All of our products are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. I will do whatever it takes to make you happy with your Knight-Toolworks product. It’s my personal promise! - Steve Knight
What people are saying about Knight Toolworks products!
Comments
41 Comments
admin
Well, got my first Steve Knight plane today; a smoother. Just happened to have a rough, resawn piece of purple heart laying around and put the plane to work right outta the box. zzzzzippp. zzzzziippp. I went from rough sawn to shiny smooth in no time flat. But this wasn’t good enough so I said a fleeting goodbye to my wife, jumped in the car, and zoomed over to Phil Andersons house. Caught him in “lazy clothes” but after I showed him the plane, I was amazed at how fast a set of shop keys showed up. Out of his stock pile came a piece of cherry that had really weird grain, and had been split, not cut. A few minutes later and it to was ready for a wax finish. We pulled a few of Phil’s other planes out of the drawer for comparison, but they seemed to be having an off day I went to your place too Gary, but you weren’t there… Very nice Steve, thanks for an heirloom, it’s already filled the spot on the shelf I left for it.
“I don’t profess to know anything about planes. I have only ever used an
old cheap Stanley for rounding over some edges on pine. Needing a smoothing
plane, I was looking around as to what I should buy. Stanley does not seem
to be very good, Record, maybe a bit better, Clifton and Lie-Nielson very
good, but also expensive.
I’ve known Steve Knight over the internet for a few years and his planes
have gotten good reviews and the price is OK, so I ordered a coffin shaped
smoother. With no benchmark for comparison, I still had no idea if it was
good by comparison. I did buy a marking knife and it is nice so I figured
the planes are good also. I’m taking a Woodcraft class and needed (wanted?)
the plane for smoothing some cherry.
So, off to class I go. The plane was a bit of an eye catcher as few of the
students have seen a wood plane, especially in purpleheart. The instructor
also saw it and had to take a look. My response was, “give it a try Bob.”
Now, this is a fellow that teaches furniture making, has many planes at his
disposal and personal collection, (including the above mentioned
Lie-Nielsons) and knows great tools from crap. He took a piece of stock,
took a few strokes and just said “wow!.” He then told me that they use
scrapers in the class as the planes are not easily kept in good enough
condition for proper smoothing. He told me to use mine as it was superior
to anything the class had and it will do a great job. It did.
Yes, I made the right choice.
BTW,. if you are new at woodworking, the Woodcraft classes are great. I
learned many techniques and build my confidence to try new projects.
“I received the plane yesterday. I had it working (correctly that is) in about 10 mins – very nice. I’ve never had a plane set-up that fast. You should take this as a complement because I honestly know a good plane when I use one and I’m way too fussy. Thanks again.”
“I was in the market for a good quality hand plane, I have Stanley and Record current models, I was going to purchase a Lie-Nielsen but had trouble justifying all that money. Saw some great comments on your plnes, so your posts and knew that your information was always helpful, so I took a chance bought one and I am more than pleased with the finish plane.”
Harvey Klene
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
admin
“Not only can this tool produce a superbly smooth finish, there’s a certain indescribable pleasure to be found working in a natural setting — floating little whisper thin shavings thru the air and hearing only the breeze blowing through the trees.”
“I received my plane yesterday afternoon. It is exactly what I wanted! A nice small smoother, between a smooth plane and a block plane in size that I could even use one-handed if I want. It is beautifully tuned and worked well right out of the box.”
Mark Blumer
East Lansing, MI
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
admin
“I am by nature skeptic, and had my doubts, figuring that everything has already been done when it comes to planes. However, I can honestly say that I will turn to the Knight smoother when I come up against woods that defy my other planes.”
Chuck Vance
Conan the Librarian
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
admin
“The [Knight] marking knife has just the right weight to it. I have a Veritas double bevel and believe me your’s blows their’s away.”
Stuart
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
admin
“It’s a fun plane to use, and my daughter was fascinated by it.”
Carl
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
admin
“I finally got to really use your jack plane for an extended period of time this weekend. I have an old redwood dining table that has been on sitting on our rear deck for five years. You can imagine the shape it was in. My first thought was to attack the top with the belt sander. I tore a belt in the first minute when it caught a protruding edge. Then it dawned on me – unplug the power and try your new planes stupid. I must tell you that it was a wonderful experience. It took about two hours and when I was finished I was standing ankle deep in beautiful thin shavings. I have never used a wooden plane before. I am amazed how much easier it was to use compared to my Stanley. It can be used from almost any position in any direction.”
Peter
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
admin
“I recently returned home from a business trip to find a box with a return address of Knight-Toolworks…. my anxiously awaited spoon bottom plane had arrived!”
“I had made contact with Steve several weeks ago and we worked out the specifications for my plane via several email exchanges. He was very helpful with the design. I had a general idea of what I wanted… he helped me fine tune the details. I placed my order and started counting the days.”
“First impressions… My god, what a heavy iron. I’ve been using various Stanley models, this thing’s a monster next to them. The plane had a wonderful heft… the exotic woods make for a nice show also. Even came with the cute little shavings still in the mouth.”
“Of course.. what really matters is how it cuts. I took it down stairs without bothering to read the care and feeding instructions… put some oak in the vise and started cutting. Before long, a glassy smooth hollow had formed in the oak (exactly why I wanted a spoon bottom plane. I was thrilled.”
“Put some poplar in the vise… nice and smooth. I wanted to see just how well it cut, so I planed very close to an oak knot. The grain was quite wild in this area–again, nice smooth cut.”
“I haven’t even bothered to touch up the blade yet. I’m already exchanging email with Steve about my next purchase… ”
Mike
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
admin
“In sum- C & W – simply unbelievable someone can produce such a great traditional coffin smoother. The Knight is incredible for the diference approach and the value. If you need a smoother ( my previous smmother was a $30.00 Record) I would wholeheartly reccomend either one.”
Barry D.
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
admin
“A Real Panel-Raiser! The iron sets like it knows where you want it. I love the knicker (no far edge tear outs!”
Greg
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
admin
“End result – I LIKE this plane, and for 3/8 straight dados, no more pulling out the router and jigging it or using the tablesaw for me! This is cleaner, quieter, faster, and ultimately more satisfying (not to mention the exercise !
So, Steve, looks like you’ve done it again! Thank you very much! Now about those other planes I want …
(thus begins the long slide…)”
Jim
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
admin
A semi-negative poster wrote “Okay, the plane looks like a dog made by an amateur, but how does it perform? I tried it on real-life maple and cherry pieces that I’m working on that other planes caused terrible tearout. Results? Unbelievable. Zero tearout. I can now attack the wood from either direction without causing tearout. It brought tears of happiness to my eyes.”
“I have all these beautiful, expensive smoothing planes on my shelf along with the one dog (it even barks), but I now reach for the ugliest plane of the bunch. I think I’ll nickname it “Rover”.”
nospam
poster anonymous
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
admin
“I don’t know about Steve, but that was a “good” review. Sure there were some negatives but look at the last “he picks the ugly one to do the job.” I, too, have some beautiful planes that I keep polished for the sight seers, but I use Steve’s plane. Plain and simple.”
“A very good looking and useful tool. I think I paid less than for a used #40 on ebay and certainly less than the LN scrub. I’m very glad that I opted to give Steve’s version a try. I’ve already ordered my next Knight plane but it is a super double secret development model that I’ll let Steve tell you about.”
“I really liked the Knight iron. 1/4″ thick, and almost Scary Sharp out of the box, it took and kept its edge very well whether making panels in pine or black cherry.The Knight plane is considerably heavier than the Robbins planes, and I believe this is a clear advantage.”
“The new smoother arrived today. This is enough to convert one into a Neanderthal.”
Ed Wilson
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
admin
“The plane arrived today and looks great. As we used to say when I was younger, ‘It’s wicked good.’ ”
Walt Bruning
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
admin
“Today I picked up the plane I got from you through E-bay. I couldn’t wait to try it. I ran it over a mahogany board and compared the results.
When I took the plane out of the box my wife, who has never seen a wood body plane, said “it looks sort of primitive.” I reminded her that when we bought a Mercedes sedan in 1962 (there were only 8000 in the U.S. at that time) people commented on how old fashioned it looked. Well, the Mercedes did the job it was intended to do flawlessly for 20 years and I expect this plane to do the same.”
“I just received Steve’s marking knife—made for a larger hands grip—double ended ‘cutters’ and this tool is incredible…fit and finish are super…and sharp as h*ll, too…”
Joe DiPietro
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
admin
“After seeing your work, I am abandoning the idea of building my own planes.”
Mike Emmerson
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
admin
“It pealed shavings off that literally floated to the floor like down. I am totally delighted with this new toy. Thank you.”
Mark Blumer
East Lansing, MI
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
admin
“Your planes are a world apart, especially in how fine a shaving they can produce without tearout.”
“Only $75 for this Plane? This is really a nice little plane and it has earned a place in the cabinet over my bench where I keep my most often used planes (right next to the C&W). I am extremely happy with this plane and wholeheartedly recommend that anyone wanting to try a woody, or add to their wooden plane selection, give Steve’s planes a good look.”
R.J. Whelan
Posted on Neanderthal Haven
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
admin
“The next time I need a new plane, you’re getting a call! Thank you again for another amazing plane! I will be doing business with you again.”
Matt Ertle
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
admin
“Hi Steve, Sorry I haven’t gottn back to you sooner: blew out my back putting a damn sauces in the dishwasher. Go figure. Anyhow, I have had the chance to get out in the shop and shove the plane around some, but only for short times. Here are my thoughts:
This plane is attractive, carefully/solidly constructed with the user in mind. In other words, it feels great in your hands and adjusts very smoothly. The blade is solid and takes a scary edge very quickly. Unlike many blades that sharpen quickly, this one holds its edge well. However, that is all secondary to how it planes.
The adjustable throat, smooth adjustment and comfortable feel make taking a transparent curl out of red oak easy. In other words, I like it better than my ~1920 Stanley #4 with a Hock blade. I have a new primary smoother.
Thanks, Steve. I might be in touch about a 60 degree plane in the near future… I have to let my back heal and my wife loosen up about my spending. You understand.”
Will Schweinle
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
admin
Hello Steve, the plane was waiting for me when I checked in to my hotel last
Monday night. I didn’t get home until yesterday, so was unable to try it
until then. I must say I am very pleased with it. I went out and grabbed the
first piece of wood that I found and took swipe at it. Worked nicely, but
then found out it was cedar, well a butter knife can plane cedar :^) … The
next piece I grabbed was a piece of hard maple, fantastic results!!! And
this was without honing the blade at all (though I noticed that you’ve
pretty well completed this for me). I can only imagine what I’ll get when I
have the chance to Scary Sharpen it.
I recently had the chance to try out someone’s old German style hand plane
and thought it cut great and the wood on wood feel was fantastic. I was
hoping that I would get the same feel with your plane and I found that it
cut even better than the other woodie that I had tried. I’ll be putting in
an order for a panel raising plane sometime in the new year.
Thanks again for the fantastic plane and have a Merry Christmas!
Steven McKinley
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
admin
Steve,
I received my order on Thursday, but had to travel over the weekend so I
couldn’t try it all out until this evening. The two finish planes are
absolutely glorious! Both the 45 degree and 50 degree planes made short work
of some wild-grained red oak I’ve been fussing with. I love that they’re
sharp and well tuned right out of the box! I made shavings so thin that they
took twelve minutes to flutter to the shop floor. Ok, maybe it just seemed
that long… I took them to Tampa to show them off to my father-in-law. Big
mistake, now I have to have one made for his birthday.
I was very pleasantly surprised at the heft of the 24″ lacewood backed
straightedge. It’s absolutely straight, and the thick steel you made it from
leaves no doubt about it staying that way.
The 10″ marking/cutting knife is impressively sharp. I didn’t really realize
it was going to be that large, but now that I’ve had a chance to use it I
can’t imagine the workshop without it.
All of the tools are as good or better than advertised, and should easily
outlast their new owner.
Let me end by saying that your growing reputation as a quality tool maker is
well deserved. Thanks for the great tool
Steve -
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
admin
I got a chance today to give the smoother a trial run
although not a thorough workout.
IT’S GREAT !
I really don’t see how you’re able to produce such a
nice working tool without having had 50 years or so
experience.
I’m very pleased.
Gotta try it on some really gnarly stuff tomorrow, but
what I’ve done today is proof enough that it’s a wonderful
plane.
Fore ya know it I’ll be back at you for another one.
Cheers,
John
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
admin
Steve, my new infill (#4) arrived today. It came in perfect condition, just
in time for the very first activity in my brand new workshop. I just took a
shaving with it, and it’s fantastic! I never thought I’d be able to own and
use a tool of this quality. The authority behind its 5+ pounds is very
reassuring, and the hefty blade just sails through the wood. The first
shaving I took was on a piece of cherry the full width of the infill blade,
and it was perfect. Of course, I realize cherry isn’t much of a challenge
for this plane, but I didn’t have any cocobolo or purpleheart lying around.
I planed the wood in the opposite direction, and the shaving was just as
good. Grain direction just isn’t an issue with this tool.
I’ll probably have more to say later, once I get to put the infill through
its paces, but I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am. This plane is
an outstanding value.
Clayton
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
admin
Infill Smoother #3 arrived this afternoon. What a great tool! I have not
played with it enough yet, but I had to plane some beech and then some real
hard, knarly wood that I think is elm (I bought it at an estate sale). It
has wonderful knots and is as hard as any wood I have seen. The plane slid
right through the knots. Real knots, with splits. There was some tear-out
where the plane cut against the grain, but I did nothing to try to minimize
the tear-out, and it was very insignificant.
This plane is beautiful. And it is HEAVY and STEADY. It glides through the
board. A completely different feel from the beech smoother, which seems to
glide across whether than through the wood.
Let me know about the bolt in the back. Is it an adjustment knob that I can
tap? (I haven’t yet read the care and feeding instructions, but I will
later tonight, and I won’t bang anything until I know what I’m doing.) As
you can see, I haven’t played with the plane much.
After looking at the Lee Valley smoother design last night, I appreciate all
the more the simple, rock-steady design of an integral wood bed. Screw the
frogs. Your planes use the best technology, and your designs are very fine.
I will take the infill in for show and tell tomorrow morning at the Arts
Center woodshop. It is sure to cause a stir.
Thank you. Let me know about the bolt in the back.
Jess Askew III
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
admin
Steve,
I could have done this email, but felt the public forum was a better
place…
I got home Saturday from a conference in the US where I had your custom
jack plane (dual throat and blade, that we decided on after you gave me
some superb advice). Tonight was the first time I could actually use the
tool.
I’m absolutely delighted.
The first test was leveling my workbench top. I built it by laminating
maple T&G flooring over a solid core door.
That means, of course, that the grain is running in different
directions, in varying lengths, with knots and curly figure here and
there.
The plane treated it like it was a block of cheddar cheese.
I’ve never used a wooden plane before, and after I’d levelled the bench
to to my satisfaction (about 20 minutes for a 78 x 26 benchtop), I
decided to switch throats and blades.
It took me about 5 minutes to get the blade in place and adjusted
properly with my trusty wooden mallet (Grampa’s mallet, actually).
Swish, swish, swish… more curly shavings.
Switching back and adjusting toook me about 3 minutes.
This plane is a great pleasure to work with. Thanks for your advice,
your accomodating me on shipping methods, and your superb craftsmanship.
Did I say I was delighted?
Dave Balderstone
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:17 am
admin
Steve,
You probably get tired of hearing your praises sung here on the ‘Net, but
here we go again. I received the bloodwood infill yesterday that you made,
and I spent this evening working with it. It is as functional as it is
beautiful. The curves fit my hands quite nicely, and the heft makes planing
smooth and almost effortless. Admittedly I did not have to heft that beast
around for hours or I might have different views about it’s weight, but it
moves gracefully thru the cherry scrap that I was using. The blade was set
and sharp, ready for planing right out of the box. A beautiful job. The only
point that slightly detracts from the grace of the plane is the hexhead bolt
that is used for the strikeplate on the back of the plane. I’m sure it’s
perfectly functional, but something a little more aesthetic would have been
better. Perhaps your machinist friend could machine a small panhead bolt
that would look better? In any event, that is a triviality. Your planecraft
is superb, and I want every ‘wrecker to hear what an outstanding plane your
infill really is!!
–
Wendell Pahls, MD
Emergency Medicine…
Preventing Natural Selection one patient at a time.
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:17 am
NICK URQUHART
Bought an Anniversary 24″ Purpleheart razee jointer back in 2003 for a very undervalued price on Ebay. Even though i ended up paying UK customs duty, i have absolutely no reservations saying that it is one of the most highly performing, cherished and great value planes that i own. It has been used regularly for 7 years, mostly in traditional planemaking, with only one minor sole retuning during the very wet winter/spring of 2008. It took about a month for it to fully pay for itself. I can say, with total confidence, that it continues to be the first plane for which i reach, when i come up against difficult grain or just when i want to relax and make some fluffy shavings. It gave me my first real experience of what a properly tuned wood plane is capable of, and for that gift, i thank Steve sincerely. All the best, Nick, UK
Comment by NICK URQUHART on July 22, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Comments
Well, got my first Steve Knight plane today; a smoother. Just happened to have a rough, resawn piece of purple heart laying around and put the plane to work right outta the box. zzzzzippp. zzzzziippp. I went from rough sawn to shiny smooth in no time flat. But this wasn’t good enough so I said a fleeting goodbye to my wife, jumped in the car, and zoomed over to Phil Andersons house. Caught him in “lazy clothes” but after I showed him the plane, I was amazed at how fast a set of shop keys showed up. Out of his stock pile came a piece of cherry that had really weird grain, and had been split, not cut. A few minutes later and it to was ready for a wax finish. We pulled a few of Phil’s other planes out of the drawer for comparison, but they seemed to be having an off day
I went to your place too Gary, but you weren’t there… Very nice Steve, thanks for an heirloom, it’s already filled the spot on the shelf I left for it.
Rob
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:11 am
“Nice, fine curlies right out of the box.”
Russ Ellsworth
russcwvREMOVE@cyberhighway.net
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:12 am
“After working with the woodie, there is NO NEED TO SAND!
Just wanted to let you know that I very pleased with my woodie!”
James
JRog2102REMOVE@aol.com
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:12 am
“The cuts she took were superb and even, right through some areas the Lie Neilsen tool could not do! Your tools are Superb!”
Frank Filippone
red735iREMOVE@earthlink.net
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:12 am
“I don’t profess to know anything about planes. I have only ever used an
old cheap Stanley for rounding over some edges on pine. Needing a smoothing
plane, I was looking around as to what I should buy. Stanley does not seem
to be very good, Record, maybe a bit better, Clifton and Lie-Nielson very
good, but also expensive.
I’ve known Steve Knight over the internet for a few years and his planes
have gotten good reviews and the price is OK, so I ordered a coffin shaped
smoother. With no benchmark for comparison, I still had no idea if it was
good by comparison. I did buy a marking knife and it is nice so I figured
the planes are good also. I’m taking a Woodcraft class and needed (wanted?)
the plane for smoothing some cherry.
So, off to class I go. The plane was a bit of an eye catcher as few of the
students have seen a wood plane, especially in purpleheart. The instructor
also saw it and had to take a look. My response was, “give it a try Bob.”
Now, this is a fellow that teaches furniture making, has many planes at his
disposal and personal collection, (including the above mentioned
Lie-Nielsons) and knows great tools from crap. He took a piece of stock,
took a few strokes and just said “wow!.” He then told me that they use
scrapers in the class as the planes are not easily kept in good enough
condition for proper smoothing. He told me to use mine as it was superior
to anything the class had and it will do a great job. It did.
Yes, I made the right choice.
BTW,. if you are new at woodworking, the Woodcraft classes are great. I
learned many techniques and build my confidence to try new projects.
–
Ed
espREMOVE@snet.net
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
“I received the plane yesterday. I had it working (correctly that is) in about 10 mins – very nice. I’ve never had a plane set-up that fast. You should take this as a complement because I honestly know a good plane when I use one and I’m way too fussy. Thanks again.”
Russ
russ.ramirezREMOVE@att.net
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
“I was in the market for a good quality hand plane, I have Stanley and Record current models, I was going to purchase a Lie-Nielsen but had trouble justifying all that money. Saw some great comments on your plnes, so your posts and knew that your information was always helpful, so I took a chance bought one and I am more than pleased with the finish plane.”
Harvey Klene
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
“Not only can this tool produce a superbly smooth finish, there’s a certain indescribable pleasure to be found working in a natural setting — floating little whisper thin shavings thru the air and hearing only the breeze blowing through the trees.”
Gary
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
“This is the hands down the best plane I own.”
Steve
wic-engREMOVE@swbell.net
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
“I received my plane yesterday afternoon. It is exactly what I wanted! A nice small smoother, between a smooth plane and a block plane in size that I could even use one-handed if I want. It is beautifully tuned and worked well right out of the box.”
Mark Blumer
East Lansing, MI
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
“I am by nature skeptic, and had my doubts, figuring that everything has already been done when it comes to planes. However, I can honestly say that I will turn to the Knight smoother when I come up against woods that defy my other planes.”
Chuck Vance
Conan the Librarian
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
“The [Knight] marking knife has just the right weight to it. I have a Veritas double bevel and believe me your’s blows their’s away.”
Stuart
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
“It’s a fun plane to use, and my daughter was fascinated by it.”
Carl
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:13 am
“I finally got to really use your jack plane for an extended period of time this weekend. I have an old redwood dining table that has been on sitting on our rear deck for five years. You can imagine the shape it was in. My first thought was to attack the top with the belt sander. I tore a belt in the first minute when it caught a protruding edge. Then it dawned on me – unplug the power and try your new planes stupid. I must tell you that it was a wonderful experience. It took about two hours and when I was finished I was standing ankle deep in beautiful thin shavings. I have never used a wooden plane before. I am amazed how much easier it was to use compared to my Stanley. It can be used from almost any position in any direction.”
Peter
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
“I recently returned home from a business trip to find a box with a return address of Knight-Toolworks…. my anxiously awaited spoon bottom plane had arrived!”
“I had made contact with Steve several weeks ago and we worked out the specifications for my plane via several email exchanges. He was very helpful with the design. I had a general idea of what I wanted… he helped me fine tune the details. I placed my order and started counting the days.”
“First impressions… My god, what a heavy iron. I’ve been using various Stanley models, this thing’s a monster next to them. The plane had a wonderful heft… the exotic woods make for a nice show also. Even came with the cute little shavings still in the mouth.”
“Of course.. what really matters is how it cuts. I took it down stairs without bothering to read the care and feeding instructions… put some oak in the vise and started cutting. Before long, a glassy smooth hollow had formed in the oak (exactly why I wanted a spoon bottom plane.
I was thrilled.”
“Put some poplar in the vise… nice and smooth. I wanted to see just how well it cut, so I planed very close to an oak knot. The grain was quite wild in this area–again, nice smooth cut.”
“I haven’t even bothered to touch up the blade yet. I’m already exchanging email with Steve about my next purchase…
”
Mike
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
“In sum- C & W – simply unbelievable someone can produce such a great traditional coffin smoother. The Knight is incredible for the diference approach and the value. If you need a smoother ( my previous smmother was a $30.00 Record) I would wholeheartly reccomend either one.”
Barry D.
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
“A Real Panel-Raiser! The iron sets like it knows where you want it. I love the knicker (no far edge tear outs!”
Greg
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
“End result – I LIKE this plane, and for 3/8 straight dados, no more pulling out the router and jigging it or using the tablesaw for me! This is cleaner, quieter, faster, and ultimately more satisfying (not to mention the exercise
!
So, Steve, looks like you’ve done it again! Thank you very much! Now about those other planes I want …
(thus begins the long slide…)”
Jim
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
A semi-negative poster wrote “Okay, the plane looks like a dog made by an amateur, but how does it perform? I tried it on real-life maple and cherry pieces that I’m working on that other planes caused terrible tearout. Results? Unbelievable. Zero tearout. I can now attack the wood from either direction without causing tearout. It brought tears of happiness to my eyes.”
“I have all these beautiful, expensive smoothing planes on my shelf along with the one dog (it even barks), but I now reach for the ugliest plane of the bunch. I think I’ll nickname it “Rover”.”
nospam
poster anonymous
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
“I don’t know about Steve, but that was a “good” review. Sure there were some negatives but look at the last “he picks the ugly one to do the job.” I, too, have some beautiful planes that I keep polished for the sight seers, but I use Steve’s plane. Plain and simple.”
John Lucas
http://www.woodshopdemos.com/
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
“A very good looking and useful tool. I think I paid less than for a used #40 on ebay and certainly less than the LN scrub. I’m very glad that I opted to give Steve’s version a try. I’ve already ordered my next Knight plane but it is a super double secret development model that I’ll let Steve tell you about.”
David Mathias
http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/~dmath/wood-main.html
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:14 am
“I really liked the Knight iron. 1/4″ thick, and almost Scary Sharp out of the box, it took and kept its edge very well whether making panels in pine or black cherry.The Knight plane is considerably heavier than the Robbins planes, and I believe this is a clear advantage.”
Greg Bétit
gbetitREMOVE@aisvt.bfg.com
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
“The new smoother arrived today. This is enough to convert one into a Neanderthal.”
Ed Wilson
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
“The plane arrived today and looks great. As we used to say when I was younger, ‘It’s wicked good.’ ”
Walt Bruning
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
“Today I picked up the plane I got from you through E-bay. I couldn’t wait to try it. I ran it over a mahogany board and compared the results.
When I took the plane out of the box my wife, who has never seen a wood body plane, said “it looks sort of primitive.” I reminded her that when we bought a Mercedes sedan in 1962 (there were only 8000 in the U.S. at that time) people commented on how old fashioned it looked. Well, the Mercedes did the job it was intended to do flawlessly for 20 years and I expect this plane to do the same.”
Don Braunstein
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
“It’s a Beaut!”
Old Tools
oldtoolsREMOVE@www3.law.CORNELL.EDU
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
“I just received Steve’s marking knife—made for a larger hands grip—double ended ‘cutters’ and this tool is incredible…fit and finish are super…and sharp as h*ll, too…”
Joe DiPietro
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
“After seeing your work, I am abandoning the idea of building my own planes.”
Mike Emmerson
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
“It pealed shavings off that literally floated to the floor like down. I am totally delighted with this new toy. Thank you.”
Mark Blumer
East Lansing, MI
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
“Your planes are a world apart, especially in how fine a shaving they can produce without tearout.”
Christopher S. Swingley
cswingleREMOVE@iarc.uaf.edu
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:15 am
“Only $75 for this Plane? This is really a nice little plane and it has earned a place in the cabinet over my bench where I keep my most often used planes (right next to the C&W). I am extremely happy with this plane and wholeheartedly recommend that anyone wanting to try a woody, or add to their wooden plane selection, give Steve’s planes a good look.”
R.J. Whelan
Posted on Neanderthal Haven
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
“The next time I need a new plane, you’re getting a call! Thank you again for another amazing plane! I will be doing business with you again.”
Matt Ertle
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
“Hi Steve, Sorry I haven’t gottn back to you sooner: blew out my back putting a damn sauces in the dishwasher. Go figure. Anyhow, I have had the chance to get out in the shop and shove the plane around some, but only for short times. Here are my thoughts:
This plane is attractive, carefully/solidly constructed with the user in mind. In other words, it feels great in your hands and adjusts very smoothly. The blade is solid and takes a scary edge very quickly. Unlike many blades that sharpen quickly, this one holds its edge well. However, that is all secondary to how it planes.
The adjustable throat, smooth adjustment and comfortable feel make taking a transparent curl out of red oak easy. In other words, I like it better than my ~1920 Stanley #4 with a Hock blade. I have a new primary smoother.
Thanks, Steve. I might be in touch about a 60 degree plane in the near future… I have to let my back heal and my wife loosen up about my spending. You understand.”
Will Schweinle
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
Hello Steve, the plane was waiting for me when I checked in to my hotel last
Monday night. I didn’t get home until yesterday, so was unable to try it
until then. I must say I am very pleased with it. I went out and grabbed the
first piece of wood that I found and took swipe at it. Worked nicely, but
then found out it was cedar, well a butter knife can plane cedar :^) … The
next piece I grabbed was a piece of hard maple, fantastic results!!! And
this was without honing the blade at all (though I noticed that you’ve
pretty well completed this for me). I can only imagine what I’ll get when I
have the chance to Scary Sharpen it.
I recently had the chance to try out someone’s old German style hand plane
and thought it cut great and the wood on wood feel was fantastic. I was
hoping that I would get the same feel with your plane and I found that it
cut even better than the other woodie that I had tried. I’ll be putting in
an order for a panel raising plane sometime in the new year.
Thanks again for the fantastic plane and have a Merry Christmas!
Steven McKinley
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
Steve,
I received my order on Thursday, but had to travel over the weekend so I
couldn’t try it all out until this evening. The two finish planes are
absolutely glorious! Both the 45 degree and 50 degree planes made short work
of some wild-grained red oak I’ve been fussing with. I love that they’re
sharp and well tuned right out of the box! I made shavings so thin that they
took twelve minutes to flutter to the shop floor. Ok, maybe it just seemed
that long… I took them to Tampa to show them off to my father-in-law. Big
mistake, now I have to have one made for his birthday.
I was very pleasantly surprised at the heft of the 24″ lacewood backed
straightedge. It’s absolutely straight, and the thick steel you made it from
leaves no doubt about it staying that way.
The 10″ marking/cutting knife is impressively sharp. I didn’t really realize
it was going to be that large, but now that I’ve had a chance to use it I
can’t imagine the workshop without it.
All of the tools are as good or better than advertised, and should easily
outlast their new owner.
Let me end by saying that your growing reputation as a quality tool maker is
well deserved. Thanks for the great tool
Steve -
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
I got a chance today to give the smoother a trial run
although not a thorough workout.
IT’S GREAT !
I really don’t see how you’re able to produce such a
nice working tool without having had 50 years or so
experience.
I’m very pleased.
Gotta try it on some really gnarly stuff tomorrow, but
what I’ve done today is proof enough that it’s a wonderful
plane.
Fore ya know it I’ll be back at you for another one.
Cheers,
John
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
Steve, my new infill (#4) arrived today. It came in perfect condition, just
in time for the very first activity in my brand new workshop. I just took a
shaving with it, and it’s fantastic! I never thought I’d be able to own and
use a tool of this quality. The authority behind its 5+ pounds is very
reassuring, and the hefty blade just sails through the wood. The first
shaving I took was on a piece of cherry the full width of the infill blade,
and it was perfect. Of course, I realize cherry isn’t much of a challenge
for this plane, but I didn’t have any cocobolo or purpleheart lying around.
I planed the wood in the opposite direction, and the shaving was just as
good. Grain direction just isn’t an issue with this tool.
I’ll probably have more to say later, once I get to put the infill through
its paces, but I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am. This plane is
an outstanding value.
Clayton
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
Infill Smoother #3 arrived this afternoon. What a great tool! I have not
played with it enough yet, but I had to plane some beech and then some real
hard, knarly wood that I think is elm (I bought it at an estate sale). It
has wonderful knots and is as hard as any wood I have seen. The plane slid
right through the knots. Real knots, with splits. There was some tear-out
where the plane cut against the grain, but I did nothing to try to minimize
the tear-out, and it was very insignificant.
This plane is beautiful. And it is HEAVY and STEADY. It glides through the
board. A completely different feel from the beech smoother, which seems to
glide across whether than through the wood.
Let me know about the bolt in the back. Is it an adjustment knob that I can
tap? (I haven’t yet read the care and feeding instructions, but I will
later tonight, and I won’t bang anything until I know what I’m doing.) As
you can see, I haven’t played with the plane much.
After looking at the Lee Valley smoother design last night, I appreciate all
the more the simple, rock-steady design of an integral wood bed. Screw the
frogs. Your planes use the best technology, and your designs are very fine.
I will take the infill in for show and tell tomorrow morning at the Arts
Center woodshop. It is sure to cause a stir.
Thank you. Let me know about the bolt in the back.
Jess Askew III
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:16 am
Steve,
I could have done this email, but felt the public forum was a better
place…
I got home Saturday from a conference in the US where I had your custom
jack plane (dual throat and blade, that we decided on after you gave me
some superb advice). Tonight was the first time I could actually use the
tool.
I’m absolutely delighted.
The first test was leveling my workbench top. I built it by laminating
maple T&G flooring over a solid core door.
That means, of course, that the grain is running in different
directions, in varying lengths, with knots and curly figure here and
there.
The plane treated it like it was a block of cheddar cheese.
I’ve never used a wooden plane before, and after I’d levelled the bench
to to my satisfaction (about 20 minutes for a 78 x 26 benchtop), I
decided to switch throats and blades.
It took me about 5 minutes to get the blade in place and adjusted
properly with my trusty wooden mallet (Grampa’s mallet, actually).
Swish, swish, swish… more curly shavings.
Switching back and adjusting toook me about 3 minutes.
This plane is a great pleasure to work with. Thanks for your advice,
your accomodating me on shipping methods, and your superb craftsmanship.
Did I say I was delighted?
Dave Balderstone
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:17 am
Steve,
You probably get tired of hearing your praises sung here on the ‘Net, but
here we go again. I received the bloodwood infill yesterday that you made,
and I spent this evening working with it. It is as functional as it is
beautiful. The curves fit my hands quite nicely, and the heft makes planing
smooth and almost effortless. Admittedly I did not have to heft that beast
around for hours or I might have different views about it’s weight, but it
moves gracefully thru the cherry scrap that I was using. The blade was set
and sharp, ready for planing right out of the box. A beautiful job. The only
point that slightly detracts from the grace of the plane is the hexhead bolt
that is used for the strikeplate on the back of the plane. I’m sure it’s
perfectly functional, but something a little more aesthetic would have been
better. Perhaps your machinist friend could machine a small panhead bolt
that would look better? In any event, that is a triviality. Your planecraft
is superb, and I want every ‘wrecker to hear what an outstanding plane your
infill really is!!
–
Wendell Pahls, MD
Emergency Medicine…
Preventing Natural Selection one patient at a time.
Comment by admin on June 5, 2009 at 9:17 am
Bought an Anniversary 24″ Purpleheart razee jointer back in 2003 for a very undervalued price on Ebay. Even though i ended up paying UK customs duty, i have absolutely no reservations saying that it is one of the most highly performing, cherished and great value planes that i own. It has been used regularly for 7 years, mostly in traditional planemaking, with only one minor sole retuning during the very wet winter/spring of 2008. It took about a month for it to fully pay for itself. I can say, with total confidence, that it continues to be the first plane for which i reach, when i come up against difficult grain or just when i want to relax and make some fluffy shavings. It gave me my first real experience of what a properly tuned wood plane is capable of, and for that gift, i thank Steve sincerely. All the best, Nick, UK
Comment by NICK URQUHART on July 22, 2010 at 2:50 pm