Help Christmas Present

[Padda1]

Hi

I need some help. I am trying to buy a present for a woodworker friend. I am specifically looking for high end UK made hand tools that are premium quality.

Could you point me in the right direction. Everything I have found seems to be made in the USA

Many thanks

 

[MikeG.]

Planes, chisels, saws, gauges, knives, axes, draw-knives, hammers, mallets, files, scrapers, squares, rulers.......?

 

[Padda1]

Any of the planes, chisel's, saws, marking thingy, squares or rulers.

Sorry my original post was probably not specific enough, but I don't really know much.

Any advice is appreciated

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Price range? Any idea of his interests?

 

[MikeG.]

Ashley Isles chisels.
Philly Planes wooden planes (made to order, so they wouldn't be ready for christmas. You're probably struggling for Easter)
Clifton Planes

You might be better off giving him/ her a voucher for Workshop Heaven.

 

[Padda1]

Price range:

The best money can buy whatever the cost.

 

[Trevanion]

Sadly, There isn't a hell of a lot Made in Britain any more and even though "British is Best" a lot of what's around is of a mediocre-high quality to keep costs down (Call me a heathen if you want but it's true.) I can't really think of anything that's really best of the best except perhaps for Karl Holtey's Handplanes. I think some of the handsaws that Thomas Flinn produces are pretty nice but they do carry a heavy price. People like the Ashley Iles Mk2 Chisels but I don't think they're all that, to be honest.

If you want places to look for something:

https://www.flinn-garlick-saws.co.uk/
https://www.workshopheaven.com/
https://www.classichandtools.com/

 

[Padda1]

Thanks Trevanion and MikeG

Will start there where you suggested.

I was really struggling with finding top of the range UK made tools so wondered if I was doing something wrong.

If anyone can think of anything else it would be most appreciated

 

[Tasky]

I am specifically looking for high end UK made hand tools that are premium quality.

There is another alternative - GOOD quality tools don't always need to be *premium* quality (with premium prices, of course) and many come from a time when 'high end' was the only option.

Second hand tools are often just as good, and in many cases favoured:
https://www.tooltique.co.uk/

But because tools are such a personal thing and not everyone needs the proverbial 'gold-plated toilet' when basic porcelain will do, definitely consider either learning more about what your friend prefers or be prepared for vouchers.

Besides, if they're in need of several tools, you can usually get several decent ones (even Veritas stuff) all for the same price of just one absolutely top-end handsaw...

 

[Tasky]

Mis-post

 

[Steve Maskery]

I have one of Peter Sefton's tenon saws, crosscut.
It's UK made and I have to say I cannot fault it. It's a pleasure to use.
Peter and I are woodworking pals (although since he produced his bandsaw DVD we are also rivals! ) , but that is not the reason I am recommending this. It fulfills your specification. You, and your friend, will not be disappointed.

 

[Glynne]

Adding to what Steve said, have a look at: -
Woodworkers Workshop (Peter Sefton)
Workshop Heaven (Matthew Platt)
Both will stock USA, Japanese, European and British stock but I’m sure both will always steer you to something traditionally British if you contact them.
As with all good suppliers, advice comes free even if it isn’t their products they are promoting. But you will remember the good advice and where it came from.

 

[Padda1]

Thanks Steve and Glynne and all the others whom have commented. All if the information has been fantastic.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

https://www.flinn-garlick-saws.co.uk/ac ... x_Set.html

 

[MikeJhn]

https://www.flinn-garlick-saws.co.uk/acatalog/Joseph_Marples_Trial_1_Box_Set.html

If I was capable of using those I would love to receive them as a Christmas present, trouble is my wife does not read these posts, perhaps I will send her a link. =D>

Mike

 

[Phil Pascoe]

So would I, Mike, but I haven't got a snowball's chance.
I have wangled an airbrush for next week's birthday, though.

 

[AndyT]

Probably the two most highly skilled young English toolmakers making absolutely top notch tools are Shane Skelton and Ollie Sparks.

Shane makes beautiful, efficient saws, based on the best of the eighteenth century designs.

https://www.skeltonsaws.co.uk/sheffield-range

Ollie makes perfect planes.

http://oliversparks.co.uk/

They are both more geared towards custom production to order - excellent if your friend can wait for a while - but may have something available from stock. Both are very approachable to talk through what they can do.

And let's not forget their mentor, the incomparable Bill Carter.

http://www.billcarterwoodworkingplanemaker.co.uk/

 

[Droogs]

Shane Skelton is a UK maker of fine handsaws, https://www.skeltonsaws.co.uk/


oops didn't see Andy's post