Kanna

Kanna is one of the fundamental tools of Japanese woodworking. In fact it is the most revered carpenters tool in Japan. During an apprenticeship in Japan I learned the history, use, and fabrication of this powerful tool from Toshio Tokunaga, a master of kanna shaping and kanna finish. I now apply the techniques and traditions that he taught me to everything that I make. Since my furniture is made without the aid of machines, kanna are fundamental to every stage of my building process. I craft special wooden bodies for each task, so that I can create pleasant lines and a finish that cannot be matched by any western method. With kanna I am fully able to express my personal identity. Through daily practice I have developed a muscle memory that connects my hand, mind, and tool so that I can sculpt my mental image with the stroke of the kanna.

Kanna is more than just a means of self expression and shaving wood. It is also the best way to waterproof and protect wood. Kanna can extend the life of a board ten fold in comparison to a sanded board. It can sever fibers thinner than human blood cells and this ultimately means an incomparable shine to the surface of the wood, that will last for generations.