14. Resources & Further Reading

“A sharp mind should always accompany a sharp blade.”

Barnaby the Owl

After absorbing techniques, tuning tips, and historical context, you might be asking: Where do I go from here? This section curates the best books, videos, forums, and suppliers to guide your ongoing learning and growth in hand tool woodworking.

📚 Recommended Books

These books are essential companions in any woodworker’s library:

• Handplane Essentials by Christopher Schwarz
  A definitive modern text. Detailed, opinionated, and passionate—Schwarz explains planes from every angle, both historical and practical.
• The Essential Woodworker by Robert Wearing
  A foundational guide to hand tool use, this book covers the ‘why’ behind the ‘how’ in traditional woodworking methods.
• The Perfect Edge by Ron Hock
  Dive deep into blade metallurgy, sharpening theory, and edge retention science.
• The Anarchist’s Tool Chest by Christopher Schwarz
  More than a tool list—this manifesto blends philosophy, craftsmanship, and minimalist practicality.
• Planecraft by C.W. Hampton & E. Clifford
  A classic vintage British text with detailed coverage of metal-bodied planes and their applications.

🎥 YouTube Channels & Video Courses

• Paul Sellers: One of the most respected educators in traditional hand tool use. Calm, methodical, and highly instructive.
• Wood and Shop (Josh Farnsworth): Beginner-friendly videos with deep dives into hand tools and shop techniques.
• Renaissance Woodworker (Shannon Rogers): Focuses on hand tool-only woodworking with clear demonstrations and tutorials.
• The English Woodworker (Richard Maguire): Blunt, brilliant, and incredibly efficient—his practical methods are unmatched.
• Matt Estlea – free online courses and projects as well as a very engaging YouTube channel
• Reddit
  • /r/handtools – Helpful and beginner-friendly
  • /r/woodworking – Large, varied community
• Instagram Tags to Follow:
  • #handtoolwoodworking
  • #handplaning
  • #finewoodworking
  • #handtoolsonly