How to Use a Japanese Hand Plane: Planing & Finishing Guide
What Is a Japanese Plane?
A Japanese plane (kanna) is a traditional woodworking tool designed for precision shaving, creating exceptionally smooth surfaces. Unlike Western planes, which are pushed forward, the kanna is pulled toward the user. These planes are highly regarded by woodworkers for their ability to produce clean, accurate finishes and are essential for fine joinery, furniture making, and traditional carpentry.
Before using a kanna, proper setup is necessary. If you haven't already prepared your plane, be sure to check out our guide on How to Adjust the Blade of Your Japanese Hand Plane.
Basics of Using a Hand Planer
Before we get into the details of handling and carving with a Japanese plane, it's important to understand the fundamental principles of its use. The kanna requires a well-tuned blade and precise hand movements. Proper grip, body posture, and the way you move the plane across the wood all play a significant role in achieving a smooth, even cut.
How to Hold a Planer and Proper Posture
・Grip: Hold the tail of the plane with your dominant hand and press downward with your palm. Use your other hand to wrap around the blade head to keep it secure and maintain balance.
・Posture: Stand with your feet slightly apart, one foot forward and one foot back, with your knees slightly bent. This posture helps anchor your whole body when pulling the plane, making it easier to apply force.
・Pulling Motion: Instead of pushing forward like a Western plane, gently pull the kanna toward yourself in a steady, controlled motion. Avoid jerky or uneven strokes, as they can lead to inconsistent cuts. When planing a long piece of wood, step backwards slowly in a sliding motion.
A well-held kanna combined with proper posture reduces strain on your body while maximizing control and precision.
The Basics of the Carving Movement (Normal and Reverse Grain)
When using a Japanese plane, understanding the direction of the wood grain is essential for achieving a smooth, even finish. The way the fibers run affects how the blade interacts with the surface, influencing whether the shaving process is effortless or challenging.
Normal Grain (順目, jun-me or narai-me)
When the grain runs away from the cutting edge, this is called jun-me (順目) or "normal grain." The kanna moves smoothly across the surface, creating thin, even shavings with minimal resistance.
Reverse Grain (逆目, saka-me)
When the grain runs into the cutting edge, it's known as saka-me (逆目) or "reverse grain." Planing against the grain can cause tear-out, where fibers lift unevenly, leaving rough or splintered areas.
So you should always plane following the direction of the wood grain.
Although it's possible to plane against the grain when your chip breaker is properly adjusted, it's best to avoid doing so.
That being said, there are some wood pieces with mixed grain directions. In those situation, it's best to take extra care in adjusting the chip breaker to ensure smooth planing.
How to Start
To achieve the best results in planing, proper preparation is required on both the plane and the materials being used, regardless of the type of plane or country of origin.
Preparation: Securing the Wood Material
To achieve consistent and accurate planing, securely fasten the wood in place. If the material shifts during the process, it can lead to uneven cuts and an inconsistent surface. Use a workbench with clamps or a planing stop to hold the wood firmly. If a clamp isn't available, a simple wooden stopper at the end of the board can also help prevent movement. A stable setup allows for smoother strokes and better control over the plane.
How to Use a Kanna: Japanese Hand Plane
Start by aligning the plane blade with the edge of the wood, ensuring it is positioned correctly before making the first stroke. The kanna's blade should make even contact with the wood surface to avoid gouging or uneven shavings.
Hold the plane firmly but naturally. Place your dominant hand at the center of the plane's body while wrapping your other hand around the top of the blade's head. Press the base of the plane flat against the wood, keeping the tool stable before pulling it toward you. The movement should be controlled and fluid—avoid jerky or rushed strokes, as they can lead to uneven shavings.
As you pull, make sure to move the plane all the way to the end of the wood in a single, continuous motion. Your dominant hand applies downward pressure while your other hand keeps the plane level. Instead of using just your arms, engage your entire body, keeping your arm close to your torso and using a smooth, steady pull. This full-body motion allows for greater control and minimizes strain.
When setting the kanna down, always place it on its side rather than resting it on the blade. Doing this prevents unnecessary wear and helps maintain the sharpness of the cutting edge.
Different Techniques for Using a Hand Planer
Once you have mastered the basics of using a Japanese plane (kanna), you can refine your technique to achieve different types of finishes depending on the stage of your woodworking project. From rough cutting to fine finishing and chamfering, each technique requires slight adjustments in blade setting, hand motion, and planing depth to get the desired result.
Finishing Technique
Finishing with a kanna is an essential step in bringing out the natural beauty of the wood surface. This stage requires precision and control, as it determines the final smoothness and luster of the material.
To achieve the best results, first ensure that your plane is finely adjusted. The blade should be razor-sharp, set for an ultra-thin shaving depth, and aligned perfectly in the dai (wooden body). When planing, pull the kanna with a slow, steady motion, applying just enough pressure to keep the blade engaged without forcing it. The key to a flawless finish is consistency—overlapping strokes ensure an even, polished surface.
Proper technique is important, but setting up the plane correctly is even more crucial for hand plane use.
Check out our other guides for instructions on adjusting and maintaining your plane.
・How to Adjust the Chip Breaker of Your Japanese Hand Plane
・How to Adjust the Blade of Your Japanese Hand Plane
・How to Tune the Sole of Your Japanese Hand Plane
・How to Sharpen the Blade of Your Japanese Hand Plane
Rough Cutting Techniques
Rough planing, or ara-kezuri (荒削り), is the initial stage of shaping wood.
・The Goal: To remove material quickly and bring the wood closer to its final shape before moving on to finer smoothing techniques.
For rough cutting, adjust your plane blade for a deeper cut, removing wood distortion while flattening the surface. The blade should protrude slightly more than it would for finishing cuts. As adjustments of the plane body slightly differ from that of a finishing plane, the resistance during planing will be greater. Be more carefuul when handling to any avoid mistakes.
If you need a more detailed guide for plane body adjustments, refer to our article below:
・How to Tune the Sole of Your Japanese Hand Plane
Chamfering Technique
Chamfering involves shaving off the sharp edges of wood to improve both safety and aesthetics. While sanding can soften edges, using a kanna provides a clean, controlled cut that enhances the craftsmanship of your project.
For freehand chamfering, hold the plane at a slight angle and pull it steadily along the edge. The exact angle depends on the look you want to achieve, but generally, a light, controlled touch results in the best finish. If you need precise and uniform angles, a dedicated chamfering plane (mentori kanna, 面取り鉋) is recommended.
| Pro Tip: If you don’t need a strict angle, a standard kanna can be used for chamfering. It can also be used for the initial shaving when working with a chamfer plane. But for consistent, repeatable results, a chamfering plane is the better choice. |
Check out our other articles for more tips on caring for your Japanese Hand Plane!
Maintaining your kanna is just as important as learning how to use it. Use these guides to keep your hand plane in top condition:
・How to Adjust the Blade of Your Japanese Hand Plane
・How to Adjust the Chip Breaker of Your Japanese Hand Plane
・How to Sharpen the Blade of Your Japanese Hand Plane
・How to Tune the Sole of Your Japanese Hand Plane
・How to Adjust the Tightness of Your Japanese Hand Plane
・How to Reshape & Sharpen the Blade of Your Japanese Hand Plane
