Help with Japanese plane comparison

[siavoshb]

Hi folks,
I’m wondering if anyone has any information to help me compare two brands of Japanese planes I’m looking to purchase as a first time Kanna buyer:
Hida tools: 65mm Ishihisa Smoothing Planes ~$200
Ishihisa Smoothing Planes
Tools from Japan: 64mm Koyama basic large plane ~$54 + shipping from Japan
Koyama basic large plane, 64mm. : Tools from Japan, Japanese woodworking tools direct from Japan.
There’s quite a bit of a price difference, and am wondering how different the qualities are if anyone has any experience with either. Also if you recommend another quality brand for a first kanna, I'd be open to that as well. Thanks.

[Sheets]

Hi siavoshb,

I have two of the Koyama. Put a good edge on them and they will do exactly what you want. I bought mine from Lee Valley (which sold them as 60 mm blade only, chip breaker sold separately) in the 1980's. They are still going strong (although I have many other kanna now as well, including some even less expensive which amaze me in what they can do, too).

I'm sure the Ishihisa would perform equally well, but I don't think you would see any gain in performance (as I've been known to say, "performance is in the hands of the user, not the tool").

One of my Koyama (although the logo is different):

[siavoshb]

Thanks Sheets! I wrote to Stuart @ Tools From Japan and he was very informative. I did end up going with the Koyama, it's good to hear that when tuned and mastered they can do an excellent job. Looking forward to postman delivering it

Hi siavoshb,

I have two of the Koyama. Put a good edge on them and they will do exactly what you want. I bought mine from Lee Valley (which sold them as 60 mm blade only, chip breaker sold separately) in the 1980's. They are still going strong (although I have many other kanna now as well, including some even less expensive which amaze me in what they can do, too).

I'm sure the Ishihisa would perform equally well, but I don't think you would see any gain in performance (as I've been known to say, "performance is in the hands of the user, not the tool").

One of my Koyama (although the logo is different):

[Sheets]

I'm glad Schtoo gets the benefit of your decision (so good choice all around).