Replies

1. 
   Michael6255 | Mar 07, 2004 07:16am | #1

   Hi Alan,

   The reduced prices of the Best Things USED to be because they sold the older carbon steel....non A2 irons.  Not sure if that is still the case, but I did speak to them about it and they confirmed that.  The new A2 irons have the "Lie-Nielson" stamp.   FYI, in case it is important to you to get A2.

   Mike in South Jersey

1. 
   DustyDesert | Mar 07, 2004 05:34pm | #2

   Your statement about non-A2 irons wasn't accurate for my purchase of two planes several weeks ago from 'The Best Things'. Both had the Lie-Nielsen stamp, both boxes contained the papers describing the A2 steel and both sharpen like A2 steel. I can't say if this is true for all their planes. In addition, they were both placed on the UPS truck the same day as I called to place the order. IMO, good prices and good service.

   No, I'm not associated with the Best Things Co. The company appears to be in Virginnia and I'm in the Land of Enchantment: Santa Fe, NM.

1. 
   Michael6255 | Mar 07, 2004 06:51pm | #3

   Z,

   Good news.  I guess all the older stock is sold.

   Mike

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Mar 07, 2004 10:50pm | #4

   Thanks.  I'll check before I buy.

   Alan - planesaw

2. 
   jazzdogg | Mar 07, 2004 11:24pm | #5

   Alan,

   FWIW, I purchased a few items from Clarence Blanchard (Fine Tool Journal) recently and the transactions have not been quite what I had hoped for.

   The #103 Bronze block plane had a damaged blade, which he replaced for me. The #5 was fine, but I was provided with the improved chipbreaker for the #5 1/2 (too wide); its replacement was damaged and had to be returned.

   A few sundry items took several weeks to be shipped, and I still haven't received the replacement for the damaged chipbreaker, nor any word as to when I should expect it to arrive.

   The folks with whom I've corresponded via e-mail have seemed nice enough, and expressed genuine concern re: the challenges I've experienced, but I'm left wondering whether I will continue to conduct business with them in the future.

   I'm sure they're good and ethical business people, selling good products, so this isn't meant as condemnation. Just thought you might be interested in what I hope comprises a series of rare and unusual transactions.

   -Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Mar 08, 2004 06:23am | #6

   Thanks.  I bought a #5 from them (FTJ) at a woodworking show.  Of course, it was right there so delivery wasn't a problem.  But, haven't bought through the mail from them.  Have bought from The Best Things a couple of times and had excellent service. 

   When the price is virtually the same, customer service makes the difference.

   Thanks,

   Alan -- planesaw