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Kez 2023 In-Person Event El Cerrito, CA

Kezurou-kai USA 2022 Santa Cruz

Evolution of the Kezurou Contest in Japan

The planing competitions put on by Kezuroukai USA are about improving our skills as woodworkers. Competitors are not competing against each other, as much as they are competing against themselves. There are so many small factors that add up to getting a Kanna to perform at it’s best, and it takes dedication to master these skills. Having a way to gage your progress is very helpful. A thin shaving can tell you everything you need to know about the state of your tool. A blade that can cut a clean 10 micron shaving has no scratch in its edge deeper than 10 microns. Even the size of the throat opening and the flatness of the sole can all be judged in a shaving. Read More …

Kezurou-kai USA is a diverse group of designers, builders, and makers with a deep interest in learning and perpetuating the practice of hand tool woodworking. Much of our inspiration comes from traditional Japanese woodworking, architecture, and construction. Today, Kezurou-kai USA works to support and promote this tradition of excellence by our efforts to introduce, train, and challenge interested individuals who want to make hand tools and techniques central to their work.

Learn more about our Mission, Vision and Values here.


Kezurou-kai USA is an equal opportunity organization and does not discriminate against anyone based on race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, for its board of directors, staff, contractors, volunteers, providers or recipients of service, members, or any member of the public.

Kezuroukai USA is a non-profit educational organization: 501(3)(c) #47-5009584 Donations are tax-exempt.