background of Ashley Isles hooked skew

[Paul_Guraedy]

There has been some discussion, on several threads, concerning the "hooked skew". I thought you folks might find my recent experience interesting.

I have used the long handled version of the "Ray Gonzales Tool" (the actual name of the Ashley Isles hooked skew) for several years. I liked it so much that I decided to purchase the palm size. I did not like the way the blade of the tool rests on the work table when the flat side of the handle is down.

I wrote the company and had some interesting emails that involved the Director, Barry Isles of Ashley Isles (much to my surprise). He even offered to rotate the handle for me if I so desired (another story but impressive service).

He did relate some very interesting history of this tool:

It took two years from the prototype of the hooked skew until the actual selling of one. According to Barry Isles, "…it was by far the most complicated tool we have ever made, and even now only one blacksmith ever forges it and only one of the grinders ever grinds it. When it was finally finished, I asked Ray how he wanted the flat on the handle in relation to the blade. What we found was right handed people wanted the flat parallel to the blade one way, and left handed wanted it the other way. So to save confusion we put it at a right angle to the flat...”

[lorax]

I have the Ashley Isles hooked skew as well, and love it. I have the long handled version which has an octagonal handle, so I dont have that issue. I was looking into the short handled model to add to my repatoire, and found that Denny Tools makes them as well. I have yet to find one listed on any online catalog, but I would imagine it would be about half the price of what I paid for mine, plus it is an American company.