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Quick verdict
Choose the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base if you want dual thumbscrew adjusters for depth and skew control on both sides of the blade. Choose the Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat) if you'd rather have the Stanley 151 is the classic spokeshave design that has been in production for generations. Overall we rank the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Spokeshave 2026 list.
Winner overall: Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base
Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base vs Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat) compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
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- Best Spokeshave 2026
- Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base review
- Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat) review
- All woodworking
Bottom line
Choose the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base if you want dual thumbscrew adjusters for depth and skew control on both sides of the blade. Choose the Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat) if you'd rather have the Stanley 151 is the classic spokeshave design that has been in production for generations. Overall we rank the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Spokeshave 2026 list.
Best OverallStanley
Dual thumbscrew adjusters for depth and skew control on both sides of the blade
- Flat sole
- Dual thumbscrew adjusters
- Steel blade
- Cast body
✓ Pros
- The Stanley 151 is the classic spokeshave design that has been in production for generations
- The most available spokeshave at retail -- found at every hardware store
- Lowest price point for a functional spokeshave
- Accepts replacement blades from multiple sources
✕ Cons
- Thumbscrew adjustment is less precise than dual-adjuster designs
- New production quality is less consistent than vintage Stanley
- Requires tuning to perform at its best
Best ValueStanley
The Stanley 151 is the classic spokeshave design that has been in production for generations
- Flat sole
- Thumbscrew adjust
- Steel body
- Classic design
✓ Pros
- The Stanley 151 is the classic spokeshave design that has been in production for generations
- The most available spokeshave at retail -- found at every hardware store
- Lowest price point for a functional spokeshave
- Accepts replacement blades from multiple sources
✕ Cons
- Thumbscrew adjustment is less precise than dual-adjuster designs
- New production quality is less consistent than vintage Stanley
- Requires tuning to perform at its best
FAQ
Common questions
Which is better, the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base or the Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat)?
Choose the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base if you want dual thumbscrew adjusters for depth and skew control on both sides of the blade. Choose the Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat) if you'd rather have the Stanley 151 is the classic spokeshave design that has been in production for generations. Overall we rank the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Spokeshave 2026 list.
What is the difference between the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base and the Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat)?
The Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base stands out because dual thumbscrew adjusters for depth and skew control on both sides of the blade, while the Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat) stands out because the Stanley 151 is the classic spokeshave design that has been in production for generations. The trade-offs differ too: the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base's ma in caveat is that requires more tuning out of the box than premium boutique makers, and the Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat)'s is that thumbscrew adjustment is less precise than dual-adjuster designs.
Is the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base worth it over the Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat)?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat) instead if requires more tuning out of the box than premium boutique makers is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat) instead of the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base?
The Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat) suits value-focused buyers who want the most for their money, while the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base is best for buyers who want the best overall package.
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Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat)
