Surprised by a question...

...surprised by my answer

My friend, Jacob, came to my shop today and said, "Of all of your planes, which is your favourite?" He was looking at the many dozens at different places in my workshop.

I said, thoughtfully, and not wanting to just toss something out there, "Well, I have to say, after working with every plane there is out there, I would definitely, without hesitation, go for the Stanley #4 plane." I then said, "I wish someone would replicate the #4 with high-spec engineering and wooden handles like they do with some planes being made today. That's a plane I would go for."

I like the #3, the #4 1/2, the #5 and #5 1/2; Stanley or Record. Oh, and I do collect Woden and I Sorby planes and these are some of those better-engineered models mentioned that in their era surpassed the UK Stanley and Record models and especially so.

I think I might be sad when I can no longer lift my Stanley or my Record to work. Why would I hasten the day with a heavier plane? I have thought of using these hybrid versions because they are so lovely to work with. Very lovely. They are about as light as a plane gets and yet deliver the width of cut, the best weight, the smoothness as well delivering the hidden perk of joyful pleasure.

Why do I have so many? It's very simple. It's much easier to show my students what it takes to resolve issues with planes than just tell them. Much fuller.