Lie-Nielsen Toolworks has introduced a new spokeshave, the SBS-F. Modeled after a vintage Preston design, this small (6 3/4 in. long) flat-sole bronze shave boasts a hefty 1/8-in.-thick blade. The cap and thumbscrew secure the blade neatly and firmly when finger-tightened, which helps make blade adjustments easy.

With its narrow throat opening, this spokeshave is intended for fine finishing strokes, and it will take feathery, full-width shavings from the edges of rails or tabletops without chattering, even in figured hardwoods. If you enlarge the opening with a file, you can take thicker shavings and give this delicate-looking tool a vigorous workout.

On the downside, whether you push or pull the tool, the loop-style handles don’t provide a good place to tuck your thumbs and forefingers, resulting in a somewhat awkward grip. That said, though, I’d say this is the best flat-sole metal spokeshave on the market.

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