I am finally able to make through dovetails that don't look like they were chopped out with an axe. Chopping from both sides DOES make a difference:-). I've been using a $12 stanley dovetail saw and wondered how I could do with a good quality saw. LOML had a 10 percent off coupon from Woodcraft she wasn't going to use so I bought a LN with a maple handle.

The stanley has more teeth per inch-looks like 20 vs 15 for the LN, and the blade is also thinner. The stanley is a rip cut and I don't think there is much set on the teeth. The LN is also a rip cut and has a little set (don't remember what the manual said, but there is some set to the teeth). Both saws are easy to get started and don't wander away from the line. The LN is heavier and cuts faster and the handle feels more natural than the turned handle of the stanley. The LN makes a larger kerf and its easier to use a coping saw to remove the waste.

The stanley is easy use, the finer teeth make it easy to start the kerf and it follows the line well for the length of a dovetail. The LN is heavier, feels better, cuts faster and tracks better. Is it worth $148 more than the stanley? Based on performance, I'd say no, but the LN sure does "feel" nice!