Chop It Like It’s Hot: Why the Razee Plane is Straight Fire!

As I grow older, I increasingly feel a disconnect from the modern world. New slang terms like “rizz,” “gyatt,” “yeet,” and “skibidi” have become part of the youth's everyday vernacular. In contrast, we woodworkers have our own unique vocabulary, including the term “razee.” While today’s youth might associate “razee” with something being “cool”, it actually refers to a specific type of hand plane. This distinctive tool embodies a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation that truly merits a closer examination.

Definition

The term “razee” is quite perplexing to me, much like the word “skibidi.” A quick Google search reveals that “razee” comes from the French phrase "vaisseau rasé," which translates to "razed ship" or "cut-off ship." Interestingly, it was the British who first implemented the concept of razee ships.

Historically, the warships of the early 18th century era were primarily galleons—large vessels used for trade and transporting supplies. When these galleons were converted into warships, they were strong but cumbersome, making them slow. To enhance their speed and maneuverability, the Royal Navy of Great Britain decided to remove the upper decks. This modification allowed the ships to be lighter and quicker while still retaining the same number of cannons. Eventually, both the French and the Americans adopted this design for their ships, but it was the British who pioneered the idea.

This raises an intriguing question: if the British were the first to develop the concept, why does the term have French origins? But I digress. 

Razee in Woodworking

Although no single individual is credited with the invention of the razee hand plane, it’s easy to imagine that a resourceful shipwright in the past might have conceived the idea of modifying his tools. By removing excess material from his hand plane, he likely discovered a way to enhance its overall performance.

The razee hand plane is a distinctive type of wooden bench plane characterized by a cut-away section at the rear, which lowers the handle (or tote) in relation to the body of the plane. This design results in a lower center of mass, positions the user's hand closer to the workpiece and cutting edge, and generally makes the plane lighter and easier to control compared to standard wooden planes. Here are some advantages of this modification:

Improvements

Improved Control: The lowered handle brings the user's hand closer to the plane's sole and blade, providing more direct control and better balance.

Lighter Weight: Removing material from the rear reduces the plane's weight, which can help minimize fatigue during extended use.

Better Thrust: The alignment of the hand directly behind the cutting edge allows for more efficient application of force.

Popular in Training: Due to their lighter weight and ease of control, razee planes are often favored in schools and training workshops.

My Collection

I must admit, I have several razee-style planes in my collection. While I can't definitively say that they outperform standard wooden planes, I do prefer the feel of using them over traditional models. In fact, my favorite plane from my collection of over 300 is one I found at an antique mall. It appears to have started as a standard wooden plane that someone modified by cutting down the back of the body and adding a handle from a different type of hand plane, effectively transforming it into a razee style. Although there’s no brand name or company stamped on it, the craftsmanship seems too uniform for me to believe it was entirely made by the owner. I suspect the original brand was lost when the back of the body was altered.

For some reason, this hand plane feels the most comfortable to hold and use. It’s lightweight, and the iron produces the finest shavings, resulting in an exceptionally smooth surface. Would I feel the same if it weren’t a razee style? Who knows? What I do love is that one of its previous owners made this alteration. The crude method used to attach the handle suggests that this craftsman prioritized performance over aesthetics, and I completely agree with that approach. I have no intention of altering the appearance of this plane. Its simplicity, almost insignificant in character or style, resonates with me. I truly feel a genuine connection to it.

Final Thoughts

So in summary, if I had to tell today’s youth about owning a Razee hand plane I guess I could say, “Yo, check it! If you wanna get your woodworking skills on fleek, the razee hand plane is straight fire! The GOAT! Trust me bruh, once you vibe with it, you’ll be flexing on your projects like a pro! So, don’t sleep on this tool—it’s gas!”  Mmmmmm, okay, I guess I sound a bit foolish. What I really mean to say is, in other words, I genuinely like it and believe you will too.