asymmetrical planes

[Noah Wagener]

why are planes shorter in front than rear? To keep you from dipping off board at end of stroke? Japanese planes appear to be the opposite.

[Jim Koepke]

Noah,

It seems you have answered your own question.

Japanese planes are pulled rather than pushed, but many times things are what they are because of traditions.

jtk

[Greg Wease]

Take a look at the geometry Lee Valley is using. The throat is moved back so there is more flat in front of the blade--more "symmetrical" than the traditional geometry.