The first problem I have with the LN (and Stanley as well as Clifton)
shoulder planes is the gripping positions - great for pushing, sucks
for pulling. Get a little aggressive and you can split out the far
side of the work and, despite probability, it will ALWAYS be where
it will show in the finished piece.

The second problem is setting the iron. It's several thousandths
wider than the width of the plane and easy to set cocked just
a little - but enough to skew the shoulders a little - again,
despite probability, in the direction that it'll show (joint won't
quite close tight).

The Veritas shoulder plane design deals with both these
problems - multiple, comfortable gripping positions and
set screws to avoid cocking the iron once you've got it
set right. When the edge starts to go one is more
likely to take it out and sharpen it knowing there's no
hassle when reinstalling it.

LN specializes in taking older traditional plane designs
and making them with superior materials and to better
tolerances.

Veritas on the other hand seems to start with a clean
piece of paper and designs for function, with ease of
maintenance and use high on their criteria list. If
shiny brass or bronze doesn't do anything to make
the tool easier to use or work better then it ain't
gonna be in the plane they make. Pretty is nice but
sort of like burl dashboards - doesn't make the car
drive any better.

If you need to protect your tools in a special "sock"
you're getting into the fine silver and fine china
territory - the stuff that's only used "when there's
company over". A woodworking tool shouldn't
come with a polishing cloth -IMHO.

Having said all that, the LN rabbet/block plane
and their bronze beading tool sure are pretty
to look at - and hold. They work pretty well too.

charlie b