Rare 70mm Tadahiro Japanese Hira Kanna plane

This "Hira Kanna" Japanese plane has a 70mm wide blade. The plane is vintage and new old stock from the "Tadahiro" brand. It was forged during the "Showa" period (1960s-80s). It shares the same characteristics as the great blacksmiths "Hatsuhiro" and "Hatsutomo": a blade with a very fine forge (very easy to sharpen), linear hammer marks on the back of the blade, and a very well-executed Ura.

The Dai (Japanese white oak block) is solid and in perfect condition; the sole is perfectly straight. The Dai measures: length 274mm, width 85mm, height 37mm.

The blade is made of hand-forged, two-layer high-carbon steel. It is impossible to say what type of steel it is given the period. The signature is deeply stamped and graphically composed, and the blade is very refined; the chip breaker is thick and also signed. This is old-school forging, using coal and water quenching with clay annealing. The annealing can be seen on the back of the blade with its demarcation line at mid-height. It can also be seen that it is perfectly new because the blade does not have its small bevels ("mimi") that reduce its cutting area to the size of the mouth. I could perform this operation at your convenience or explain how to do it.

This kanna is of excellent forge quality. The Dai is perfectly executed and signed. It belongs to that class of craftsmen who work at their forge with the greatest devotion.

This is a premium quality plane for an experienced user or a user who would like to take it to the next level. It can be used in joinery, on timber framing pieces, or for cabinetmaking panel work. The plane can be delivered raw or tuned (the sole) according to your needs (finishing or roughing).

New planes always require an initial series of adjustments before use. Unlike European planes, Japanese planes are pulled instead of pushed.

With this tool, you will be able to discover Japanese tools. For joiners, carpenters, luthiers, or simply DIY enthusiasts.