The Japanese Gennou (Hammer)

[Mike Holbrook]

The Microplane I am referring to is not actually a plane but more of a rasp type tool. They may be as common in cooking as woodworking, used to grate food items like carrots. They have small razor sharp cutting surfaces. I have one that leaves a slightly rough/tacky texture on surfaces. I have used microplanes, Iwasaki, Gramercy and Auriou rasps on: axe,hammer,adze, carving tool...handles to leave a similar surface to the surfaces I find on Gransfors Bruks, Hans Karlsson, Svante Djarv, Swedish "Sloyd" carving tools. I use them after a drawknife and spokeshave rather than sandpaper to retain a rougher surface. I was not sure if a smoother surface might be an advantage with gennou as I have yet to see a handle for these tools left as rough as the Swedish tools often are.

[Stanley Covington]

Mike,

Thanks for clarifying both the tool and the intention. I have Gransfors Bruks hatchet and understand the " beaver gnawed" surface.

I think that would be too much for me, but whatever works best for you.

Stan