[North Wind]

Does anyone here own any Lamp brand tools? I know they are big money and they claim to be the best but a lot of companies make that claim.I know each person has there own opinion,I would like to here some of them.

[Ron Davidson]

I have a mallet set of chisels and gouges and also a mini detal set that I just got. They are in my opinion very good tools they hold an edge well also. But like you said they are expensive. There asre other sets that are probably just as good and less expensive though. Just my opinion.
Ron

[AlArchie]

I bought ONE! Picked it up at a carving store inthe twin cities and it looked very nice till I got it home. the handle fell off when I picked it up and the blade fell to the floor and chipped. Not bad but enough to require a bit of work to put it back in operating condition. Now it is a GREAT tool! But that was enough to scare me off of more of them.

Al

[Lightningbolt]

I've traded with them for many years and for the most part have been satisfied. I have bought two of their exclusive detail knifes with the walnut handles and love them after many years of service. I have also purchased some of their dove tail knives and they are still in service after more than a decade.

On the other hand I got their "huge" 50mm "S6" fishtail knife back in the early 1990's and it did break on me... but only after 10 years of use. It made me a bit upset but then I considered how much abuse that I'd given it after carving 4 totem poles ranging from 12 to 14 feet tall and numerous other large log projects over the years. Well, I finally got over it and decided to buy another one which I'm still using on my large projects today.

If I were on a deserted island and had only one choice then I'd probably go with Swiss Made brand carving tools but I also wouldn't reccomend someone not to go with Lamp brand. I like to have a little bit of everything in my bag of carving tricks and Lamp brand will always have a place there with me.

[Clifford_Parker]

I have tried a number of the "big name" tools, including Swiss Made, Lamp, and Two Cherries and still buy Ramelson tools for most of my carving needs. While they don't have the same "hobby snob appeal" as the pricier brands they are high quality, high carbon steel, American Made, carving tools.

[santacarver]

I have the entire Lamp Brand set of carving tools...all of them, and I love them! It's a real joy to carve my Santa's using them....and they hold an edge. Periodic stropping is all that I do with them. I have not had any problems at all and I would highly recommend them.

[buckbeans]

Ditto on the old buck brothers tools. I really think they are the the best steel I am ever used. even better than stubai and Pfeil.

[Capt. Bandaid]

Clifford! Hobby Snob? Some of us genuinely like Swiss Made tools for their performance. Being snobby has nothing to do with it.

[Clifford_Parker]

Capt. Bandaid,

No offense meant but in all of my hobbies I have met people who pay 2X - 3X for equal quality tools simply because of the name and I have had several experienced carvers coment on how well I do with my "cheap tools".

Ramelson tools are high carbon, hand forged steel, and IMO are equal in quality to many brands that sell for MUCH more. If the quality is equal and I can buy American made for less I don't see any reason other than name recognition to spend more.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I don't know about all that, but I do know, I have a set of PowerGrips that are head and shoulders above my ramelsons...