superautobacs have you had any experience with the Digital Adjustable Torque Wrench from KTC like the GEK085-R4? I seem to remember a post you did with one in it? Also do you know anything about the TONE H4DT200 Torque adapter. Are they made in house? or sourced like all the others from Taiwan?
also noticed that Kieba sell a Lightool range
http://www.keiba-tool.com/cms/products/detail/143
these just rebranded Asahi?
http://www.asahi-tool.co.jp/product/lightool.html
Yes, not that particular one, but a GEK060-R3. It's a great tool that I've been using for a few years now. I use it most frequently for sparkplugs and miscellaneous engine tasks. Two things I wished it had: a higher tooth-count mechanism and an angle feature.
They have a patented "power sensor" that they use on the handle. The benefit is that the torque wrench will operate reliably regardless of where you grip the handle. For example, you could use your fingers on the end of the handle to torque a fastener and yet not affect the reading.
The torque adapter: I would suspect it's from Taiwan. I think I've seen 2 or 3 different variants in the past 6 years (various different brands). I don't know who the OEM is though.
Keiba/Asahi Lightool:
I've wondered about this myself in the past. I've never seen a Keiba Lightool in person, and I would assume they are rare. Given that Keiba is a pliers manufacturer, I would guess that they are outsourced. The DOE wrenches definitely share close resemblances between the two brands, so I would seem logical to think that it comes from Asahi. But then there's the adjustable wrench--something that Asahi doesn't produce. Perhaps TOP was the OEM?
superautobacs, I sincerely believe that the highest quality gives an expert craftsman.
That last picture on Keiba, professional level nail clippers. Beautifully made!
However, at around $300 each and ten being made each day by the craftsman at Keiba it'll be the market that decides if these continue.
Japan has reached a crossroad with its skilled trades people. A lot of these people are elderly now and in many cases the skills will disappear because some companies didn't act earlier to train young people to take over. There's also the issue that most young people here don't want to work in a factory.
I watched a documentary about a Japanese manufatcurer of large ship propellors. It seems they are now trying to train young people in the skills of hand finishing propellors. BUT, the tradesman who is long overdue for retirement has his work cut out for him in teaching skills he learned over 50 years to his apprentice.
I agree, there's a lot at stake. Many reasons why the situation is the way it is. I believe one reason is the fact that these skilled craftsmen have not been given the recognition and respect that they deserve. The average consumer only sees the end product, but they could careless who made it. What has been missing for decades is now increasingly being featured in magazines, documentaries/TV shows. That is, showcasing and promoting the national crafts, and featuring the craftspeople that make the products. Hopefully it isnt too late and it inspires the younger generation to become craftsmen/persons of the future.
