Reply To: Buying Woodworking Tools is Becoming Stupid
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Hi Keith,
Point taken, although I believe the words I used were ‘silly’ prices and not ‘ridiculous’. Nevertheless, maybe ‘silly’ was overstating it a bit. However, cash supply isn’t the problem, it was more a comment on the way prices tend to get pushed up on eBay when something is pushed into the ‘trendy’ or ‘collectable’ category. Perhaps more explanation was needed for those that might not have realised this such as yourself.
When faced with buying an older rust pitted tool (which may or may not possibly have further issues unseen) from eBay or a new tool from a quality maker such as Veritas or Lie Neilsen for a very similar price, I will go with the new option. Although, in saying that some older tools do feel better on the hand when using them than newer ones. I think the Japanese have a term for it – ‘wabi sabi’ – which I think means (and I’m sure someone will correct me if I get this wrong) accepting and enjoying the imperfection (wear and tear etc.) of an object’s journey in life.
I do actually get a great deal of pleasure restoring any old tools I can find or get a hold of and passing them onto people I know who don’t have the means to buy them for themselves. Did you know there are really cool charities out there who put together toolkits that are sent to countries where there is a great deal of youth poverty. The toolkits are usually given to young people who can go on to earn a living using them. We’re talking countries like Togo, Guatemala, Liberia, Madagascar, etc.
Also, I find I can still pick up old unwanted tools at local car boot sales, junk shops, small ads and local auctions for prices nowhere near what the same items are going for on eBay. Yes, I know I would be tempting to sell my finds for profit like some collectors and there’s nothing wrong with that. I just prefer my way.
Thanks for your reply.