I've always been a fan of Sargent planes, particularly the ones I own from around 1910 to 1935, with some dating no later than 1950. I use them regularly, and I make sure they're tuned and sharp because I believe that keeps the cutting smooth and effective. I know many prefer Stanley planes, and while I've tried a few, I feel like Sargent ones retain their edge and keep true for longer. I'm just looking for a friendly discussion on what you all think about these two brands. No arguments here, just want to hear your thoughts!
3 Answers
Just my two cents, but I'm not a fan of early Stanleys or Sargent frogs. The Bailey or Bedrock styles usually offer better contact between the body, frog, and blade, which is crucial for dense woods like oak. My only gripe with Stanleys is the blade thickness. If you use a thicker blade in a Bailey or Bedrock, it combines the best features. I have a Sargent 409 and found it decent, plus a Craftsman No. 6 that works well too. "Sharp cures everything!"
I like both brands, but I lean towards Sargent VBM models. They just feel a bit sturdier. It’s strange that they don’t get as much love as Stanleys, considering they seem less common.
I think vintage Sargent planes from the first half of the 20th century can be great, but it's important to know which models are worth picking up. In terms of edge retention, I reckon the steel quality is pretty similar between the two.
Thanks for your input!
Thanks for sharing that! It's exactly the kind of info I was hoping to get.