Here is a plane from Dad’s collection: an old Stanley Block Plane 130, manufactured beween 1884 and 1955. The bevel faces upwards, and can be worked as in the photos – or else reversed, bevel still upwards, to create a ‘bull nose’ (intended to reach awkward spots at the edge of whatever is being planed).
This little plane is a pleasure to use, and easily sharpened. I recently indulged in a not-entirely-necessary purchase: a set of Japanese water stones, which provide an excellent sharpening surface, and have already justified the passing cost of retail therapy. Later on I will post some photos, along with a brief description of how they work.
The blade from Staney 130 was the first one I tried out on the water stones, and we now have one exceedingly sharp Boatshed Block Plane….
I remember it–it needs to be sharp as you don’t have a lot of purchase. Interested to see the water stones.