Replies

1. 
   vanderpooch | Sep 12, 2003 05:26am | #1

   John,

   I bought the new Boggs spokeshave from Brian this summer while taking a chairmaking class in Santa Fe. I can say for certain it is the nicest shave I have ever used.

   The mouth is tight with a cap iron that is well fit and acts as a chipbreaker. The blade is excellent A2 steel. Mine was dead flat.

   The handle are low and the tool hugs the work.

   Basically, Brian has thought of every aspect that could have an impact on cut quality and dealt with it accordingly. I have never been pleased with the quality of the record/stanley 151 shaves. Their handle shape was wrong, in my opinion, and in the wrong plane to control the tool.

   My second favorite shave is an old stanley #53 with adjustable mouth and straight handles.

   Basically, you can't go wrong with the Boggs shave. I think it's money well spent.

   -Kit

2. 
   SparrowHawk | Sep 12, 2003 01:16pm | #2

   Hi John,

   I second the Boggs spokeshave from LN. My opinion isn't based on extensive comparison with other spokeshaves, but the quality is readily apparent when you pick it up and once adjusted the shavings are nearly effortless to make. The tool feels right in your hand. While it is significantly more expensive than others I have always felt that a quality tool will last the rest of my life and if I break down the cost over the course of many years it's hard to rationalize pinching a few bucks. When I add in the pleasure of using it compared to the frustration and sometimes the extra work a lower quality tool can create ... well, speaking only for myself, I won't miss it within a few weeks anyway so I'll spend the money.

   Be safe,
   Ken

3. 
   AlanTurner | Sep 12, 2003 05:01pm | #3

   John,

   I have the radius sole Boggs, and love it.  The mouth is tight, too tight for large stock removal.  I used it to clean up 8 cabriole legs, and it became my good friend by the end of the day.  Next, I will make a shave from one of the tanged blades from Ron Hock.  Can't wait.

   Alan

4. 
   bjpearce | Sep 13, 2003 03:58am | #4

   John

   Just to go against convention, I have the Veritas, and it's great.

   I havn't used any others, so I can't compare, but for me it's sturdy, simple and really effective.

   Ben.

5. 
   jazzdogg | Sep 13, 2003 07:39pm | #5

   John,

   One of the classes I'm taking this semester involves making a two-slat ladderback using hand tools. Our college woodworking instructor reviewed the Lee-Valley/Veritas and the Boggs 'shaves just last week, after which, we used them both to shave red oak.

   The consensus was: the boggs 'shave was superb, and the Lee-Valley Veritas couldn't stand up to the comparison - comparatively uncomfortable in hand, handles too high above cutter for good balance.

   Good luck,
   Paul