Whether it’s handplanes, routers, or spokeshaves, the well-equipped woodworker can’t get by with just one of each. Tools come in varieties for a purpose. You need different planes to handle end grain vs. flat grain, a choice of routers for plunge cuts vs. light-duty edge trimming and a multitude of shaves for flat vs. curved shaping. Well, maybe not. Veritas has a new low-angle spokeshave designed to work flat, convex, and concave surfaces. You might be able to get by with just this one spokeshave, at least for a while, anyway.

The low-angle spokeshave has a cast-aluminum body with brass adjusting screws and an A2-steel blade. What sets this tool apart from others is the toe piece, which may be positioned in two different ways. One position is suitable for flat or convex work; the other setting allows it to reach into concave areas.

Whether you’re shaping cabriole legs or simple ladder-back posts, the Veritas shave allows you to take rough cuts, then reset the mouth opening and depth of cut for fine shavings. The A2 blade, which is bedded with the bevel up, is really tough and does a lot of work between honings.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

Buy at Amazon

Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure

With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.

Buy at Amazon

Tite-Mark Marking Gauge

These gauges can be easily and precisely adjusted with one hand, which allows you to set the tool while holding a ruler or workpiece in the other. The quality is exceptional, and all have sharp cutters that offer great visibility.

Buy at Lie-Nielsen Toolworks