I came across this episode of *Samurai Carpenter* this morning and thought others might enjoy a look at some extraordinary hand planing at a competition in Japan.

The shavings look like translucent tissue paper -- and the competitors are able to take a single, full-length shaving from long (maybe 6') stock. The winning shavings are in the 5 micron range (i.e. About 1/5000" thick).

(The "Samurai" carpenter is actually a 6'6" Canadian man from Vancouve Island, but he has long enjoyed Japanese joinery).

You can skip the first 1:56 if you are not interested in observations about airports and hotels.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=339s&v=zs9X-XzFGHI