scrap wood.
For step-by-step instructions and videos, see our kanna setup guide.
Kanna Setup Guide

Which kanna size should I start with?

Choose your first kanna based on your main task. For smoothing boards, start with a 2.4" / 60mm model. For chamfering, small parts, or box projects, consider the compact 1.7" / 42mm size. A 2" / 50mm model is a versatile option for general woodworking.
These sizes refer to blade width, not cutting width.