Words 'Sharp', 'Smooth', and 'Stable' written in white text on a black background.

Cut Smarter with Carbide

Traditional Block Planes utilize steel blades to shape the wood.  Hard materials like ebony, GaiaTone, Sonowood and other ebony alternatives can dull blades fast.  With our Carbide blades, block planes can last months carving even the hardest materials without any sharpening.  Each blade is double-sided for double life and with proper equipment they can even be sharpened. They can also be simply replaced.  Carbide is exceptionally strong, and your block plane will be strong and sharp enough for all applications: wood and even aluminum!.

For generations, the art of violin making has relied on skilled hands and keen eyes. We understand the deep respect you have for tradition and the methods passed down through time. Our aim isn't to reinvent your craft, but to offer a subtle enhancement that can make your work just a bit smoother, and your tools even more enduring.

A drawing of a hand planer with labels highlighting features such as durabile, sharp, works on hard materials, consistent, effortless, professional's choice, and affordable. A speech bubble states, 'Carbide inserts are the best...' with a starburst background.
Close-up of a person's hands using a knife and fork to cut a piece of cake with whipped cream.

Introducing Our Steel Plane Blade Holders and Carbide Inserts

Imagine less time spent at sharpening and more time creating. Our Steel Plane Blade Holders and Carbide Inserts are designed to bring a new level of durability and efficiency to your workshop.

What They Are

These aren't new planes, but a clever upgrade for the ones you already cherish. We've crafted stainless steel holders and specialized carbide inserts that fit into your existing Lie-Nielsen and Veritas planes (with more models on the way!). Think of them as giving your trusted plane an incredibly tough, long-lasting edge.

How They Help Your Work

  • Remarkably Durable: Our carbide inserts are exceptionally hard. This means they'll stay sharp for much, much longer than traditional steel blades. You'll find yourself resharpening far less often, saving you valuable time and effort.

  • Effortless Planning: Whether you're working with traditional ebony or newer, harder materials like Sonowood and GaiaTone, these inserts make planing feel remarkably smooth. They glide through even the toughest woods, reducing the strain on your hands and tools.

  • Smart Design: Each insert comes in two parts: an adapter that fits your plane, and a small, replaceable blade. When an edge eventually dulls, you simply flip the blade for a fresh cutting edge, or replace just the small blade, rather than the entire unit. It’s a small change that offers big savings over time.

  • Beyond New Materials: While these inserts excel with harder, alternative materials, they're equally beneficial for all your planing needs. They'll extend the life of your blades and make working with all types of wood a more consistent experience.

Stainless Steel Holder For Lie Nielson /Veritas Planes (Select Plane Below)
$120.00

Note: Please buy the insert separately.

We provide custom carbide inserts and stainless steel holders to make your planes super-hard and super durable! Reducing the need for re-sharpening, these carbide inserts make planing any material, including GaiaTone, a breeze reducing wear and tear on your blades. The insert comes in two parts: an adaptor for the plane, and replaceable blades that can be switched as they dull with minimal expense. Each blade attachment can be flipped for double life! We designed these inserts for use with our GaiaTone material which is very hard, but they are great for all purposes: ebony, Sonowood, GaiaTone, and many other workshop applications. Currently, we have models available for select Lie Nielsen and Veritas planes but we are working to create similar adapters for many more models!

Now Available:Carbide insert resharpening service. Resharpen your carbide inserts for half the cost, extending the life of your cutting tools. Send us your blades, and we'll do the rest.

Stainless Steel Holder For Lie Nielson/Veritas Planes (Bulk Qty. - Select Plane Below)
$550.00

Note: Please buy the insert separately.

We provide custom carbide inserts and stainless steel holders to make your planes super-hard and super durable! Reducing the need for re-sharpening, these carbide inserts make planing any material, including GaiaTone, a breeze reducing wear and tear on your blades. The insert comes in two parts: an adaptor for the plane, and replaceable blades that can be switched as they dull with minimal expense. Each blade attachment can be flipped for double life! We designed these inserts for use with our GaiaTone material which is very hard, but they are great for all purposes: ebony, Sonowood, GaiaTone, and many other workshop applications. Currently, we have models available for select Lie Nielsen and Veritas planes but we are working to create similar adapters for many more models!

Now Available:Carbide insert resharpening service. Resharpen your carbide inserts for half the cost, extending the life of your cutting tools. Send us your blades, and we'll do the rest.

Carbide Insert Sharpening Service
$15.00

Carbide Insert Sharpening Service

Extend the Life of Your Carbide Inserts and Support Sustainability

The cost is per-blade service.

Don't discard your worn carbide inserts! Our professional sharpening service offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to keep your tools performing at their best. We believe in sustainability, and reusing your existing blades is a smart way to minimize waste and maximize your investment.

Why Choose Our Sharpening Service?

  • Sustainability: Reduce waste and contribute to a greener planet by extending the lifespan of your carbide inserts.

  • Cost-Effective: For just $15 per insert, revitalize your tools and avoid the expense of purchasing new ones.

  • Precision Sharpening: Our expert technician ensure precise and consistent sharpening for optimal cutting performance.

  • Convenient Service: Simply send us your inserts, and we'll handle the rest.

How It Works:

  1. Place a Service Request: Initiate your sharpening service by adding service to your cart and placing an online service order request.

  2. Package Your Inserts: Carefully package your carbide inserts for safe transit.

  3. Mail Your Inserts: Send your package to:

V. Richelieu

5 Green Tree Drive, Unit B

South Burlington, Vermont - 05403

  • Expert Sharpening: Our skilled technician will sharpen your inserts to their original cutting edge.

  • Return Shipment: We will return your sharpened inserts promptly.

Invest in sustainability and save money with our carbide insert sharpening service. Place your service request today!

Carbide Double Sided Inserts
$27.00

Note: If you don’t have a holder, please buy the holder separately.

We provide custom carbide inserts and stainless steel holders to make your planes super-hard and super durable! Reducing the need for re-sharpening, these carbide inserts make planing any material, including GaiaTone, a breeze reducing wear and tear on your blades. The insert comes in two parts: an adaptor for the plane, and replaceable blades that can be switched as they dull with minimal expense. Each blade attachment can be flipped for double life! We designed these inserts for use with our GaiaTone material which is very hard, but they are great for all purposes: ebony, Sonowood, GaiaTone, and many other workshop applications. Currently, we have models available for select Lie Nielsen and Veritas planes but we are working to create similar adapters for many more models!

Now Available:Carbide insert resharpening service. Resharpen your carbide inserts for half the cost, extending the life of your cutting tools. Send us your blades, and we'll do the rest.

Lining Clamps - Violin/Viola/Cello
from $40.00

Please allow two weeks for your order to be processed.

Secure and precise instrument making and repair hinges on the right tools. Violin clamps are indispensable for luthiers providing the necessary pressure and stability for glueing. These simple lining clamps are an affordable option that utilizes clever design to offer unique benefits.

  • Free sliding clamping surface adjusts to the angle of the lining offering consistent even clamping pressure.

  • Plastic construction allows movement of the clamp body reducing the likelihood of over-clamping.

  • Large knurled thumbscrew reduces fatigue from clamping full rib structures.

  • Flat inner jaw distributes clamping pressure over a broader area.

  • Gentle curves prevent corners from marring linings or ribs.

  • Two variations, the “Outer Style” has a flat upper platen for use on convex surfaces. The “Inner Style” has both clamping faces curved for use on concave surfaces, especially useful on C-Bouts.

Dimensions:

  • Violin/Viola

    • Jaw Opening: 6.5mm

    • Jaw Depth: 11mm

    • Clamp Width: 9mm

  • Cello

    • Jaw Opening: 9mm

    • Jaw Depth: 16mm

    • Clamp Width: 12mm

The set of 100 includes 80 Outside Model clamps and 20 Inside Model clamps and is ideal for clamping one full violin. You can purchase a full set or in groups of 20.

Carbide Double Sided Inserts (Bulk Qty.)
$125.00

Note: If you don’t have a holder, please buy the holder separately.

We provide custom carbide inserts and stainless steel holders to make your planes super-hard and super durable! Reducing the need for re-sharpening, these carbide inserts make planing any material, including GaiaTone, a breeze reducing wear and tear on your blades. The insert comes in two parts: an adaptor for the plane, and replaceable blades that can be switched as they dull with minimal expense. Each blade attachment can be flipped for double life! We designed these inserts for use with our GaiaTone material which is very hard, but they are great for all purposes: ebony, Sonowood, GaiaTone, and many other workshop applications. Currently, we have models available for select Lie Nielsen and Veritas planes but we are working to create similar adapters for many more models!

Now Available:Carbide insert resharpening service. Resharpen your carbide inserts for half the cost, extending the life of your cutting tools. Send us your blades, and we'll do the rest.