Thank You Karl Holtey

An interesting e-mail dropped into my inbox yesterday. Across the top of the message was simple written “Karl Holtey.” Knowing that name, I eagerly opened the message. And if you’re mouth juices are beginning to build, you too know that name.

Along with three photos came a short press release about a new addition to the Holtey stable of planes, a limited-edition stainless steel No. 983 block plane.

Of course, Holtey’s planes are also art, which reflects the depth of research and development involved, and the unrivaled standards of design and engineering for which Holtey is famous. “The qualities I was looking for were: simplicity, elegance and above all ease of use. The No. 983 is unusually high at 2-1/2″ overall, with a palm rest that sits very comfortably in the hand, giving a positive drive from the palm without having to pinch the sides too hard. When combined with the feedback provided by the low front finger rest, the result is better control with less fatigue.”

The release goes on to say that, “Block planes are small and versatile so users hold them in many different ways – the No. 983 has a chamfered blade and sides for comfort however it is held. The profile of the sides and the rear cutaway of the lever cap combine to allow easy access to the clamping wheel and adjuster. The curves of the side panels flow nicely to give an elegant retro look.

“Block planes pose particular challenges in blade clamping and adjustment and in the No. 983 these have been the subject of intensive development.  Solutions include a hi-tech friction reducing coating on the adjuster thread, fully machined wheels for much better grip, and a lever cap recess which engages with the bridge to provide stable clamping and a rock solid palm rest.”

The price of the No. 983 is £5,160 price (including a spare blade) – that’s $8,587 USD. Before you balk, remember that the Mona Lisa is considered priceless, and she doesn’t shave anywhere near as close as Holtey plane. We had a number of Hotley planes in the Popular Woodworking shop a few years ago, and while yes, the tools are expensive, they are in all ways top of the line – just gorgeous work on every  level. His web site is holteyplanes.com.

— Glen D. Huey

• Read more about the Holtey planes we were lucky enough to get our hands on years ago, as well as other high-end infills. in this article from Christopher Schwarz: “Test-driving Exotic Infill Handplanes.”