There are a growing number of toolmakers who are focusing on very high quality, heirloom handtools for woodworkers. From Lie-Nielsen to Czeck Edge to Ron Brese to Bad Axe Toolworks, the list culd go on for a while.

I just ordered a very beautiful and tough custom mallet from Dave Jeske at Blue Spruce Toolworks. If you are not familar with his tools, check out his site. Its worth a look.http://www.bluesprucetoolworks.com.

Now dont get me wrong. The tools he makes are very high quality and very high end (boy, howdy are they high end). I have had the pleasure of using a few of his dovetail paring chisels at a friends house and they are unmatched. The downside is the price: $75-$100 a piece. I know it sounds like alot, but bear with me. I own (owned?) a 1/2" dovetail chisel from Mr. Jeske and I reserved it for my finest joinery work. My shop is a mess right now with all the planing I am doing for my new bench and my favorite chisel is missing. I think my shop ate it.

I own a set of Lie-Nielsen chisels and I love them, but Blue Spruce is a step above. I digress.

The mallet is a custom order and I dealt directly with Dave Jeske over the internet and over the phone. He is a good person who had no problem answering my questions in the middle of a busy day. He was very personable and easy to talk to. 

The mallet is one of a kind. It has an African Blackwood handle and a curly maple head that is infused with acrylic and dyed blue (the blus dye was what cost extra- $15) There is a brass ferrule that adds a nice touch of class to an already gorgeous tool.

At a total cost of $110 (including shipping) you would think that I would be scared to use it. Not so. The infusing process makes these mallets almost invincable. I am told that they last forever. Heirloom quality. My child will inherit it along with quite a few other extraordinary hand tools.

I appreciate high quality tools. Does anyone else out there have a high end tool that they couldnt part with? I have a few (ok, alot). Does anyone think I am nuts? A $110 mallet? Are you crazy? I value quality and craftmanship in tools as well as furniture. Thats what woodworking is about, right? If I wanted a $75 bookcase from Ikea, I wouldnt be spending $590 on black walnut.

I will post pics as soon as I get the mallet. Hopefully next week. I am also posting links to some of my favorite tool makers. Check them all out. http://www.lie-nielsen.com     http://www.badaxetoolworks.com     http://www.wenzloffandsons.com       http://www.breseplane.com   http://www.leevalley.com      http://czeckedge.com 

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Adam Welker
Red Car Construction and Fine Woodworking

Hope you find you favorite chisel. I know how it is to lose something in the shop. Heck I do that everyday. I know I had it but it won't yell out so I can find it.

 

Nothing wrong with wanting had if you can afford it having the best. I think that is what we all want, the best we can afford.

 

Look forward to seeing the mallet when you get it.

 

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John Moody
John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

Your wanting the mallet is no different then the guy driving some high end sports car. No right or wrong. As a wood and tool junkie, I understand completely. We all have things we consider worth more then something else. That's what makes us all unique! Hope you find your chisel. I have lost things for years before finding them. Its the nature of the shop.

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Bob Kloes
www.bobkloes.com