Smoothing Plane, ebony

'The basic design of the Chinese plane is similar to the Japanese Kanna. The major difference is that the Chinese plane can be used on either the pull or the push stroke, whereas the Japanese Kanna can only be used on the pull stroke. The larger Chinese planes have a cross-handle to facilitate push stroke use (which can be removed for use on the pull stroke). The blades are held in place using a wedge or cap. The slightly wave-shaped plane bodies are made of Indonesian redwood*. The uncoated surfaces are worked using scrapers and are polished. The plane blades are made of wear-resistant HSS (approx. 64 HRC), or forged carbon steel (approx. 58 HRC) for special-purpose planes, which make Chinese planes visually appealing and solid all-round tools. Unless otherwise stated, the blade angle is 40°.
* unless otherwise stated