Stanley Sweetheart No. 9-1/2 Block Plane, 12-138

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I like to have a block plane within arms reach when I'm at the bench and this Stanley 9 1/2 is the one I reach for more often than not. This plane strikes a nice balance between price and performance. The two that I own are well machined, nicely finished and were pretty much hone-and-go right out of the box. The plane feels comfortable in my medium-sized hand and the iron holds its edge very well. The lateral lock is a nice feature and makes the norris-style adjuster easier to work with. The one niggle I have with this plane is the cap screw. As other reviewers have noted, the screw is difficult to get one's fingers around which makes loosening or fully tightening it (actions that must be performed when removing and reinstalling the iron) more difficult than it needs to be.