The Beauty of Hand Tools

"It is well known that men love tools. As a matter of fact their prize possession is often referred to as a tool." [The History of Wood Part 8 by Daniel Torkelson]

Japanese Sumitsubos - The sumitsubo is used for marking long straight lines onto various surfaces. A thread (tsuboito) is tied to a rounded piece of wood with a needle fixed at the end (karuko). The other end of the thread is passed through the small opening at the end of the sumitsubo (itoguchi), through the depression containing ink (ike) and wound around a spool (itomaki-guruma). The ink is stored in the ike soaked in silk wadding. Silk threads are used as tsuboito. (courtesy Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, Japan)

Japanese and many Western artisans have long considered tool making to be an art as much as a science. Gifted tool makers are revered in those societies and museums dedicated to the preservation and history of tools, including woodworking tools.

In India, on the other hand, tool makers and woodworkers are considered to be lowly "mistries" and their craft not a matter of serious study or preservation. We pay for that negligence in the form of shoddy workmanship, poorly made tools and so on. This is a pity because India has a long tradition of woodworking. For hundreds of years Indian artisans produced exquisite objects from wood embellished with detailed carvings, lacquer work and inlays. These masterpieces were once sought after all over the world. Even this history has largely been lost.

I have been fortunate to meet a couple of like-minded people who care not just for the utilitarian value of tools but their aesthetics as well. Together we plan to make a few tools of our own that will be both useful and attractive to behold. More on that project later.

Meanwhile, I have acquired a few hand tools that look as interesting as they are useful.

Wooden Mallet

This wooden mallet presented to me by Col CV Bala was turned by him in his home workshop. It is one solid piece made from Baboul wood and has the necessary heft required to bash a chisel. It is a beautifully balanced mallet which sits well and does not cause fatigue. It also looks great made as it is out beautifully figured wood and given an oil finish.

Awl

This is another tool made by Col Bala. A simple awl can be attractive as well as robust. This one will last me for many years.

Stanley Awl

This is a mass produced Stanley awl I had picked up some months ago. It is no big deal but I consider it a lovely tool. It is small and fits well in my palm and the cherry paint finished with lacquer gives it a special feel.

Small Hobby Planes

This exquisite set of small hobby planes is one of my favourites. I've included a cell phone in the photograph to give an idea of how tiny the planes are. The great thing is that they all work perfectly; their sharp blades are ideal for making fine adjustments. This one is made by Sobha Industries and comes in a small sponge lined wooden box.

I am particularly fond of Japanese hand tools but cannot afford the really good ones because of their prohibitive prices. The Japanese tools are hand made by master artisans who make their tools with great care and love. Some of them are heirloom pieces that sell for lakhs.

But here in India I am sure we could make superb tools, as we must have in the past, for a few hundred rupees. That is a project that would be worth taking up some day.

Indranil Banerjie
2 July 2014