Comparing English Tool Makers

[Craig Powers]

I'm curious if anyone has noticed a difference in the performance of one brand of turning tools. Specifically, between Crown, Hamlet, Sorby, and Henry Taylor. I've got a few of each. I'm starting to come to the conclusion that my Henry Taylor tools keep and edge longer and sharpen easier than the Sorbys.
No way of quantifying absolutely, just something I've noticed.
Anyone else have any thoughts or prefer one of these brands over another?
BTW, I'm only talking about M2, not Kryo or Powdered metal, Thompson, etc.

[Tom Godley]

I like my Crown tools -- Not sure what it is -- but they just feel correct for me.

I know that part of it is the handle - fits my hand very well.

[Ryan Baker]

I have tools from all of those companies and don't dislike any of them. The Crown tools are definitely nice to use. Out of that group, I would rate my Sorbys as holding an edge the best and the Henry Taylors as the worst (not bad, just relative to the others). I don't consider any of them easier to sharpen than the others. My Thompsons and Sorbys are the tools that get used almost all the time.

[Bill Wyko]

I have a few of the Crown Powder metal turning tools. They stay sharper longer and just feel right to me. Especiallt the David Elsworth one. It seems to stay sharp for hours of turning.:D

[Leo Van Der Loo]

I've got some of all of them, but the sorbys are my goto tools every time, the shortest as well by now ;-)), though got some new ones waiting in the wing