My favorite block plane is a Sargent 5206. Next in line would be a Stanley 60 1/2 for a low angle. For a regular block, I like the #18.
I don’t know for sure why I like the Sargent best, Maybe subliminally because it looks different. I want a Stanley (or better yet an Ohio Tools) #65 but won’t pay the prices I’ve seen so far.
As for low angle versus normal, I think you should have both. A low angle works end grain better and does a good job on edges, but the #18 excels on the edge work. Even a well tuned #110 or 220 is a good plane and can be had for under $20.
-- There is nothing like the sound of a well tuned hand plane. - http://timetestedtools.wordpress.com (timetestedtools at hotmail dot c0m)
