Abstract: A blade for use in shapers, planers, and the like for the shaping and surface finishing of wood. In contrast to prior art blade shapes wherein a sharpened cutting edge is scraped across the wood resulting in rapid wear of and damage to the blade, the present blade provides a cutting edge which enters the surface of the wood in a shallow chisel-like cutting action. The force on the point is along a line with maximum material behind it to prevent most damage to the cutting. The heel portion of the blade can provide a burnishing action on the surface of the wood so as to eliminate irregularities while, at the same time, resisting any frictional burning of the wood's surface.