I have done a lot of testing of edge durability and edge quality with use.
The results of those tests, including microscopic views of the edges, were
posted to Badger Pond - because they allow photos in posts.

Edge durability, how much the edge wears down with use, and edge quality,
the shape of the edge, can both be measured with considerable precision.
Through a large series of tests, most of which are not posted on the Pond,
certain results are consistently achieved.

For example, A2 irons are more durable than most other irons. As a general
rule, modern irons from Stanley, Record and ECE, the shiny steel blades
that contain chrome or vanadium, are all less durable than other types of
steels.

However, A2 irons have poor edge quality with use, sometimes very little
use. They quickly develop dents and nicks all along the edge. This applies
equally to cryogenically treated blades. Manufacturers claim that A2 steel
is better in some way than other steels. In my testing, this is true only
when compared to the inferior modern standard irons like the Stanley irons.
It is my opinion that the poor edge quality must translate into poor
surface quality. This poor quality can be compensated for by using a
freshly sharpened iron for the final pass (not a bad idea in any case) or
by sanding.

Finally, getting to the point of Joel's post below, I have not found that
thickness of the iron has any effect on either edge durability or quality.
Frankly, I would be surprised if it did. I have tested thicker irons of
several different steels - W1, A2, HSS, Holtey.

However, the planing action feels different when using the thicker irons.
As yet I have no test that translates that different feel into a measurable
quantity, nor a test that compares the actual planed surface. The
difference in feel could just be a reduction in vibration or in the
frequency of the vibration. Whether this affects the surface of the wood
will require some type of test other than just an examination of the irons
themselves.

Brent

PS Anyone out there with a Clifton blade they will lend me for testing?

----- Original Message -----
From: "Joel Moskowitz" <joel@t...>
> I think the reason there is such an explosion is that once you get a
> thicker blade for a stanley plane you never look back.
>
> One point:
> I stock hock, clifton and Holtey in the US and a couple of things on
> blades. Clifton's are "hand forged" which supposeably means that the
grain
> of the steel is finer, harder, and more compact. no idea if that's true
> but they make a good blade.
>
> Clifton's, Holteys, and I think LN are thicker then hock.
> Thicker is almost always better BUT thicker blades mean less mouth
> adjustment on a standard Stanley - This means that you cannot use the
> thicker blades as a jack because there would be no space for a rough
> shavings. Hoch is a good compromise. However for final smoothing tough
> stuff the thicker blade are wonderful.
>
> I used to swear by the samuri blades but I like the added thickness of
the
> newer designs.
>
>
> Fit and finish also varies between makers.
>
> joel
>
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