Just my 2 cents. I recently used the LV combo to cut a bunch of grooves 1/4 wide x 1/4 deep in 1/2 inch thick cherry, both in the long grain and across grain. I even cut about a dozen grooves in 5 ply, 1/4 inch plywood, 3/32 deep. I didn't experience any problems with knobs, or fences. I use the Spyderco ultra fine stone for all my honing. I have vary seldom used a combination plane of any brand before so I thought this plane did a vary good job and glad to have it.
Chet