Various (but not all) multi planes, combination planes, and rebate
planes are equipped with a spur.
A spur is a small metal piece, usually circular with a sharp point
/ edge protruding from it which when in use usually sits near the
bottom or the plane at some point in front of the plane blade,
with the point of the spur pointing below the line of the plane
sole.
Spur is sometimes a term used to describe a horned part of a tool,
see
What Is A Tote?
for more info on this description.
The purpose of the spur is to help produce a good cut by preventing tear-out and splintering of the timber on cross-grain work.
As the plane is pushed along the wood, the spur scores / slices the wood just before the plane blade shaves the wood. The slicing / nicking of the wood alters the structure of the surface in a positive way which enables the main plane blade to make an effective smooth cut.
The spur(s) should be kept sharp to ensure they function correctly.
The cutter edge of the spur has a bevel. This bevel is the part
which needs to be sharpened to produce / maintain a sharp edge.
The spur is very small so it can be a little fiddly sharpening the
spur.
One good way of sharpening the spur is by holding the spur with
flat-nose pliers on a work surface and then honing the bevel side
with either a slip stone or a small smooth file.
The opposite smooth side may build up a few burs / small metal
filings which should be removed by lightly running the slip stone
over it. Care should be taken not to form a bevel on the smooth
side when removing any burring.
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