If the shop was ever on fire and I could grab one thing, it would be the K13 prototype. Of all the planes I have made, this is the one I am most proud of, and would be quite comfortable for this to be my small contribution to the planemaking world. The front pad was the biggest departure from the traditional panel plane - It is low and simple. The easiest way to describe the front pad grip is to just plunk your hand down on top of it – that is the grip. Don’t think about the angle of your hand or wrist or where your fingers go – just plunk it down. The chamfer on the cusp catches the thick meaty pad below your thumb giving excellent purchase for maximum forward force and grip for the return stroke. It is a little over 2” tall, so a pinch grip’ for edge jointing is comfortable and intuitive (unlike the traditional panel plane front bun).   

The K13 is a full pound lighter than a typical panel plane. This was achieved by making it more squat and curving the sides (less infill wood and a smaller surface area to the sole, while still maintaining a wide blade). You can also add or reduce weight based on the infill wood you choose – if this is a consideration, be sure to mention it.