Slight worry about the precision requirement - does John need more than a matching pair? It s easy to manufacture two almost identical V-blocks by grinding them together as a pair. So even a cheap pair of blocks should match accurately, and two blocks are usually all that s needed. V blocks don t have to be an exact dimension unless three or more are needed together. If that s the case, look at high end precision blocks, £££. It s the multiple precision part that s costly, rather than what they re made of.
Much depends what they re for of course, but I avoid expensive tools for ordinary work because accidentally damaging them in the rough and tumble of my grotty workshop is so painful. I only buy expensive tools when essential, and they are cosseted for special occasions while cheaper tools do the work. Cheapo tools are ruthlessly replaced, which isn t often because I don t have to meet thrash-the-tool production targets. Ought to admit I see tools as expendable, not hei