Henry taylor VS Hirsch

[Francois]

Hi, Can anyone tell me if there is a big difference in the quality, making and longevity of an HT gouge and an Hirsch one.

Actually I would like to know wich brand I should buy if I've got 150 $ to spend And I need many different gouges and a v tool. I want to get as many tool as I can and still get some decent quality tools that will last years. What's the best budget brand ??? All I found was about 35-40 $ a tool on lee valley (canada).

Also I want to buy Online.
Thanks !

[neilE]

you might check out e-bay some times there are some good deals.

Neil

[mobjack68]

Mon Frere...You can have it cheap...you can have it good.....you cannot have it GOOD and CHEAP, sorry. It is what it is and unfortunately it is only getting worse.
Quality steel is costing more and more and some of the best carving chisels are still being made by hand which adds to the cost.

My suggestion....think about buying 2 or 3 chisels and commit yourself to adding more on a regular basis. It wasn't the plan I wanted either but when I started buying chisels I was in college. Was working full time and taking classes and winter was rough....barely enough money to make ends meet. I gave up dinners out and stashed the money. When I got enough together, I ordered A chisel. It was like Christmas all over again. Summertime work meant a bunch of hours and there were times I would order 1 a week. I am fortunate that I am able to make handles and mallets. This allows me the opportunity to buy unloved chisels for rehabbing. HUGE satisfaction in that part of it.....
Keep scratching on it and make it work for you. Good luck

[Donsexton]

Henry Taylor tools are high carbon steel with black mill scale straight from the forge some don’t like that. They also have round handles some don’t like that and most of the time they will need some sharpening when they are brand new. Most other tools are an alloy and not high carbon steel they can be polished and wont rust from finger prints.

[wDonkey]

you already have a decent starter kit. why dont you buy one hirsch and one HT gouge before you spend all your money? compare them to your pfeils and see which you like most. dont forget that handles can always be remade or modified. thats the way i proceed and im quite happy with the choices i've made so far.

you can't escape the 30-40$ a tool so better bite the bullet and try to get the most of what you have. sometimes a single tool can be used in more ways than you first think.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Might also look at Pfeil.

Dave

[Francois]

Thanks all for the tips, I think the best budget and quality option for me is to buy Pfeil gouges from Rick Wiebe (Wood 'N Wildcraft).

[susieq]

You will NEVER regret buying a Pfeil gouge...... they do not come any better.
If I had it to do all over again, I would not buy anything else. And they come razor sharp so be very careful....LOL. Speaking from experience here.

[wDonkey]

i bought my Pfeils from Woodworker Specialties
the service is awesome and the deal on shipping was even better. search for rg_woodworker_specialities on ebay, he doesnt list everything he has in stock on ebay, but i believe he does on his website.

[Robson Valley]

Francois:
Rick Wiebe is a great dealer to do business with. I think he's gone south for the winter.
Don't know that anybody minds the shop while he's away.

The other guy to deal with is Maurice Gardy/Magard Log Home Building Tools, in Prince George. BC. In the business for 30+ years, he has every Pfeil gouge they make and lots of them. Easy website. He's a night-owl = never phone before 1PM PST.

Check out what wDonkey links. Better prices than Magard.