Zen-Wu Titanium Block Plane

The Zen-Wu Block Plane is a low-angle block plane made almost entirely from titanium alloy. Every metal part is titanium except the dovetailed edge steel in the blade. The palm rest is cocobolo.

Titanium won't rust, stays comfortable in your hand on a cold shop morning, and damps vibration for cleaner shavings. The body is thicker than you'd expect for its size, adding stability and rigidity while staying light and easy to handle.

The adjuster is a simplified take on the classic Norris-style design, with fewer parts. Fine-tune lateral adjustment by tapping the screw head against the bench. Like every Zen-Wu tool, it ships with the blade flat and ready to shave out of the box.

Specifications

• Dimensions (L x W x H): 5-7/8" x 1-9/16" x 2-5/32" (150 x 40 x 55mm)
• Weight: 12.7 oz (360g)
• Bed angle: 12 degrees
• Blade width: 1-1/4" (32mm)
• Body: titanium alloy
• Blade: dovetailed edge steel
• Palm rest: wood

Jonathan's Hot Take

A titanium block plane. Let that sink in for a second. The block plane is the one tool I reach for more than almost anything else, and Zen-Wu went and made the nicest one I've ever held. I really can't ever get over how good their dovetailed blades are. It is razor sharp and flat out of the box. Absolutely a sight to behold.

It's light but not flimsy. That extra-thick body keeps it planted, and the titanium kills chatter, so you get glassy shavings off end grain and chamfers at that 12 degree bed. No rust, no cold-metal shock on a winter morning, no wiping it down every time you leave it on the bench.

The Norris-style adjuster takes a minute to learn. You tap the screw head on the bench to dial in lateral adjustment. Once it clicks, you'll wonder why every plane doesn't work this way. This is a plane you keep in your apron for the rest of your life.