Stunning hand-tool collection on auction in New Zealand

[PaulMarcel]

I mean, it's loaded and gorgeous. When one of our Kiwis picks it up, post more pics!

From a hand-tool Reddit thread

(photos from that thread in case you don't want to click through)

 

[luvmytoolz]

Absolutely stunning, love to see what it goes for!

This article has a bit more on it from the owner Jim Howell (passed away in 2019, 2 years after this article):

Jim Howell's Tool Cabinet - Australian Wood Review

Jim Howell's remarkable tool chest contains an equally remarkable collection of hand tools…and memories.

www.woodreview.com.au

 

[waho6o9]

Thank you for posting!

 

[hdv]

Stunning indeed!

 

[kevinculle]

Wow, that is in the league of the incredible Studley tool chest, which I saw many years ago at the Smithsonian museum in DC. The Studley is more layered in its packing arrangement though.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

That was the first thing I thought of when I saw the open pics. It's bigger and less densely packed, but along the same lines. Totally awesome as an art piece, but in practical terms, it messes with my head. The analysis paralysis would kick right in. I'd be worried about "what ifs" Room for expansion, etc.
The chisels, rasps, planes, even marking gauges, all make sense.....the hammers? not seeing that

 

[luvmytoolz]

I think nothing can beat the Studley chest, that's in a league of it's own!

 

[derekcohen]

The problems with the Studley are:

1. I would have forgotten what I was building, or the tool I was seeking, by the time I removed front layers to reach the back.

2. The physiotherapy bills would be sky high if I had to carry this to work each day.

3. I think that internal LED lighting is needed. Perhaps a retrofit?

4. I would prefer the real deal to the poster I have on the wall of my workshop.

I trust that Jim Howell thoroughly enjoyed his woodworking. His talent shows through in not just his construction and choice of materials, but choice of tools.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Cheese]

This is not a plus or a minus...just an observation.

Those Stanley chisels just jump out at you.

 

[onocoffee]

I like the idea and practice of returning tools to their Home position once I've used them. The Studley is Stunning, but I fear in practical use, it would drive me nuts, as I would have to spend so much time unstacking and restacking the tools just to put one back. Or I would end up irritated and just leaving them out and all over the place, which would make me even more irritated.

But both of these tool chests are stunning.

 

[PaulMarcel]

This is not a plus or a minus...just an observation.

Those Stanley chisels just jump out at you.

Truthfully, I have a set of Stanleys as well, but the fluorescent orange set. I use it whenever something is too gnarly for my finer chisels. So in a way, they only ever see the worse case scenarios like knocking out that bit of casing the Shark saw couldn't get because oops a nail. Or separating a laminate from a substrate. Or cleaning out a router mortise in a security door made of some crazy composite. I need to give them more credit: they are the snake for my toilet after a rough night at the taco truck.

I think I'm going to go touch up their edges, brb...

 

[luvmytoolz]

they are the snake for my toilet after a rough night at the taco truck.

Paul, please say it ain't so? ;-)

 

[derekcohen]

My storage of favourite chisels is a little different. I began preparing for retirement and a home/workshop move 4 years ago - it was planned to happen two years ago ... but has dragged on. 2026 is The Year! Anyway, rather than a wall cabinet in which tools are hung (like Jim Howell and Studley), I decided to add a chest with drawers under my bench top. The drawers with the chisels are quite different - possibly special - which is why I mention them here ...



The drawers have two layers each, with sliding trays. This top tray contain Veritas ...



The tray below contains Blue Spruce ...



Koyamaichi slicks (purchased 15+ years ago. I sold my first born for them) ..



The lower tray contain Koyamaichi oire nomi. These were purchased individually until I had enough for a set, and then I re-handled them to match ...



Veritas and Fujikawa mortise chisels ...



Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[onocoffee]

Seems to me that this bench is approaching Studley level. Gorgeous!

 

[Cheese]

Truthfully, I have a set of Stanleys as well, but the fluorescent orange set. I use it whenever something is too gnarly for my finer chisels. So in a way, they only ever see the worse case scenarios like knocking out that bit of casing the Shark saw couldn't get because oops a nail. Or separating a laminate from a substrate. Or cleaning out a router mortise in a security door made of some crazy composite. I need to give them more credit: they are the snake for my toilet after a rough night at the taco truck.

I think I'm going to go touch up their edges, brb...

I use the Stanleys for exactly the same purposes...I've owned them the longest and they have been thoroughly abused (excepting the taco truck ) but they still work well. In keeping with their rough & tumble nature, they get sharpened with a pink wheel on an 8" bench grinder.

The Studley approach gets the prize for traveling considerations.
The New Zealand approach wins for practicality and the most storage for your shop.
However...for everyday use the @derekcohen solution is by far the easiest to use. I did the same thing for a spice drawer in the kitchen and the sliding top drawer is the best for ready access. So, easy to access the contents and so easy to return them to storage, the best of both worlds.

 

[Vondawg]

My storage of favourite chisels is a little different. I began preparing for retirement and a home/workshop move 4 years ago - it was planned to happen two years ago ... but has dragged on. 2026 is The Year! Anyway, rather than a wall cabinet in which tools are hung (like Jim Howell and Studley), I decided to add a chest with drawers under my bench top. The drawers with the chisels are quite different - possibly special - which is why I mention them here ...



The drawers have two layers each, with sliding trays. This top tray contain Veritas ...



The tray below contains Blue Spruce ...



Koyamaichi slicks (purchased 15+ years ago. I sold my first born for them) ..



The lower tray contain Koyamaichi oire nomi. These were purchased individually until I had enough for a set, and then I re-handled them to match ...



Veritas and Fujikawa mortise chisels ...



Regards from Perth

Derek

Mighty fine …as always

 

[ChuckS]

Festool, Festool owner, too.

Tutankhamen’s Cedar Throne - Australian Wood Review

Jim Howell explains how a love at first sight became a labour of love.

www.woodreview.com.au

 

[guybo]

Paul, please say it ain't so? ;-)

I'm sure he just taco his time

 

[mino]

...
The drawers have two layers each, with sliding trays. This top tray contain Veritas ...
...

Gorgeous table!

May I enquire why you chose the slide-in-drawer approach instead of /more of/ just shallow drawers?

Was it aesthetics, some practical consideration, or just a 'why-not' repurposing after the act?

 

[demographic]

Looks great.
As for the chisels? Many people cherish items for deep and varied reasons beyond 'What would the people on the Festool forum would think?'

Present off a relative elevates an item beyond its use to something to value far more.
Some people just find different items comfortable, hell, I know a guy with the most battered old English pattern Estwing hammer with a grip worn a right odd shape but ask him and its the best hammer in the world.
He would value it over any posh hammer in existance.
Maybe this bloke was given the chisels off someone dear to him, maybe he just liked in the hand them over any others.
His box, his choice.