Japanese planes

[veneerman]

Can anyone tell if they have any experience using these planes, rather than the more Western styles?

 

[AJB Temple]

although I do use Japanese saws and chisels (and Western) I don't use Japanese planes. The technique is very different and they are not ideal on a western style bench in my experience as I find the pull stroke awkward. I have played around with them in Japan. Like all planes, technique and sharpening is king: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFLt0duNrgc