Untitled

Press, 22 December 1978, Page 8

ceptionallv good quality, light-weight tools available: a pair of edging shears and a make of leaf rake spring to mind, both of which are far superior to some far more expensive and solid equivalents. Any tool which relies on its cutting edge to perform its duty must without question hold its edge ' well. It is obvious that where this does not apply bluntness is going to mean harder work and a result of a poorer standard, and with it the constant necessity to resharpen.

So this is a point to watch and it will be a rarity to find a quality tool using an inferior metal. Still on the subject of blade edges and sharpness, it is unfortunately true but there is a very sad neglect in this respect. One sees equipment so blunt and chipped along the cutting edge that it soon becomes obvious why the job is poorly executed and hard to accomplish as well. If you are not prepared or unable to manipulate a file, sharpening stone or one of the various new proprietary

sharpening devices, then there are many professional services around which will do the job well.

Handles are rarely given a thought but they play a very significant role in most jobs. They must suit the hand that is to hold them, they may need to have a little give but not be too flexible.

Durability is important. A straight grain is highly desirable in long wooden handles.

Synthetic materials have superseded wood in many cases but generally there

is a choice which is personal. Off-hand, it is not possible to think of a particular instance where one is definitely preferred over the other. Again, service is improved and prolonged by attention to keeping tools clean and not throwing them around.

It is best to select one tool for a specific job; that is precisely what it has been designed for.

The choice is yours, and if you make it wisely you can count on a lifelong partnership — providing you then play your part in good maintenance.