Stanley 5-1/2 blade?

[James K Peterson]

I just got a new Stanley 5-1/2 (new to me :D) and I had thought I could use the blades in my #7 and 4-1/2 in it as well, but the 5-1/2 is just a bit smaller than the 2-3/8" blades in the others :confused:

I was planning on buying a Hock blade for fun ;) but looks like I couldn't use it in the 5-1/2. Is that normal for the 5-1/2?

I think it is a type 11 (3 patent dates behind the frog).

Anyone have an idea on it?

Thanks
James

[Bob Barkto]

Around type 16 and older used a 2-1/4" blade.

[Mike Henderson]

I have a 5 1/2 type 11 and the blade is 2 1/4" wide. Hock offers a 2 1/4" blade in high carbon steel but not in A2 steel. $42 for the high carbon blade. I'll look and see if I have an extra 2 1/4" blade if you're looking for one. Let me know.

Mike

[Martin Cash]

Yes a 2 1/4 inch blade for the older models.
Lie Nielsen make a very good replacement blade for the older 5 1/2 which is 2 1/4 inches wide. Good value I think.
Regards
MC

[Joel Goodman]

TWW sometimes has a 2 1/4 inch D2 blade. The older 5 1/2 uses that size -- I think the newer ones use 2 3/8 inch.

[James K Peterson]

You all are right. It is 2-1/4" The original blade is ok (a bit of bitting on the back of the blade) for normal use. Sharpened up just fine ;)

Thanks for all the help.
James

[Jim Nardi]

I bought the LV A2 blade. It took me a few seconds at the grinder to take a little bit off. Just mark it out with a black magic marker first. I also filed the corners of the mouth to square it up.