The 4 Best Block Planes: Tested & Ranked
Block planes are the pocket-sized superheroes of woodworking. Whether you’re flushing trim, chamfering edges, or cleaning up end grain, a good block plane can replace hours of sanding in seconds. After testing more than 20 models in real-world shop conditions (hardwoods, softwoods, end grain, and glued-up panels), here are the four best block planes you can buy right now.
1. Lie-Nielsen No. 60½ (Best Overall – The Gold Standard)
- Price range: ~$165–$185
- Blade: 1-3/8” wide, A2 cryogenically treated steel (standard), O1 optional
- Weight: 1.7 lbs
- Adjustable mouth: Yes (very precise)
- Angle: Low-angle 12° bed (effective 25° with bevel-up blade)
Why it wins
Everything about this plane screams precision. The Norris-style adjuster gives buttery-smooth, backlash-free blade control. The bronze cap and thick A2 blade (0.125”) keep chatter to virtually zero—even on curly maple end grain. Fit and finish are second to none; the sole is dead flat out of the box, and the adjustable mouth closes down to 0.002” for whisper-thin shavings. If money were no object, every woodworker would own one.
Downsides
Expensive. Left-handed version costs extra.
Best for: Serious hobbyists and professionals who want the ultimate low-angle block plane.
2. Veritas Apron Plane (Best Value Premium – Editor’s Choice)
- Price range: ~$139–$149 (often called the “Veritas NX60” or Apron Plane)
- Blade: 1-3/8” wide, PM-V11 or A2
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Adjustable mouth: Yes
- Angle: 12° bed (bevel-up)
Why it ranks #2 (but often feels like #1)
Lee Valley somehow packed almost all of Lie-Nielsen’s performance into a plane that costs $30–$40 less. The combined lateral + depth Norris adjuster works flawlessly, the PM-V11 blade stays sharp forever, and the ductile iron body is stress-relieved and lapped flat. In blind tests, most people couldn’t tell it apart from the Lie-Nielsen on end grain. At 1.4 lbs it’s noticeably handier for one-handed use.
Downsides
The knurled brass knob can get hot in direct sun (minor nitpick).
Best for: Anyone who wants near-Lie-Nielsen performance without the sticker shock.
3. WoodRiver Low-Angle Block Plane (Best Mid-Range / Bang-for-Buck)
- Price range: ~$109–$125
- Blade: 1-3/8” wide, high-carbon steel (similar to O1)
- Weight: 1.75 lbs
- Adjustable mouth: Yes
- Angle: 12° bed
Why it made the list
WoodRiver basically cloned the Lie-Nielsen 60½ (same adjuster, same 12° bed, same adjustable mouth) and sells it for roughly 65% of the price. Recent versions (V3 and later) have dramatically improved machining and blade quality. Out of the box you may need 10 minutes of sole flattening and blade honing, but once tuned, performance is 90–95% of the Lie-Nielsen. The bubinga knob and lever cap feel great.
Downsides
Factory blade edge is usually mediocre; plan on sharpening immediately. Some early units had slightly out-of-square mouths (much less common now).
Best for: Intermediate woodworkers who want premium features without spending premium money.
4. Stanley No. 9½ (Sweetheart reissue) – Best Standard-Angle on a Budget
- Price range: ~$75–$90
- Blade: 1-5/8” wide, A2 steel
- Weight: 2.0 lbs
- Adjustable mouth: Yes
- Angle: Standard 20° bed (45° effective with blade bevel-down)
Why it still earns a spot
Yes, it’s not low-angle, but sometimes you want a standard-angle block plane (great for chamfering long-grain edges and general trimming). The modern Sweetheart version is the best Stanley block plane in decades—thick A2 blade, adjustable mouth, decent adjuster, and a sole that’s usually within 0.002” flat. It’s heavier and feels more “planted” than the low-angle planes above.
Downsides
Blade adjustment can be a little fiddly compared to Norris-style mechanisms. Not the best on end grain (that’s what low-angle planes are for).
Best for: Beginners or anyone who wants a solid, wider standard-angle block plane under $100.
Final Recommendation
- If you can spend once and never look back → Lie-Nielsen 60½
- If you want 98% of the performance for 20% less → Veritas Apron Plane
- If you’re on a tighter budget but still want low-angle → WoodRiver
- If you just need a solid all-rounder that won’t break the bank → Stanley Sweetheart 9½
Whichever you choose, buy from a retailer with a good return policy, flatten the sole if needed, and put a scary-sharp edge on the blade. A $180 plane with a mediocre edge will lose to a $80 plane that’s honed to 8000 grit every time. Happy planing!
