I picked up a cheap and cheerful Japanese plane, a small 30mm production made plane.
I've tried it out and it works well as a sort of block plane, and this is how I think it'll spend it's life.
Can I use this plane successfully as it is, with a flat sole? - the way a western style wooden bodied plane would be used?
I've read up on how to condition the plane, and I may do so. But I'm curious to learn what the downside to keeping the sole flat is.
Thanks!