Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Normal
Well said. I lived in Ottawa for six years and met both Rob and Leonard Lee on a number of occasions. LV’s commitment to design and refining a tool created, and fortunately still does, a very different experience for hand tool users. As you very rightly point out at the time the only options were to find a vintage tool that could be brought back to life or to buy and return multiple copies of the then current generation tools in the chance of finding one where the slap dash tolerances and workmanship miraculously coincided to match what was standard in the hand tool heyday.Over the years I have only had a single tool failure from LV and that was immediately replaced with absolutely no quibble or question.I also met Thom at an open day at the LN factory and was impressed with the attention to detail he put into everything. You can argue LN tools are less innovative as the more closely follow the design of the original hayday tools but the fit, finish, material selection and sheer attention to detail are what makes an LN tool standout. I have a couple of the Independence back saws from the 90’s and they are a joy to use. Easily my most used handsaws.I have a set or Stauer and Steiner shoulder planes that are an absolute joy to look at and use. Having a set of bespoke planes made specifically for you is on another level of tool heaven.As to the squew block plane, I have an original Stanley inherited from my great grandfather. Well set up and sharp it actually does a tolerably good job. Not a tool that sees a lot of use but once in a while it is the right tool for the job.I completely share your view on supporting inovation and buying the ‘original’ when you can or there will be no originals.
Well said. I lived in Ottawa for six years and met both Rob and Leonard Lee on a number of occasions. LV’s commitment to design and refining a tool created, and fortunately still does, a very different experience for hand tool users. As you very rightly point out at the time the only options were to find a vintage tool that could be brought back to life or to buy and return multiple copies of the then current generation tools in the chance of finding one where the slap dash tolerances and workmanship miraculously coincided to match what was standard in the hand tool heyday.
Over the years I have only had a single tool failure from LV and that was immediately replaced with absolutely no quibble or question.
I also met Thom at an open day at the LN factory and was impressed with the attention to detail he put into everything. You can argue LN tools are less innovative as the more closely follow the design of the original hayday tools but the fit, finish, material selection and sheer attention to detail are what makes an LN tool standout. I have a couple of the Independence back saws from the 90’s and they are a joy to use. Easily my most used handsaws.
I have a set or Stauer and Steiner shoulder planes that are an absolute joy to look at and use. Having a set of bespoke planes made specifically for you is on another level of tool heaven.
As to the squew block plane, I have an original Stanley inherited from my great grandfather. Well set up and sharp it actually does a tolerably good job. Not a tool that sees a lot of use but once in a while it is the right tool for the job.
I completely share your view on supporting inovation and buying the ‘original’ when you can or there will be no originals.
