First off I do not have tons of hand tool experience to make comparisons. Seems very solid pretty impressed with the fit and finish. I did put a straight edge to the sole and it had a bit of a crown to it. The center was high. So I spent about an hour in a half re-flattening the sole which was not to bad and expected for the price. The blade seemed pretty sharp I was getting nice wood shavings right out of the package. I was surprised to see it was made in Mexico but I guess a lot of American tool company's manufacturer over there. I wish I had a vertias but I feel confident that this plane will give me many many years of service.