Robert Sorby have been manufacturing ‘edge tools’ in Sheffield for more than 200 years. They adopted the kangaroo brand in the early 1800’s when the new colony of Australia was a big market for their tools.
Verifying the exact age of saws is difficult, however the split nuts, beach handles and the stamps in the brass point to a period between 1828 – 1846, regardless of age they are beautiful and a joy to use.
10″ open handle Dovetail Rip Saw. This is the sports car of hand saws and every woodworker wants one. I have heard the term sexy used but I am not going there 🙂
12″ Dovetail Rip Saw – This particular saw was in such bad condition it was given to me. I had to shorten the blade at the handle end which was mostly rusted away, a practice that was common in the old days apparently.
14″ Cross Cut Tenon Saw – Picked up in Tasmania by my wonderful wife. Used to cut the shoulders of the tenons.
14″ Rip Cut Tenon Saw – for cutting cheeks of the tenons.
18″ Cross Cut Carcass Saw – The small medallion and handle shape dates this to early 1800’s I am told.
24″ Rip Saw – Stamping of the owners name on tools was common practice for a tool that would be worth a week to a months wages. Luckily today examples in need of restoration are for sale for much less than $100.
I & H Sorby 26″ Rip Saw – I & H Sorby, another maker in Sheffield in the 1800’s, is no relation or connection to Robert Sorby according to the records of the day.
Firmer Chisels, Bevel Edge Chisels, a Framing Chisel and a Mortise Chisel, Gouges and Lathe Chisels – Robert Sorby chisels are sitll made today and considered by many (including me) as the best quality. Today they market a very popular Lathe Chisels and lathe accessories range.
I & H Sorby Warington Hammer and Cutting Gauge – The hammer is used in adjusting wooden plane irons, my son found this one fro me in a market in Rome Italy. The cutting gauge was from the US.
Infill Smoothing Plane, No 1 Hatchet and Mortise Axe – The blade from the smoother is Robert Sorby but the rest of the plane is probably a blank that was purchased by the tradesman and fitted. The hatchet is a tool that I am enjoying getting to know, many and varied uses and much time and practice to master.
Brass and Mahogany Spirit Level and 9′ gilt edge Try Square – The Try Square is new old stock and wonderful to use. The spirit level is an example of what happens when you have a collection, you buy some shinny things you don’t need because of the brand 🙂
and ……
Quiet Carpentry 