Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat vs Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave
Both made our Best Spokeshave 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
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.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Spokeshave 2026 | #3 of 8 in Best Spokeshave 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Value |
| Brand | Stanley | Stanley |
| Key features | Flat sole; Dual thumbscrew adjusters; Steel blade | Flat sole; Thumbscrew adjust; Steel body |
| Biggest strength | Dual thumbscrew adjusters for depth and skew control on both sides of the blade | The Stanley 151 is the classic spokeshave design that has been in production for generations |
| Main trade-off | Requires more tuning out of the box than premium boutique makers | Thumbscrew adjustment is less precise than dual-adjuster designs |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | value-focused buyers who want the most for their money |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best Overall
Choose the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base if…
- Dual thumbscrew adjusters for depth and skew control on both sides of the blade
- Steel blade holds a serviceable edge with periodic honing
- Flat sole for convex curve shaping on chair legs and turned stock
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat) section.
#3 pick · Best Value
Choose the Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat) if…
- 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
Best for: value-focused buyers who want the most for their money
Prefer the alternative? See the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base section.
Pros and cons of each
Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base
Pros
- Dual thumbscrew adjusters for depth and skew control on both sides of the blade
- Steel blade holds a serviceable edge with periodic honing
- Flat sole for convex curve shaping on chair legs and turned stock
- Widely available cast-body spokeshave with a proven, decades-old design
Cons
- Requires more tuning out of the box than premium boutique makers
- Flat sole only -- a separate curved sole spokeshave is needed for concave work
Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat)
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
Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base vs Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat): 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 main 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.