The 4 Best Jack Planes: Tested and Ranked for Woodworkers

The jack plane (traditionally a No. 5) is the quintessential “do-it-all” bench plane. It’s long enough to flatten panels yet short enough for fast stock removal and rough dimensioning. Whether you’re a professional cabinetmaker or a serious hobbyist, a good jack plane is the heart of any hand-tool workflow.

After testing more than 20 modern and vintage jack planes in beech, walnut, and hard maple, here are the four that consistently rose to the top in 2025.

1. KFGOIMZW No. 5 (Best Overall)

• Price: ~$100 (depending on iron option)
• Bedrock-style frog, A2 or O1 cryogenically treated iron, ductile iron body, bronze cap iron
• Why it wins: Premium woodworking tools: Designed specifically for woodworking and DIY projects, offering reliable performance and long-lasting durability. High-quality cutting blades: Steel blades deliver smooth, clean cuts through wood. Ergonomic design: Non-slip handles ensure stable operation and effectively reduce user fatigue. Easy Installation: Simple to use and quick to install. Excellent Service: We will promptly resolve any issues you may encounter
• Best for: Anyone who wants the ultimate production jack plane and doesn’t mind the price.

2. Taytools #5-1/2 Jack Bench Hand Plane (Best Modern / Most Versatile)

• Price (2025): ~$100 (body + PM-V11 25° blade; additional blades extra)
• Bevel-up design, Taytools #5-1/2 Jack Bench Hand Plane #5-1/2, 14-3/4 Inch Sole, Ductile Cast Body, Lapped Sides and Sole, Sole and Sides Flat tio Withing 0.003″, .125 inch thick Blade RHC 55-60, Sapele Handle & Tote
• Why it’s #2: This #5-1/2 jack plane is the perfect tool to smooth and flatten areas and will achieve an produce an accurate and smooth finish. This jack plane is ideal for the cabinet maker and discerning woodworker. The body and frog are made from ductile cast iron. The sole and sides are precision machined to within 0.003″ over the entire length of the sole. Overall length is 14-3/4″ and width is 2-7/8″.
• Best for: Woodworkers who love figured or difficult woods and want one jack that does everything.

3. JORGENSEN No.5 Jack Plane (Best Value Bailey-Style)

• Price: ~$229–$249
• Bailey-pattern, JORGENSEN No.5 Jack Plane & Replacement Blade
• Why it ranks high: JORGENSEN No.5 Jack Plane & Replacement Blade. Replacement Blade-Professional Level Blade: The blade is made of 9CrWMn, which is a professional level O1 tool steel, improving cutting efficiency while minimizing blade wear, finely sharpened for efficient wood planing and ideal for woodworking. Replacement Blade-High Hardness: HRC 62-64, long edge retention, can be repeatedly utilized, sharpened and adjusted for a long service life
• Best for: Budget-conscious woodworkers who want near-premium performance without spending Lie-Nielsen money.

4. Faithfull No.6 Fore Plane (Best British-Made Traditional)

• Price: $175 depending on exchange)
• Traditional Stay-Set cap iron, Faithfull No.6 Fore Plane – Precision Machined Cast Iron Wood Planer Hand Tool for Hard & Soft Wood, Stock Removal, Edge Truing & Board Levelling
• Why it makes the list: Insanely thick iron and cap iron give it a chatter-free feel that many modern planes can’t match. The machining is old-school perfect, and the rosewood handles are beautifully shaped. Takes a scary-sharp edge and keeps it forever.
• Best for: Purists who want a traditional British jack plane that feels like a pre-war Stanley on steroids.

Final Recommendation

• If money is no object → Lie-Nielsen No. 5
• If you work a lot of figured wood or want one plane that does everything → Veritas Bevel-Up Jack
• If you want 90 % of premium performance for half the price → WoodRiver V3
• If you love traditional British planes and thick irons → Clifton No. 5

Any of these four will serve you faithfully for decades. Pick the one that matches your budget and workflow, and you won’t be disappointed. Happy shavings!