http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/02/13/in-japan-wood-planing-can-get-awfully-competitive/

LOL Yea I think thats a bit much , but cool knowing that a blade can actually shave wood that finely.

I'm not quite at that stage.......yet.

I would like to see there sharpening set up. They definitely have it dialed in.

I didn't know a hand planer could do even do that.  

  

SQ

Hope this link works it's a good example of how thin you can go.

In this case less than the thickness of the ink.

http://dans-woodshop.blogspot.com/

Mark,

LOL  Yes, that's thin!  Interesting site.  

SQ

Mark Dorman said:

Hope this link works it's a good example of how thin you can go.
In this case less than the thickness of the ink.
http://dans-woodshop.blogspot.com/

I think they use a special type of wood for those type of games.    There is a type of cedar they use.   No knots allowed in any of the beams they use, 100% clear, straight grained, soft wood.

Watch how hard they work at pulling those planes along.   You have to not only pull the plane, but push down as you go.  as I said, I am not quite there, yet.     Just a cheap, little #4, with a bent iron, no less.

Steve,

That is impressively thin!  I can see there is an art to this.  

SQ

Tried out some Pine.    Had all kinds of planes at work ( might be a how-to later) to get a plank flat and smooth, From a DE6c  ( Fore/ Try plane, 18" long)A couple of jack planesThis one wasn't too bad, the Stanley wanted to make curliesAs for the #4s in the shop ( all three of them.)  Some would make curly thingsLike the Millers Falls #9The Dunlap #4D BB ( made by Millers falls)  made it's own style.   As for the "Fan Favourite"  Wood River #4V3It is about as close to the japanese style as i will get, in terms of shavings. 

Steve,

You have proved it's possible with a regular hand planer.  Way to go!  I haven't even dusted my hand planers off yet.  

SQ