「Ju Ichi」Hira-ganna Japanese Smoothing Plane by Usui Kengo - 65mm ②

Blade Weight: 347g

Blade Angles: 24°

Chip Breaker Width: 57mm 

Dai manufacture: Yasuhiro(康弘)

Dai size(length, width, thickness): 288mm 83mm 37mm

Total weight: 1130g

Accessories: Original box; Original carrying pouch; Instruction manual  and Instruction manual from Yasuhiro Daiya.

Year of production: According to online records, Juichi brand planes were produced between 1952 and 1999. I estimate that this particular plane was manufactured prior to 1960. I will explain the reasoning behind my judgment below.

Additional Information: This is a rare early-period piece from the series, in brand-new and unused condition. It was acquired from a specialist tool shop in the Kanto region, where it had been kept in a display cabinet for over 20 years.

The last image is the final page of the instruction manual. It serves as a touching reminder of the golden age of hand-forged tools, when blacksmiths worked closely with carpenter. The text reads: “A plane for every local wood!! A temper for every user’s touch!! Custom adjustments available upon request.“

※ Basis for dating this plane to pre-1960:
The back of the blade is engraved with “ 通商産業局長賞受賞/Winner of the Director-General’s Award from the Bureau of International Trade and Industry.” According to records from the website, Mr. Usui  Kengo received the ”Tokyo Bureau of International Trade and Industry Director-General’s Award' at the 2nd Nationwide Export Promotion Exhibition in August 1953 (Showa 28)“.

Furthermore, I am struck by the clear distinctions between this blade and those from the series' later production. It vividly illustrates the blacksmith’s evolution and the refinement of his craft over time.

※ 1: The Urasuki finish changed from early-stage 'Migaki' to a later light-blackened coating, providing better rust protection for the Urasuki.

※ 2: In the early versions, the top of the blade was finished flat, whereas later iterations feature a chamfered head.

※ 3: The file texture on the blade's flanks transitioned from a horizontal pattern in early models to a diagonal/slanted pattern in later versions.

There are a few additional points of interest:

1: Front Inscription: On early blades, the right side is engraved with "藤光作/Fujimitsu-saku“ (Possibly a wholesaler's name). In contrast, later production features the blacksmith’s own name, ”健吾作/Kengo-saku“.

2: Seal of Authenticity: The back of this blade features Kengo Usui’s personal seal (a square stamp using archaic seal-script kanji).

3: The Daiya mark: The instruction manual from the “Daiya” provides more detail regarding the mark on the wooden body—a plum blossom enclosing the kanji 'Yu' (祐). This specific mark belongs to Yasuhiro Daiya of Yoita, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture.