Philosophy

Some years ago, early in my woodworking journey, I purchased an old Tyzack and Turner saw. It needed restoration and the teeth were in bad shape. I made an inexpensive saw vise, learned how to cut new teeth, and made the saw usable again.

This saw made quite an impression on me. It cuts accurately, has a nice weight, and feels like a quality tool for doing real woodworking. I've since used it in many of my own projects.

The saw isn't cosmetically perfect, but I see that as a good thing. The way the horns have been reshaped, the scratches on the brass, and the patina are a record of the decades of unnamed craftspeople who used this saw before me.

My goal at Glenmere Hand Tools is to make durable, high-quality tools that help craftspeople do their best work. I hope that one day people enjoy tools I've made the same way that I enjoy using my Tyzack and Turner.

Principles

I have been making and repairing woodworking hand tools for about three years now, but I still have a lot to learn as a toolmaker. In 2023, I decided to get more serious about making and selling my work. I apply these principles as I build my toolmaking practice:

Continuous Process Improvement: As I make more tools, I will keep finding ways to improve my process and thereby the quality of my products.

Resist Perfectionism: I want to make tools that work well and are handsome rather than perfect. I'm not striving to be a CNC-robot, turning out saws that are identical to 0.001". I'm also not striving for picture-perfect images that conquer social media. Little scratches, irregularities in wood, and other imperfections are part of a handmade product.

Learning by Shipping: I test and use my own tools, but ultimately one of the main ways I will improve as a craftsperson is by sending my work into the world for other craftspeople to use.