and a quick search turns up a fair overlap with what Metmo is making now:
razor saw and miter box
coping saw — a notable company innovating in this space is Knew Concepts (that said, I’m glad to have a Blue Spruce Ultimate Coping Saw, though I am bummed I did not get one of the solid titanium saws which the former used to sell)
clamps of various sorts — the small plastic clamps are still sold by Micro Mark and Excel, there were also miniature C clamps
It is interesting to review which tools they sell:
Fine Craft Handsaw with Handle (this, like most of their sharps is probably a re-badged Olfa product), Thin Blade Craft Saw Model
Basic File set, file flat 6mm wide
drill bit sets
sharp pointed side cutter, modellers diagonal cutters
engraving blade handle, blades, plastic scriber II
model cleaning anti static brush
tweezers, curved and straight, decorative tweezers
bending pliers-photo etched parts
mini electric drill
modeling scissors
pin vise
craft tools cutting mat
Notably their:
Tamiya Craft Tool Series No.98 Modeler’s Knife PRO Plastic Model Tool 74098
is a re-badged:
OLFA Graphic Art Knife Set (AK-4)
(but molded in black)
The notable lacunae which I am seeing are the handsaw and pin vise and tweezers — only the handsaw might be interesting as a product, but that’s a very crowded space, and given that the brilliant engineered Blue Spruce Toolworks Ultimate Coping Saw couldn’t make it in the market, this post is more an indulgence than informational.
I keep coming back to this post during my research phases for new products, so I just wanted to let you know that it’s very much appreciated when you share these insights. I know it was initially intended to see what other people are up to, but in a world where searching for abstract tools and niche companies is becoming more and more difficult (cheers google) your experience and insight is invaluable to what we do, so again, thank you and keep being awesome!
Expanding on the above (and my comments in other threads about measuring tools), there’s a new group called “Swan Tool Company” which has an update to the venerable combination square:
There’s another video showing various other tools, including a protractor — still debating on buying into these — mostly I do smaller scale work, so the size isn’t a good fit, and the branding is kind of obnoxious, and I hate the company mascot and the logo/branding on the tool is a bit large/obnoxious (I’ve been stuck at my mother-in-law’s for days now and feeling cranky).
Anyone else try out a Stanley Odd-Jobs? Woodpeckers did a run of them a while back, and I picked up one which Rockler did:
(I am still somewhat bumfuzzled that the current combination square is the older tool design)
Looks to be yet another re-imagining of the Silca T-Ratchet and Ti-Torque bar (which as I believe I’ve noted before is one of my most favourite tools).
Hope you had a great holiday and a Happy New Year! Just running through your contributions here, that Stanley Odd Job is awesome, for an 1888 tool that is really quite impressive. Woodpeckers look like an interesting brand, their OneTime Tool series has so many retired products in it, I’m guessing they’re using that as a proving ground for ideas. Much like the Swan guys though, I think they’re website and brand need a bit of help
I followed that Kickstarter campaign over Christmas, It does look like a nice design but for me I’ve always admired the Silca design, I’m not aware of anyone who’s done a torque tool as good as that. I did look at some designs a while ago for adjustable torque wrenches, but they ended up on a shelf in a dev box.
The wild thing is, the Stanley Odd Jobs actually pre-dates the traditional combination square as invented by Starrett (look up their old advertising of that — it’s a hoot).
Agree that Woodpeckers’ “One Time Tool” system basically allows them to throw stuff against a wall to see what sticks — it’s interesting, but also exhausting and I’d argue, not that good for the industry or the planet.
It will be interesting to see if the Swan brand has any staying power — I hate the branding/logo, but it would be hard for theme to use a traditional swan profile as that is the bailiwick of the wonderful of “James Swan Co.” and their “best cast forged steel”.
If you don’t have a copy of Quality Is Contagious : John Economaki and Bridge City Tool Works - 36 Years Through the Lens of Joe Felzman I’d recommend it — copy on eBay now:
his design language and tool innovation is quite striking — maybe there are some ideas in there.
Thanks for that recommendation, I managed to find one for about £80 on Amazon US that should arrive at the end of the month, looking forward to this one!
Wow, now that is how to advertise! Kinda tempted to do some tongue in cheek MetMo ads in that style… never really seen a modern brand do that before… may be for a good reason though in any case, I’d have fun making it haha
Yeah onto Woodpeckers… I know how much effort goes into getting a product to market, they must have tapped into Santas magic machine shop to knock out that many limited batch products! I’m both impressed and confused at the same time.
