UK Toolmaker - Is a Brand Name important?

a lot depends if you use your tools

all right saying that David but it does depend on what you are turning , bending concave everyday is not difficult , start turning heavy flat is a different thing IMO , my arms are shagged bashing steel , and to be honest I am glad readymades are a better suited to what suits me , saying that I still wish I could use handmades on all the horses I shoe

I have found that what makes my tools last longer and stay sharper is to use them more. Over the years I guess I've learned how to work and though I'm using them more, they last better.

I sure agree with that Bill. I used to burn tools like they were free. Now about the only time I break something is in the winter when it's below freezing and things are brittle. A few years ago I split a brand new Blurton Forepunch in half on the second hit. I'm more careful now, but when it's really cold chips just start flying off tools. It makes things slow, too, because you have to keep warming your tools up before using them.

Regards

How often do you use your tools,i know your hammer and tongs come into play
when hot fitting.
do you make shoes every day or use a fuller every day?
point been your tools will tuffin up with use

I use a creaser every day to widen the lat heels on my hinds, and every shoe is hot.
I've also found that I have way less callouses on my hands now than years back. I guess I letting the tools work instead of trying to make them.

What's a fore punch, rick?

I think they call a stamp a fore punch gary

Ah, I see. Thanks smitty.

But why don't they call a "back punch" an "aft" punch?

http://www.stockhoffsonline.com/acatalog/Fore_Punch_Jim_Blurton.html

I hope there better than there nippers david