Replies

1. 
   Samson | Sep 21, 2005 07:21pm | #1

   For the bailey and stanley, I'd recommend the Lie-Neilsen Stanley replacement blades.  They are the right thickness, meaning they will fit the mouths of the planes with fettling as might be required with thicker blades, and are very high quality.

2. 
   papanick | Sep 21, 2005 07:56pm | #2

   The Lee Valley replacement blades are awesome. A2 steel and 3/32" thick.

   For my 605-1/2 I ordered the 1/8" thick 2-3/8" Lee Valley blade for Veritas planes. Had to refile my adjuster a bit, but whoa. What a cut.

   I have a older Hock in my #3, and a Lee Valley in my #4 and #5.

   I prefer the Lee Valley, but the Hock is also well worth it.

   The older I get, the better I was....

3. 
   DCarr10760 | Sep 21, 2005 08:28pm | #3

   I just finished (last night) restoring my Grandfathers Sargent Smoother.  I used a Hoch 2-inch iron and chipbreaker, designed for a Stanley but they fit fine.

   I'm very impressed with them.  I took a minute to hone the iron and it cuts better than the original iron ever did (Sorry Gramps!).

   David C.

4. 
   CharlieStanford | Sep 21, 2005 08:57pm | #4

   Lie Nielsen - excellent quality and they will fit without any alterations of the plane(s).

5. 
   rporcaro | Sep 22, 2005 06:57am | #5

   My overall top vote is for Lie-Nielsen's A2 cryo blades. The backs lap flat faster than any others I've tried. I don't think A2 gets quite as sharp as L-N's older blades of regular high carbon steel but the difference is awfully subtle. They seem to hold the edge longer but again, it's not a huge difference. But everybody seems hot on A2 lately. 

   The blades that I think get the sharpest are the type of Japanese laminated blades designed for Western planes. Japan Woodworker sells a version. I wish they were a bit thicker though. They dull a bit more precipitously than the A2 blades but if you really want a killer edge for a smoothing plane to finish up your surfaces, it's a good bet. I wet grind at 25* and work to a microbevel at 30*.

   Many good choices are available and with good skills at the sharpening bench I think it's hard to go wrong.

   Good luck.

1. 
   esterroid | Sep 22, 2005 08:49am | #6

   Lots of great suggestions, and fast too! I guess right now I'm leaning towards the hock [did I say hoch before?] irons. I'll ponder the information before I make a final decision.This is a great site!