Melbourne Tool Company Flat Sole Spokeshave

My flat sole spokeshave came with some very visible swirl marks sole which means I will have to work more than I'd like lapping that out on a stone. Overall the spokeshave has nice heft, thicker than expected blade which is nice and feels great in the hands. I'm sure I'll get good use out of this tool for many years.

I am using spokeshaves for my work extensively.
This spokeshave has really impressed me.
Solid high quality cast body and the added cork insert gives a pleasant touch. The thick high speed steel blade holds an edge well however I have added a 27 degree secondary bevel to speed up the sharpening. Adjusting the blade is a breeze too. It is up there quality wise with the top brands but for a lot less.
Can't go wrong.

I love it!

Lovely tool to work with

This is such a beautiful tool, truly. It is very ergonomic and a real joy to use. Many of my colleagues and I very much prefer the contemporary look of this tool versus the more traditional design of a tool from Veritas for example. This would be five stars if only examining the tool and its performance, however, there were a few quality control issues I noticed. There is nothing wrong with the blade iron or the sole (although a quick flattening of the sole wouldn't hurt), but there was a little bit of rust on the handle near the cork inlays. This personally doesn't bother me much and it certainly doesn't affect the performance at all, but I did want to raise the issue with Melbourne just because it was a new tool that did come fresh out of the box with rust. When I reached out about potential remedies, I received no response and it's been that way for a few weeks. Once again, this is a great tool both in terms of aesthetics and performance that would receive five stars if not for the issues with quality control and communication.

Lovely spokeshave. I particularly appreciate the dimples on top that pull your thumbs (or fingers when pulling) into just the right place to control it. Thoughtful design affordance!

Beautiful tool, exceptional quality, works very well!

A lovely tool. Well balanced and comfortable in the hand. Comes razor sharp and holds an edge exceptionally well. I predominantly carve greenwood and it is very capable for this application. The fact that it is reasonably priced is a bonus too.

It works fine after 2 hours of flattening the sole and blade back. Quality control needs improvement. Construction is excellent.

I saw this for the first time at the Columbus Woodworking Show and tried it out, I immediately ordered it due to the quality and craftsmanship they put into this tool. When it arrived, it was sharp and ready to use. I couldn't be happier with this.

The spokeshave was so easy to use, and having never used one before, and being an amateur wood worker, it gave me an amazing result first time.

We use the tool to shave leather and it has quickly became our favorite spoke shave, a joy to hold and use.

I think it is beautiful, awesome, well made, easy to use and makes me smile.

Great quality tool very well made

Feels comfortable in the hands and quite a pleasure to use

Great bit of kit. Well made and cork inserts on handles are a nice comfortable touch. My first purchase from MTC and probably won't be my last.

I have not given this tool a thorough workout yet, but the trials have been pretty impressive. It cuts well, and is a vast improvement on the Stanley I bought some years ago. I would like to review the Melb. Tools low angle plane if Timbecon gives me a good deal. Mike