# STL252: The pull of the Japanese handplane

- Show: [Shop Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live)
- Published: 2021-10-22
- Length: 1h 10m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-10-22-stl252-the-pull-of-the-japanese-handplane
- Listen: https://shoptalklive.podcast.static.taunton.com/stl252-the-pull-of-the-japanese-handplane

## Summary

Andrew Hunter, a master woodworker and advocate for Japanese hand tools, discusses the design, mechanics, and cultural significance of Japanese hand planes (kana) with Shop Talk Live host. He explains how the wedge-shaped blade, Japanese white oak body, and specific blade angle (39 degrees) create superior surface quality compared to Western planes, while highlighting the endangered tradition of blacksmithing that produces these high-hardness laminated blades. Hunter also details the unique maintenance techniques, such as 'tapping out' to adjust blade curvature, and his mission to preserve these crafts through teaching and the Kazerikai USA group.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-10-22-stl252-the-pull-of-the-japanese-handplane#t=7) Introduction: Andrew Hunter and Japanese Hand Tools
- [3:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-10-22-stl252-the-pull-of-the-japanese-handplane#t=181) Hunter's Journey and the Kazerikai Group
- [14:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-10-22-stl252-the-pull-of-the-japanese-handplane#t=855) Mechanics of Japanese Hand Planes: Blade and Body
- [27:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-10-22-stl252-the-pull-of-the-japanese-handplane#t=1647) Blade Placement and Sole Profiling: Western vs. Japanese
- [36:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-10-22-stl252-the-pull-of-the-japanese-handplane#t=2193) Blade Angle, Surface Finish, and Cultural Philosophy
- [48:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-10-22-stl252-the-pull-of-the-japanese-handplane#t=2939) Value of the Blade: Blacksmithing and Laminated Steel
- [57:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-10-22-stl252-the-pull-of-the-japanese-handplane#t=3453) Maintenance Techniques: Tapping Out and Sharpening
- [1:04:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-10-22-stl252-the-pull-of-the-japanese-handplane#t=3889) Getting Started: Tool Selection and Classes

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)
- [Fabrication & craft](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fabrication-and-craft)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Kazerikai (other)
- Tremont (other)
- Suzukia tool (company)
- heater tool (company)
- Krenov plane (product)
- Stanley Bailey (product)

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- [Episode 332: Plywood is good](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2021-11-27-episode-332-plywood-is-good) (Making It)
- [438: It Feels Like a Big Boy Saw](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2024-04-19-438-it-feels-like-a-big-boy-saw) (Making It)
- [Making It #010: If it looks straight….](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2015-02-26-making-it-010-if-it-looks-straight) (Making It)
- [420: People Who Cut Wood](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2023-11-27-420-people-who-cut-wood) (Making It)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2021-10-22-stl252-the-pull-of-the-japanese-handplane. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Shop Talk Live.