> A fellow, whose name I'd like to get, used a Stanley 41/2 to get some
> incredible shavings. Last year none of the Western planes came near the
> competition. But this one's sole was tuned similarly to Japanese planes.
> There were three points of contact established, the toe, throat front and
> end of the heel. The rest of the sole was scraped to provide the relief
> from contact which are characteristic of Japanese planes. Often wondered
> if you could tune a metal plane like that and get good results, apparently
> you can.

I've seen this done on block planes quite a bit.  Think there's even
an article from FWW that recommends it.  Never tried it myself, but
then I'm happy just not to shave any skin when I'm planing.

-SM-