Meet the Artisans

Kanai-san, 80 years old at the time of the interview, is a seasoned plane maker with over 60 years of experience crafting plane bodies. He began his journey at the age of 15, working under his father, who had been in the craft since the Meiji era. As the second-generation artisan, Kanai-san initially specialized in making planes for professional carpenters, including large, small, and specialty planes. At 45, he started collaborating with Kakuri to create planes designed for beginners, ensuring these tools were not only affordable but also easy to use. Over the years, Kanai-san has refined his manufacturing process...

Kakuri was founded in 1946 as a wholesaler of carpentry tools and cutting tools. Later, the company established a manufacturing division with the goal of producing reliable in-house products. In 1972, the manufacturing division separated and became the independent company it is today, Kakuri Works. Since then, it has expanded its product range to include planes (kanna), chisels (nomi), and bonito shavers, creating high-quality products suitable for both beginners and professional woodworkers. Our company works alongside Kakuri Works on joint development projects, blending traditional techniques with modern tool-making to meet today’s needs. Koide-san has been a craftsman at Kakuri Works...