The Stanley 60 1/2 block plane I purchased in the 70's gave up the ghost a few years ago. It was my go-to block plane, uniform full width, full length translucent shavings. I planed entrance and passage doors with it. Oh how I missed the plane. If Stanley still produced the plane, I couldn't find it.
Well, they finally came out with it's replacement, the Stanley Bailey 12-960. It is the same dimensions as the old 60 1/2. Mine came today. After 5 minutes of honing, the same feel and the same full width translucent shavings reappeared. I mean translucent shavings 12" long on a 12" long stick. It cost half what other block planes cost.
The replacement I've been using is the apron plane, which I like and I would not be without it. The deal is the size of the new plane suits my feel. The uniform full length shavings suits me also. Th fact you can read through the shavings is right also.
I will not abandon my apron plane, but the 12-960 is like having an old friend back.