Have you used a small plane before? I'd characterize its utility as being able to use it with one hand. But, on account of its shorter body and narrow width, it’s also an ideal roughing tool. Or suitable for edge work. But, not really as a jointer. It’s all about agility. End grain and casual chamfers are also enjoyable with a koganna!
Nov 4th 2026 – Not a Tool Store Entry #6 — Komori 24mm BS1, Nakano WS1 48mm, Yamamoto K990 Bohler 48mm.
"Not a Tool Store" is a regular column on Paklan where I try to find better homes for my personal tools. Think of it as a living estate sale. Only subscribers can purchase them. The images in this post will look better in a browser.
This month, I am shedding a few more of them. Since I work mostly in tropicals, I find my sweeter, finer steel koganna gets less use. Sometimes for shoji or box work, but I have more than enough on hand. The Hida plane was a good example of a plane that should find another home. But I have others.
I have a Covington and Sons commissioned plane made by the recently retired and esteemed plane smith Takeo Nakano. It is 48mm white steel (#1) koganna. It was $270, and is unused. For members/apprentices, I would say $160 is an ok price in today's prices. I would say Nakano is a straight forward smith for working folks. Nothing wrong with it, but the backs aren't fussed over like on a Keizaburo.
There is also an interesting plane by Yamamoto, made with k990 Bohler steel. Bohler is a carbon and this particular steel apparently came from Usui Kengo’s stash. I like the charcoal finish of the ura, and the chipbreaker and back work in general is very fine.
