Knife Maker's Friday Five #19: Buy Good Tools!

Knife maker Walter Sorrells talks about why buying high quality tools is important to knife makers...and how not to break the bank in the process.

More at:

Walter's Instagram: walterstactix
Tactix Armory Instagram: tactixarmory
Twitter: @WalterSorrells

[qzbymig]

One of the most valuable lessons from my dad: Life's too short to use cheap tools.

[punker]

this lesson holds true for all trades. I'm a automotive mechanic. when i first started out i scoffed at the prices snap on was asking for tools and bought the cheapo stuff. over the years i have learned buy once, cry once. high quality tools are worth the exspense.

[ThisOldFarmShop]

As my grandpa used to say, "Buy good tools once, or buy cheap ones over and over again."

[MikeGIronCreek]

"The bitterness of poor quality lasts way beyond the sweet taste of low price"

[swimminwitdafishes]

Purchased a box full of old files on Ebay with the intent of using them for knife blanks and assorted small hand tools. I eventually switched them out with the files I was using in my shop as they were better and sharper. Some looked like they were never used. Thanks for all the great vids.

[ryanmartinage]

It's all about value vs. price. Recognize the point where the $/features stop benefiting your needs.

[jimmelnyk]

Many years ago a friend told me, "Always buy the best tool you can afford." In 45 years, that has never been bad advice.

[watermain]

Sage counsel Walter. Thanks for sharing it.

[yncrutledge]

if your tools are too expensive you won't be able to buy anything but blue denim shirts

[tr]

When you buy cheap tools, you buy two of them. The first one and the replacement.
Guys (and Gals), he's got some good videos. I bought one and there was one little tip in it that made all the difference in the world. It paid for itself with one knife. Knowledge is my most useful tool.

[philipprigmore]

OMG, I actually started laughing out loud when you made the comment about NOT needing a tool. If you are doing anything that requires tools, you are predisposed to buying tools already. You made a lot of great points in this video, but there are tools that might not be actually needed, but are actually needed (put wanted in place.) Have a great week, Walter. And remember the truth sprouted by Tim Allen in - more power, more tools. You can never have too many tools.(And don't buy cheap or without finding out exactly what is the best for the job to be done.)

[john-paulsilke]

Many comments about making your own tools. I have many, (I'm a tradesman) and most took less then 5mins to make. I call these "tools" jigs, like saw horses and guides for Molding spacers. A few like custom mitre boxes are throw away items that are too big to transport but I have those tools in my head. Same thing with sanding blocks for custom profiles. You are the tool, and the maker. Of course there are crap tools we can buy and sometimes this is a good thing, but I have never seen a good dremel style tool. Dye grinders attached to air compressors on the other hand, theses are great.

[diggingga]

The best tools i usually buy are vintage tools because a lot of them still rock like they were made yesterday

[StephShaggs]

I feel like Walter just started a large wave of bedtime arguments. XD

[geoffflato]

Craigslist is definitely your friend. I've got half a dozen drill presses in my shop, all very high end American and Canadian made. And all of them cost between $25 and $110 on Craigslist

[futuresonex]

Good advice, advice that I've often given but not always followed, and in the end I've payed for it when I didn't!

[ColtonWilson]

I agree, cheap tools usually just mess with you. In my opinion good tools ain't cheap and cheap tools ain't good. By higher end when you can. It will save you a lot of headaches.

[youngknifemaker]

Thanks for the advice, you are a nice guy.

[joshbenn]

Just saw your Forged in Fire episode. That canister Damascus is a b**ch man. Tough brake. We were rooting for you though. Good effort.

[InformationIsTheEdge]

Cheap tools, they're cheap for a reason. I've combed garage and yard sales, flea markets and estate sales and I have found some really great deals on high quality tools. It helps if you know what you are looking for before you go.