Originally Posted by
John Keeton
True, Brian, but you have ignored or avoided the qualifying phrase in my post - “a segment of the population that takes an inordinate pride...”. It is the “inordinate pride” that is concerning to me. You may have differing opinions.
My "inordinate pride" is usually focused on how something was acquired for a ridiculously low price. Though some of my bobbles were purchased at retail and receive as much pride.
Originally Posted by
James Pallas
I often find things interesting to investigate. The price of tool is what it is worth to the user. I have often thought “why is that tool so expensive”. Sometimes I just want to know if the tool would be of value to me or if in my view I’m satisfied with what I have. If my inquisitive mind gets the better of me I search out someone who has the tool and go see for myself. I have purchased tools that I have at first thought “no way would I pay that price”. In the mean time I don’t question the buyers of such tools. After seeing the tool in use I many times decide that it is not for me because I can do the work equally or better with what I have.
Often we think of the cost of a tool in the terms of what another similar tool costs. In my case it is my $25 Stanley #4 that is ~130 years old compared to a $350 Lie Nielsen #4. Of course the LN is going to beat it in every category except removing shavings from a piece of wood.
Originally Posted by
Brian Holcombe
John, I respect your viewpoint but I’m willing to give the benefit of a doubt. Most often I feel that this is a case of ‘either/or’ choices more than anything else. Example being perhaps someone buys their sought after sharpening stone but decides not to take a vacation, etc.
My point, is that it’s easy to take something like sharpening stones or infill planes and consider it excessive, but I suppose I simply see it as indicators that demand for such things is strong and in the case of something like infill planes I’m glad to see someone patronizing a talented maker at a level that allows them to stretch their legs a bit.
For some, the vacation might be a new sharpening stone to work with during a week or two of no other responsibilities.
On a philosophical level some may experience a oneness with the tools they use. Some of my tools do feel better in hand than others. Paying more for some unexplainable comfort is worth it to many. Others choose to get the job done without the luxury. That is why we have Hyundais and Mercedes driving on the same highways.
jtk
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
- Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)