Vintage Japanese Gotoku Kanna

A gotoku kanna is built for control on pieces that are too small or narrow for a bench plane. The attached base supports the work and references the cut, so shoulders stay square and depth is repeatable. Use it to trim tongues and rebates, dress mating edges for smooth sliding fits, and create neat chamfers on delicate parts. The layout is quick: mark, set a whisper of projection, and take short passes while the base keeps everything aligned. This saves time on fitting tasks where accuracy matters more than heavy stock removal.

This plane is vintage new old stock from Japan. The blade is traditional laminated construction with a hard high carbon steel cutting layer backed by soft iron. The hard layer takes a very keen edge for clean end grain and shoulder work. The softer backing absorbs shock and makes sharpening responsive on water stones. As NOS, it carries period workmanship and materials that many woodworkers seek out for fine fitting tasks. Expect to tune it lightly to suit your touch and the timber you use most.

Hone the primary bevel and polish the ura. Set the chipbreaker close if fitted for fine shavings. Adjust the iron with light hammer taps and confirm the sole registers flat on the base. Keep the blade clean and lightly oiled to prevent corrosion, and store the wooden body away from direct heat to avoid movement. For guidance, see our Care & Maintenance article and learn why carbon steel rewards frequent light honing. Good setup turns this specialty plane into a fast, repeatable fitting tool.