SNIP
:The easy way to remember is to be able to read
: the name after you install the blade. The bevel goes toward the wood which
: is the opposite of a plane blade.

The blade of a metal spokeshave has the same geometry of a bench plane and the bevel is down (a block plane has the bevel up, bench planes are bevel down). A wooden spokeshave is bevel up like a draw-knife. As Alan says, just orient the blade so that you can see the maker's name.

I find that the antique metal spokeshaves work better than the new ones because the mouth (blade opening) is much tighter, which makes for less tearout. I prefer to take a very light cut and to skew the blade for the best results.

Greg Stamer