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SUKIARITokyo → World Japanese Hand Plane — 左菊弘 — Kikuhiro, sunpachi 71 mm
A used sunpachi hand plane struck 左菊弘 (Kikuhiro), complete with its sub-blade and wooden block. Found in Japan, sent from Tokyo. Please read the condition notes and review every photograph.
Struck 左菊弘 Sub-blade stamped 重明 Sunpachi 71 mm About this piece A name struck into the steel
The steel carries the mark 左菊弘, cut into the metal rather than printed. Japanese blades carry a mei — the smith's trade name, not his personal name, so the characters will not translate to a person. 左菊弘 (Sakikikuhiro) is the trade name here. The back iron carries a separate mark, 重明. Hard steel is forge-welded to a softer body — the Japanese seller describes that body as wrought iron (rentetsu). The blade is 105 mm overall and 71 mm across near the edge — a sunpachi, the standard finishing size in a Japanese carpenter's kit. The back has been re-ground by the seller and reads bright and even.
Condition Used
This is a used plane and it shows it. There is rust, scratching and staining on the steel and on the block. The sub-blade (ura-gane) carries a different mark, 重明; the seller does not say whether it is this blade's original partner. Adhesive has been applied to the end grain of the block at both ends. Sold as-is. Please review every photograph carefully before purchasing.
Why it's loved Thoughtful in every detail 01 Struck 左菊弘
The maker's mark is cut into the steel. In Japan this is how a smith's hand is recorded on the tool itself — it stays with the blade long after the edge has been sharpened down.
02 Hard steel, soft body
Hard steel is forge-welded to a softer body. This is what lets a Japanese blade take an edge a solid steel blade cannot, and be re-sharpened for decades. The seller describes the body as wrought iron (rentetsu).
03 The back has been re-ground
A Japanese blade is hollowed on its back (urasuki) so only a narrow land meets the stone. This back has been re-ground and is flat and bright — the slow part of bringing an old blade back is already done.
04 Complete, ready to fit
Blade, sub-blade and block together. The block is 268 mm of oi-masa grain with a standard mouth. Expect to true the sole and adjust the bed after it arrives — that is normal for any old plane, and doubly so after a change of climate.
Size Sizes & weight, spelled out Blade, overall length105 mm4.1 in Width near edge71 mmsunpachi Cutting edge width61 mm Steel band50 mmhagane Thickness8 mm head5 mm at shinogi Body metalWrought ironper the seller Block268 × 86 × 34 mmoi-masa, standard mouth Signature左菊弘sub-blade 重明 IncludedBlade + sub-blade + blockcomplete plane ConditionUsedrust & marks present Made inJapan Before you use it
Take the storage rust off with a fine stone before honing — do not grind it away. A block that has crossed an ocean will have moved: check the sole with a straightedge and expect to true it and adjust the bed before the plane cuts properly. Keep it out of direct sun and away from radiators, and wipe the steel with a light oil if it will be stored for a while.
Why SUKIARI Chosen to keep, not to replace
“I pick the ones I'd happily use for the next twenty years myself — then pack them so they arrive feeling given, not just shipped.”
Shunsuke — your curator in Tokyo How we ship Packed with care, from Tokyo
Carefully cushioned and boxed — sent so it reaches you safe and sound.
01Ships from Tokyo
Prepared by hand at our desk in Tokyo, Japan, and cushioned in a rigid box.
02Worldwide delivery
We ship with Japan Post, FedEx, DHL or SpeedPAK — the carrier depends on the item. The exact service, cost and delivery estimate for this listing are shown in the “Shipping and payments” tab.
03 Handling 5 days
Dispatched within 5 business days. Most of the services we use include tracking.
04Combined shipping
Buying more than one? Click “Request total from seller” in your cart before paying for a combined discount.
Duties · Payment · Returns Clear costs, no surprises DDP · Duties paidFor U.S. buyers
Premium DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) included — all import duties & taxes covered. Final cost, no surprises.
International (non-U.S.)
Import duties & taxes are not included and are the buyer's responsibility, per policy.
Payment
All managed payments accepted.
Returns
Returns accepted for 30 days — item must be in original condition. Buyer pays for return shipping.
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