Review on 🪵 Robert Larson Spokeshave 580-1050 Kunz Round Bottom by Todd Atherton

Round bottom shaves like this are a real problem no matter who makes them. I've used some Veritas brands and they will dangle slightly too (it's a lot nicer than this 5x more expensive tool). The real key to any of these is setting it to a very light shave. All the typical things apply (razor sharp blade, flat spine, smooth blade sole and base, good metal contact) but it takes a little time and patience to get this tool working smoothly. Adjust the blade until it stops cutting. Adjust in small steps. Rock the tool back and forth while pulling or pushing to make sure it doesn't cut. I find this tool pulls better - I have more control. Start adjusting the blade down in small increments, remembering to rock the tool back and forth. After all, you will get thin shavings from time to time. From there, all you have to do is use it and adjust the blade in very small increments. It's able to eliminate chatter but requires patience - far more so than any other razor I own. The modification that really helps this tool is the adjustment of the blade to close the mouth. I used a sheet of polycarbonate (clear plastic found at a hardware store) that was .090 thick. Closing the muzzle down reduces the "flatness" from the muzzle face to the blade unless the sole is supported by the wood on both sides - which is probably the case in most cases. Adjustment screws can no longer be used unless the screws in the housing are bent, which is possible. A small brass hammer to adjust the blade also works well.