Dave, I don't know what your experience is or how large your tool hoard is, but I am a proponent of the Rabbet Block plane. When I got the LN Rabbet Block, I had an old hand me down block plane that worked fine. The Rabbet Block was the first top quality plane I owned. The Rabbet Block became a go to tool for many clean ups. I was not as accurate with my sawing then and used it very often to make things right. I eventually upgraded the old Stanley block plane with a new blade. That made a big improvement. I have also added a LN 103 to the arsenal (super awesome). But the Rabbet Block is a keeper, a regular user and a tool I really appreciate. I think it is a very versatile addition to a early stage kit. FWIW, I never have cut myself on the blade, (nor have I done that on my shoulder plane) but I do see how that could happen.