Yamamoto Smoothing Plane Blade by Yamamoto Kensuke 4th 山本健介作 犬首鋼 仕上げ鉋刃 70mm

Yamamoto Kensuke Smoothing Plane Blade 70mm – Inukubi Steel | Banshu Miki

A premium Japanese smoothing plane blade (shiage-kanna-ha) by Yamamoto Kensuke (山本健介) of Banshu Miki, forged from rare Inukubi steel (犬首鋼) — a highly prized Swedish-origin high-carbon steel known for its exceptional sharpness, fine grain, and superior edge retention. Fitted with a matched chipbreaker by the same blacksmith.

Blade Specifications

• Craftsman: Yamamoto Kensuke (山本健介氏)
• Origin: Banshu Miki (播州三木打刃物)
• Steel: Inukubi steel (犬首鋼) — rare Swedish high-carbon steel, prized for ultra-fine sharpness
• Jigane: Wrought iron / Kamaji (釜地) — traditional pre-industrial iron for superior lapping and bonding
• Blade width: 70mm
• Blade length: 115mm
• Blade angle: approx. 27°
• Chipbreaker width: 62mm
• Chipbreaker angle: approx. 20°
• Chipbreaker type: Laminated (鉢付き)
• Chipbreaker maker: Same blacksmith (matched set / 共裏)

About Inukubi Steel

Inukubi (犬首鋼) is a legendary Swedish high-carbon steel that was imported into Japan during the Meiji and Taisho eras. Renowned among Japanese plane makers for its exceptionally fine grain structure, it produces a mirror-sharp edge that glides effortlessly across wood grain. Stocks are extremely limited as this steel is no longer produced.

Recommended Woods: Medium-hard woods, hardwoods

Perfect For

• 🪚 Master woodworkers seeking the finest Japanese smoothing plane blade
• 🔧 Upgrading or replacing the blade in a quality Japanese plane body
• 🎌 Collectors of rare Japanese plane steels and Banshu Miki craftsmanship
• It offers excellent durability, though sharpening takes time; it is a rare treasure for knife enthusiasts.

山本健介作　仕上げ鈑刃　70mm　犬首鋼
播州三木。犬首鋼（スウェーデン鋼）・釜地。共裏。刃幅70mm・刃長115mm。