Mokuchi Studio Episode 15: Andrew Ren
Jul 17, 2025
Andrew Ren, an Ottawa-based woodworker and Kezurou-kai champion, dives into the intricacies of Japanese hand planing. He shares his transformative journey from photography to woodworking, recounts his first experiences at Kezurukai events, and discusses the challenges of using wide planes in competitions. Andrew details the nuances of sharpening blades and the importance of natural stones for achieving ultra-sharp edges. His passion for community support in sourcing materials and connecting with global practitioners through social media adds a rich dimension to his woodworking narrative.
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How A Gift Sparked A New Craft
- Andrew discovered Japanese planes after a friend in Australia shared a shaving image and then gifted a high-end blade.
- That gift launched his deep interest and led him to buy his first kanna in May 2017 and join kuzurukai competitions.
Prioritize Blade Feedback Over Numbers
- Focus on sharpening consistency and blade feedback, not just raw sharpness.
- Seek blades that give vivid sound, pull easily, and feel lively under your palm for enjoyable planing.
Steel Limits The Sharpening Ceiling
- Blade steel and blacksmithing quality limit extreme thinness even with perfect sharpening.
- To reach single-digit micron shavings across a wide blade you need both consistent steel and near-flawless edge integrity.