I have handled both (Sterling vs LV) and for the small price difference, one should definitely go for the Sterling square, because its narrow blade is narrower and longer than LV's which can be critical for very narrow dovetail work.Originally Posted by Mike Henderson
I have one of the LV squares and it works fine. I prefer the Sterling Tool Works version. I've never used or seen the Vesper square. One thing about the Sterling is that you can buy just the blade if you already have a double square and save a bit of money.
One nice thing about the LV version is that it comes in a box for storage. The thin end of the rule can be bent if you're not careful. I made a box for my three from Sterling tool works. I teach so I have a few of these.
Mike
[I just went and looked at the Vesper web site - $200+ for one of his squares(depending on which one you choose). The Sterling Tool Works blade to be added to an existing double square is $25. And you can get the whole thing for $60. After using the Sterling Tool Works blade in an existing double square I can't imagine what advantages the Vesper would have that would make it worth that much more money.]
The much more expensive Vesper square, like planes costing $3,000 a piece, won't make you a better woodworker or your work finer. But it is a boutique tool and it is to be had not just for functional reasons and hence shouldn't be judged on that count alone. I have seen woodworkers with fancy and expensive marking tools and their work; suffice to say that the two have no cause & effect relationships (and that applies to most other hand tools).
Simon
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