henkle, dastra tools

Whiskers · #1 02-25-2005, 01:49 PM

what do you guys and gals think of dastra, henkle, and buck bro's chisels and gouges? a local cutlery shop is selling all of his carving tools for 50% off, this is not a sale he just wants to get rid of them, he's had them for a long time and they haven't been selling so he put them up for this price. They all look like good quality to me. what do ya'll think?

carver6 · #2 02-25-2005, 02:13 PM

The very first tools I got were Dastra. IMHO they are very good. Hold an edge very well and perform as should. No complaints at all and have used them extensively over the years. Received them as a birthday present from my wife in the early 80's and have used them ever since. Can't say anything about Henkle - have never used them. If you can get a deal on the Dastra's though, go for it. Very good tools.

squbrigg · #3 02-25-2005, 02:25 PM

Henkle....they must have been on his shelf for a while. I thought they stopped making gouges years ago. I had bought two gouges at one time, my first serious gouges, and could never find any more. I should have invested in a complete set at the time, but I didn't have the money and kicked my *** ever since. They are great tools, hold a wonderful edge and a pleasure to use. How many does he have? Where can I find out more?

Bob

Whiskers · #4 02-25-2005, 02:49 PM

Squbrigg

He told me that they aren't made anymore, they are German made. I noticed he had several different ones on display and he said he had more for restocking. The ones I looked at were going for between 9 and 10 bucks apiece, I thought that this is an extremely good deal. I also thought the quality was good, they looked like they were made of good quality materials to me but wasn't sure. If you are interested in buying I will be the middle man for you.

Plain_Ol_Ed · #5 02-25-2005, 06:53 PM

I have a couple henkle's and several dastra's that I picked up on ebay and they are very nice tools. Also, I have serveral OLD, OLD buck bros. that are excellent. Wouldn't give a dime for the new ones, they are more like clubs than tools. Some time or other the company changed hands or something, and the new version, in my opinion, are terrible (I hope that didn't ruffle any feathers).

Whiskers · #6 02-25-2005, 08:31 PM

my feathers ain't ruffled!!!!!!!!!

squbrigg · #7 02-25-2005, 10:46 PM

Any idea of what he has left? Gouges: size, curve #, any fishtails, skews, ...?

Perhaps you could let me know off line at squbrigg@rogers.com I might be interested in a few.

Bob

Whiskers · #8 02-25-2005, 11:22 PM

He has straight, bent, spoonbent, backbent, fishtail and skews. I don't know the curve no's or the sizes right off hand. Me thinks I'm gonna go there again tomorrow and check it out some more.

rick-in-seattle · #9 02-26-2005, 01:45 AM

9-10 buck each? You really need to ask if that is a deal?

I suggest you buy what you will use and not cool shapes that you have never seen before.

Fishtail gouges, Veiners, V-parting tools, and Alongee gouges are always good choices.

squbrigg · #10 02-26-2005, 08:39 AM

Ya Rick, at 9 - 10 buck they are, when I bought my first two, must be 20 years ago, they were $24 each Cdn, and well worth the money. That was a lot back then, "If" they are the same series tool......they are beautiful tools. About 8" in length, a tan hex shaped handle of a manmade material, bright steel blades, and wonderful steel that holds an edge forever. Their logo stamp is two stick sillowettes figures standing arm around shoulder, with Germany stamped below, on the handles. I have only the two, a !/2"/12mm #5 and a 1/4"/7mm #8 and dearly wish I had more. For example....a Pfeil of the same are listed as $31.50 and $30.50 respectivly locally. Still have to consider the exchange and shipping and customs, but I still think they would be a good buy.

Bob