In article . 201,
says...
If you go with a Stanley, get a vintage one off of Ebay. Some of the old
ones are very good. I have a Sweetheart Stanley #3 (ca 1920?) with a Hock
blade that is my favorite.

And if you want a #8 jointer plane, used is the only choice you have.
Unless one has come out recently that I don't know about.

--
Homo sapiens is a goal, not a description