Stanley

Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base

#1 in Best Spokeshave 2026

Flat sole
Dual thumbscrew adjusters
Steel blade
Cast body

Sponsored link · confirm price and availability on Amazon · updated October 16, 2026

On this page

Is the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base ranks #1 in our Best Spokeshave 2026 list (best overall). Its biggest strength: dual thumbscrew adjusters for depth and skew control on both sides of the blade. The main caveat: requires more tuning out of the box than premium boutique makers.

Overview

What the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base does well

Best overall spokeshave. The highlights are dual thumbscrew adjusters for depth and skew control on both sides of the blade and steel blade holds a serviceable edge with periodic honing. Keep in mind that requires more tuning out of the box than premium boutique makers.

Specs that matter

Key features

Flat sole
Dual thumbscrew adjusters
Steel blade
Cast body

The trade-offs

Pros & cons

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

Fit check

Should you buy the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base?

Think twice if this matters to you

Requires more tuning out of the box than premium boutique makers
Flat sole only -- a separate curved sole spokeshave is needed for concave work

Where it ranks

Featured in 1 best-of list

List	Rank
Best Spokeshave 2026· Best Overall	#1 / 8

Cross-shop

Alternatives to the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Best PremiumKunz
Kunz Half Round Spokeshave
- Half-round sole
- Cast body
View on Amazon See details
Best ValueStanley
Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat)
- Flat sole
- Thumbscrew adjust
View on Amazon See details
Best TraditionalKunz
Robert Larson Kunz 151 Flat Spokeshave
- Cast iron body
- Traditional Stanley-pattern design
View on Amazon See details

Head-to-head

Compared with

Buying advice: woodworking

Clamps, a combination square, a good saw and a drill cover most beginner projects.
You can never have too many. Bar clamps handle wide glue-ups; quick-grip clamps are fast for smaller work.
Standard wood glue suits indoor projects. Water-resistant glue suits outdoor work and cutting boards.
Oils are easy to apply and repair. Polyurethane and varnish protect tabletops and floors better.
Eye and hearing protection and dust collection matter from the first project. Lay oily rags flat to dry to prevent fires.

Read the full guides

Answers

Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base: common questions

Is the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base worth buying?

Who is the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base best for?

Based on our research it suits buyers who want the best overall package. It's ranked #1 of 8 in our Best Spokeshave 2026 list.

What are the downsides of the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: requires more tuning out of the box than premium boutique makers; flat sole only -- a separate curved sole spokeshave is needed for concave work.

What are the key features of the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base?

Flat sole, Dual thumbscrew adjusters, Steel blade and Cast body.

What are the best alternatives to the Stanley 12-951 SpokeShave with Flat Base?

Worth comparing: Kunz Half Round Spokeshave, Stanley 1-12-151 Spokeshave (No. 151 Flat) and Robert Larson Kunz 151 Flat Spokeshave. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.