What happens when LV make a duff blade
MIles
>Well, it has to happen sometimes, no-one's perfect, and they all look the same... so I got one, in a little Apron Plane. Sharpened up easily enough, but didn't seem to last that well - after a few repeats of this I was getting worried that LV stuff might be a bit patchy (and it's not _that_ cheap). Confirmation came after a little bit of testing with the watchful gaze of bugbear (of whom more later, re saws) who agreed that the poor little blade was just turning up its edge, as it it was just very soft. This was after a few _inches_ planing on holm oak (UK version of sheoak, quite hard but no problem to other planes I have with either HCS or A2 blades).
Well, I knew that Rob Lee lurks here & teases you lot from time to time with new product announcements, so I took the liberty of emailing him directly to ask about this, & where to send the blade back to as it did seem to be a bad-un. Not only did he reply on a holiday, but sent out a 'care package' that arrived (across the pond) 3 days later! Inside was not only an O1 replacement, but an A2 one as well :-) both with the new lapped backs. The A2 one is thicker, too, not that I guess it matters much in the little apron plane. The lapped finish is beautiful, and this has to be the best finish on a blade _anyone_ is sending out (OK, maybe Holtey or Sauer & Steiner might do as well).
I know LV have a reputation, but this is by far and away the best I have ever been treated by any supplier of anything. It's just a shame that I suspect this is the only time I'll ever have a bad product to return to them! Just wanted to say a public thanks to Rob, and to let you all know that these lapped blades are _the answer_ to all that tiresome back-flattening we keep talking about.
Thanks Rob. Hope your ears aren't burning :-)
Miles