[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Hummm this makes me wonder if the chinese are at it again, with spinoffs using the Stubai name? I just can't believe Stubai would put tools out with the tang coming thru the handle.....can I imagine it with a chinese tool?

[Thomp]

If Mark Whillock is the one you deal with,
he is one fine feller to work with,
when i won the top tip prize of the full size 5 chisels set he swoped them for a 10 piece set of palm chisels straight across, without any problems or complaints, i just paid shipping...
mark is a down to earth guy and if he can help you he will, just email him with your problem.

[chrisw]

Hi All!

It is tough for me to see what the problem with the Stubai tools without taking a look at them. We have been very happy with the factory production (there was one small instance of a new working letting some tools go by) however it is tough to tell without seeing them.

If anyone ever has an issue with Stubai tool please, please call us Toll Free @ 1-888-901-8099 and we can work on a solution. The factory is very good about taking back faulty tools.

I have no knowledge of any Stubai tools being made in China.

Take care ... happy carving!

Chris Whillock
STUBAI - US Distributor
cj@stubaidirect.com
1-888-901-8099

[MarkW]

Board Members,

Recently there has been some talk about Stubai Tools and some questions have been raised. I would like to take this opportunity to address some of these and add some comments of my own

Handles – Handles on most professional quality carving tools are intended to be removed if needed. There are several reasons for this, replacing a damaged handle or customizing the tool to the users grip are just a few. The handles are attached by hand with a “friction fit”. It is possible that a handle can be set slightly off center in this process. This is an issue that I will bring up to the factory for improvement.

Sharpening – Stubai Carving Tools are sharpened at the factory as part of the production process. It has been my experience that Stubai tools are among the sharpest professional quality tools on the market and are ready for use after a slight bit of honing. With that said the craftsmen that produce these tools expect that the carver will re-sharpen the tool before use, as they do in Europe. Sharpening your tools is considered a basic first step in a carving project and many carvers prefer to do this themselves.

Production – many tool companies’s have made several changes to production and even have moved production to cheap labor markets to compensate for growth. Stubai HAS NOT. The factory is still located in the Austrian Alps, as it has been for the past 100 years, and 100% of the process is done in this valley. To adjust to the growing demand for the tools Carl, The owner operator, trained and added additional craftsmen. Stubai tools continue to be hand forged by trained Austrian craftsmen.

The Stubai Co-Op, in Austria, and Whillock Woodcarving, in the USA, offer and support a satisfaction guarantee with all tools sold. We do not allow seconds on the market and will replace or repair any tool with defects. So please contact us off list with questions and concerns.

Thank you for you attention.
Mark Whillock.
mark@stubaidirect.com

[BobD]

Welcome aboard Mark and Chris. Sorry that you two got caught up in our "Spam Eliminator." We had a problem with Spam, and sometimes legitimate posts get trapped too! I've approved them both!

Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[AlArchie]

Hope I didn't step on any toes, going directly to the Whillocks, but I thought it might help straighten out some level of dissatisfaction and give them a chance to get some direct input into the discussion.

Al

[BobD]

If you hadn't contacted Chris and Mark, Al, I would have! That is usually how I handle issues like this!

Bob

[chuckt]

Good move Al. I always think getting the source (or as close to it as possible) involved to address quality issues is a great thing. It helps them too to get feedback and have an opportunity to address concerns or problems. If I were a carving tool manufacturer in this day and age of internet communication and quick "word of mouth" (both positive and negative), I'd be actively monitoring boards like this one for signs of trouble so I could address it immediately and to create a two way conversation with my market to improve my own delivery of value.

Thanks Mark and Chris for speaking up here and offering to address any of Michael's concerns. Well done!

!
ChuckT

[DiamondWillow]

Well done Whillocks.......

Gene

[Canopener]

Well you got my attention and I am impressed.
I am not in the market for any tools right now, but will definately give you more consideration next time around.
Jim