I've looked at Lie Nielson and Vertitas low angle block planes and concluded that I don't deserve such works of art. I'd be afraid I'd pick it up with glue or paint on my hands or drop it on the concrete floor (ouch). So, I bought the lowly Stanley low angle block plane. For what I do, it suits me. The fit and finish is a little rough but it works just fine and the price was right. Out of the package it was fairly sharp and it did an excellent job.