Posted 5 years ago
ChaseCan
(35 items)
A recent trade brought into my possession a Wil-Kro Razor Planer. Though apparently common, it's not something I've seen before.
You'll notice two different spellings of the name. On the box, "Wilkro" and on the instructions, "Wil-Kro". I understand the correct spelling is actually "Wil-Kro".
The Little Giant is another Razor Planer that offered 3 positions/tools in one, while the Wil-Kro offers 4 positions/ tools. The various ways to assemble it allow for use on curved and flat surfaces. It uses a double edge razor blade and one was included.
The first image shows the Wil-Kro as I received it. Many are usually missing the smaller part, however this is complete.
The right side of the image shows the original 1942 patent for the Wil-Kro Razor Planer. Changes were made by the time of production to the handle.
The patina you see in the first image is how you'd usually find them. If you've seen my other posts here at CW you know, that "usual" just won't do. So I put a high polish on it so far and the rest of the pics are how it looks now. They also shows two of the four ways you can position the parts and use it. And how it looks now when opening the box. Looks sharp polished up I think you'll agree.
Designed for use by wood workers it's also used by book binders for parring leather from what I've read. There may be other crafts and skill sets that use this type planer as well.
In the one position shown, in looking at it now it has me curious on another possible use.
Though I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to try it, but It does have me wondering on the possibility of using it for a morning shave...
Hmmm...
Or am I brave enough...(?)
Maybe... Maybe not... ;-)
- Cheers -
I have a similar German razor plane.
These are commonly used for trimming inlay, veneer, laminates and also such curved items as violins, guitars etc. For really fine work you need an IBEX or German made unit most usually made of brass. Normally sold as a finger plane.
Yeah, I was wondering what I could actually use this plane for as far as wood is concerned.
Mini planes / Finger planes such as the IBEX's which use a standard plane blade and Razor planes are two different animals from everything I've read and from what I can see.
I presume they have similar uses as far as wood is concerned but the big difference in the Razor plane is that it uses a razor blade. It's appeal is that the razor blades are disposable and rather than sharpening you simply replace the blade.
Jeff Peachy has written a rather extensive extensive post on the various razor planes that have been produced including their history.
He also brings up the differences between the Razor Plane and most other mini planes such as the IBEX and others.
He uses them for parring leather for book binding. He also gives instructions on how to use them for such purpose. For those interested in such a skill just give a quick Google search and it should pull up his posts on Razor Planes as he's written a few parts about them and how to use them in his craft.
Don't remember using mine but once or twice.
"Though I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to try it, but It does have me wondering on the possibility of using it for a morning shave..."
Wrong angle. Razor (for shaving) is 90 degrees to the skin.