I have the Footprint-280113-Mini-Trimming-Plane and the Stanley small trimming plane. I like the Footprint a whole lot more because it is quite a bit heavier and hence more stable in my hand. For less than twelve bucks it has been a great investment.

http://www.amazon.com/Footprint-280113-Mini-Trimming-Plane/dp/B000VJI5CU/ref=sr_1_44?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1412504230&sr=1-44&keywords=block+plane

I like the heavier weight because of the way I use it for trimming strips. I frequently cradle the plane in the fingers of my left hand with the cutting edge up and toward my index finger. I lay the edge of the strip on the plane, pinch the strip into the cutting edge with my thumb and then pull the strip through with my right hand. In this manner I can adjust the bevel on the edge of the strip by gradually torquing the strip as I pull it through. I can thin the strip to a feather tip in this manner without cutting myself, or breaking the feather tip. I would not want to edge trim oak with this technique, but it works great for cedar. I never get slivers, never wear gloves.

I have the Lie Nielson block plane (https://www.lie-nielsen.com/product/block-planes-adjustable-mouth-block-planes-) and use it frequently, but I would not buy it again because Veritas makes such great quality tools at half the price.

I am mighty tempted to buy the Veritas® Miniature Block Plane at $40. Maybe a Christmas gift.