A very good way to improve an old plane is to fit a new blade (plane iron) and perhaps a new chipbreaker (cap iron) as well.
The Hock Tools blades we sell are all 3/32" thick (about 2.4 mm) and come in either A2 or O1 steel. A2 is a cryogenically treated tool steel that takes the most work to hone but holds its edge longest, while O1 is a high-carbon steel that is easier to hone but does not hold its edge quite as long. Either way the results are excellent!
Plane sizes from Stanley, Record, Hellstedt and Jernbolaget are always numbered the same way, and we have new blades for almost every type.
O1 high-carbon steel blades
BP175: 1 3/4" wide, fits No. 3 smoothing plane
BP200: 2" wide, fits Nos. 4 and 5
BP238: 2 3/8" wide, fits Nos. 4 1/2, 5 1/2, 6 and 7
BP262: 2 5/8" wide, fits No. 8 jointer
A2 cryogenically treated blades
BPA175: 1 3/4" wide, fits No. 3
BPA200: 2" wide, fits Nos. 4 and 5
BPA238: 2 3/8" wide, fits Nos. 4 1/2, 5 1/2, 6 and 7
BPA262: 2 5/8" wide, fits No. 8
For maximum performance you can also upgrade the chipbreaker. It gives even more stable planing with less chatter.
BK175: 1 3/4" wide, fits No. 3
BK200: 2" wide, fits Nos. 4 and 5
BK225: 2 1/4" wide, fits older No. 5 1/2
BK238: 2 3/8" wide, fits Nos. 4 1/2, 5 1/2, 6 and 7
BK262: 2 5/8" wide, fits No. 8
We also have a blade for the Stanley No. 40 scrub plane: BP040.
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