superautobacs
Well-known member
[Now Closed] Tool Store in Osaka, Japan 輸入工具大谷商店
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 2019: I'm updating this thread because Otani tool store has shuttered its storefront for good!
But if you're still visiting Namba/Osaka, and want to go to a tool shop, there's still other stores to visit in the area.
Please take a look at my latest video, which includes a hyperlapse video which directs you to some other tool stores, including woodworking tool stores.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4JYshaz14wc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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original post from 04-30-2017
For any tool enthusiasts that are planning a vacation to Japan, I'd highly recommend going to a place called Namba, in Osaka city. At Namba there are many specialty tool stores to visit, from small mom-pop type stores to larger national chain stores.
Now you might be asking yourself, "why would I go overseas, to a foreign country, on my vacation, to look at tools?". Well, these tool stores provide an unique opportunity to see, touch, and compare all kinds of Japanese, American, and European made tools. You'll likely never find a store that carries so many different brands from around the world. If that sounds appealing to you, read further.
A particular store that I want to introduce and recommend is called 輸入工具大谷商店. Translated into English it becomes: Otani Imported Hand Tools Firm. Otani is the family name.
A few years ago I created a thread which featured this store. Here's the link to that thread if you want to see the original postings: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=268974
Why am I creating another seemingly duplicate thread?
Ever since I posted that thread/video I've had several people ask me over the years on how to get to that store. The store doesn't have a webpage and any information, short of GJ postings and my YT video, are in English. So, I actually want to dedicate this thread just for this store so that the information is all consolidated into one thread and this should make it easier for anyone that's actually searching on the internet to find their way to the store. I recently came back from another trip in Japan and this time around I decided to take photos of the route to the store.
Please follow this link which goes to my Flickr photo album.
You'll find a map with directions and photos to go along with it: https://flic.kr/s/aHskYREiv2
You can download the photos so that you can upload them to your smartphone/tablet or print them out.
_________________________________________________________
I understand not everyone is interested in going to Japan, but at least the photos should entertain you. I've simply pasted the content from my previous thread. Enjoy:
------------------------------------
posted on 11/14/2014 at Part lll: Tool Shops in Japan
Yet another thread on tool shops in Japan. Many could care less about what kind of tools are sold in shops over there, but I'm sure there's a bunch that would be curious to know.
I recently came back from vacationing in Japan and as part of any overseas trip I do, I have this insatiable appetite to seek out good tool shops that I can visit.
And so I did, and as time and mood allows, I'll upload photos that I took.
I'll start off with the city of Osaka, which became the highlight of my tool seeking adventure. I was in this city two years ago and I was fortunate enough to discover some great looking, mom-pop type tool shops, but unfortunately my time ran out as they were just starting to close up for the night. So, I made it a mission to go back to that same neighbourhood during this recent trip.
On my way to that tool shop alley, I stumbled across one shop that carried a decent amount of hand tools. I just snapped a few:
KTC tools--the standard name in tools across the entire country; like Craftsman is for North America:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15606017140" title="DSCN1193a by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8408/15606017140_bd02e944a7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCN1193a"></a>
PB Swiss or PB Baumann as they used to be called, has been sold in Japan for many decades:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15790840535" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5612/15790840535_85b492344f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
The store literally displays it's merchandise outside of their store front. Lots of Vessel and KTC branded screwies:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15605435658" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7489/15605435658_4a59afc3be_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
I reached my tool shop alley and snapped some store front views:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15792405492" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7556/15792405492_96534355bb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15605019749" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5607/15605019749_2eff26cc91_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15792400612" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7476/15792400612_be14785b87_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
I saw this store front and my eyes just lit up as if I knew I had reached my destination. This store was just reeking of goodies.
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15606001710" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/15606001710_03d867c0bb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="836" alt="."></a>
My hopes were high, very high, when I saw these signs/stickers:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15792354602" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7508/15792354602_b4717131ed_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="."></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15605962460" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7472/15605962460_03fa50c15d_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="."></a>
There was an old display for PB Swiss tools. I wondered how many years it took for the dust accumulate on those tools!?
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15788929491" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7499/15788929491_df7d2fac03_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15790791125" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/15790791125_b3635410f0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
I then turned my attention to the glass windowed showcase and started recording
<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/EzLfmjvbkJ4?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/EzLfmjvbkJ4?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
A little redundant, but I took photos as well.
Wera, Norbar, Stahlwille, Tohnichi, KTC torque wrenches:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15767162186" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8575/15767162186_75743bfb42_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
More Tohnichi:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15171392833" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7477/15171392833_aa95556f6c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
Pressol and Golden Rod oilers
NOGA dial gauge stand
Knipex pliers *some may have seen the crosshatched versions of the pliers wrench, but any of you seen one with an anvil cutter!?
Ko-ken gold plated set
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15170876444" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/15170876444_48319f7d8d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
A rare 1990's, first generation Nepros ratchet, along with the latest 90-tooth ratchet
Zeal set on the bottom
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15605415168" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7569/15605415168_d6b6cc8d27_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
A Beta/Ferrari set:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15170871094" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7471/15170871094_3b552ea126_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
Facom set on right
Stahlwille's older and latest 80-tooth ratchet
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15171382883" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7509/15171382883_0138b0e7c6_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
Beta SS (INOX) wrenches sitting on top of USAG metal box set
Facom VDE set
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15767146926" title="DSCN1207 by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7560/15767146926_3e91eecf59_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCN1207"></a>
Wiha Inomic pliers
Erem(?) precision electronics pliers
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15171376843" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5605/15171376843_13450a75be_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
Belzer chip removers?? What is it?
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15605400818" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5616/15605400818_49dafdcf4f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
Pretty self explanatory. The evolution of the Snap-On logo:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15605976480" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/15605976480_c082791012_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
Some nice Beta hammers
Reilang oiler
Hazet wrench set in tin can
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15767135336" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7548/15767135336_435c86970d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
Some more Hazet:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15767132506" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7524/15767132506_d0474f4f16_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
I this point I was already in a state of tool nirvana.
I was
....and this was only the storefront. At this point, I had no idea how big or small this place is, or how many people work behind the showcase.
Then a man came out and I immediately apologized for not asking him if I could take photos of his shop. I told him I was amazed at the variety of brands he carried, and that I'm visiting from Canada. Then I hear another man speak out from behind a wall of tools. He said in Japanese, "we have Piquic and Kuny's". I laughed, walked inside the narrow walkway, and greeted the man sitting on a small stool, literally surrounded by a wall of tools behind his back and sides. He was old and I wasn't surprised. Anyhow, the conversations started and it didn't stop.
The store has been in business just over 60 years. He's second generation. It was just him and his one worker.
I had never walked into a store like that. This place was just oooozing of exotic tools from around the world. It was MY KIND OF PLACE!
It was a real pleasure to talk about the evolution of the tool industry, its history, and the not-so-well known facts that only tool geeks can appreciate.
Hakko, Weidmuller, Knipex, Lowe, Belzer, Eclipse, Proto, Rigid, Noga, NES, and some I've never heard of
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15171344863" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7484/15171344863_edf14d666d_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="."></a>
Novelty items from Snap-On, Facom, Beta, Hazet, PB Swiss, Stahlwille.
Specialty wrenches from Hazet on bottom:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15170838544" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/15170838544_94ed0e71bf_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
A view of the inside. They have various specialty tools from Lisle, KD, Kastar, Lisle, SP (Schley), etc as well:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15605376638" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7497/15605376638_9184d5768c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
Wall of pliers from Snap-on, MAC, SK, Knipex, Hazet, Bahco, Wiha, Erem, Lindstrom, WILL, C.K., C.S. Osborne, etc.
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15170826524" title="Image494 by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7535/15170826524_36278a23dd_b.jpg" width="1024" height="575" alt="Image494"></a>
Stahlwille 'wall' clock
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15170901954" title="Image493 by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5606/15170901954_cbde75ccd2_b.jpg" width="575" height="1024" alt="Image493"></a>
As much as I wanted to take more photos, my battery died on me! This was my last photo capture.
During our conversations we ended up talking about Gedore, Dowidat, and then to the Carolus brand. I told him I had a Carolus Readyflex model and then he brought out this super cool Carolus Conterflex ratchet. I believe he said it's from the 80's. Although a German brand, this series of ratchets were patented by a Japanese company.
Carolus ratchet on bottom with a unique fixed/flex head adjustable ratchet that was controlled by the grip handle.
Stahlwille ratchet on top
There was A LOT of cool NOS stuff here. I can write a lot about the rare NOS stuff I saw, but without pictures I'm going to bore you guys to no end.
I asked him he had something that was really rare and wouldn't like to sell. He thought for a second and told me that at his age he can't remember where everything is, and I wasn't surprised as he had a ton of stuff behind curtains inside their cool, old paper boxes with the tool illustrations on them. I only saw a little peak at the treasure chest this place is.
Anyhow, he did bring out an old Bonney Cam-Lock wrench that was within his reach from his stool. I asked him how much and I was shocked.
___________________________________________________
Additional photos from April, 2017
Hazet once offered Ko-ken's Pathfinder sockets. IIRC, the owner said Hazet only offered this in their catalogue for one year, back in the 90's.
Some new Wera items
1/4 drive Nepros 20th Anniversay bike kit and Stahlwille kit
Some vintage treasures....
The original Bridgeport Cushion-Grip screwdrivers!
These are at least 60 years old but the plastic and rubber have no sign of breaking down or discoloring. He compared these with the current ones offered by Klein. Unlike the new Klein ones, the Bridgeport cushion-grip rubber is still intact with no slop/play.
Some old Utica specialty cutters and Klein flush cutters.
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 2019: I'm updating this thread because Otani tool store has shuttered its storefront for good!
But if you're still visiting Namba/Osaka, and want to go to a tool shop, there's still other stores to visit in the area.
Please take a look at my latest video, which includes a hyperlapse video which directs you to some other tool stores, including woodworking tool stores.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4JYshaz14wc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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original post from 04-30-2017
For any tool enthusiasts that are planning a vacation to Japan, I'd highly recommend going to a place called Namba, in Osaka city. At Namba there are many specialty tool stores to visit, from small mom-pop type stores to larger national chain stores.
Now you might be asking yourself, "why would I go overseas, to a foreign country, on my vacation, to look at tools?". Well, these tool stores provide an unique opportunity to see, touch, and compare all kinds of Japanese, American, and European made tools. You'll likely never find a store that carries so many different brands from around the world. If that sounds appealing to you, read further.
A particular store that I want to introduce and recommend is called 輸入工具大谷商店. Translated into English it becomes: Otani Imported Hand Tools Firm. Otani is the family name.
A few years ago I created a thread which featured this store. Here's the link to that thread if you want to see the original postings: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=268974
Why am I creating another seemingly duplicate thread?
Ever since I posted that thread/video I've had several people ask me over the years on how to get to that store. The store doesn't have a webpage and any information, short of GJ postings and my YT video, are in English. So, I actually want to dedicate this thread just for this store so that the information is all consolidated into one thread and this should make it easier for anyone that's actually searching on the internet to find their way to the store. I recently came back from another trip in Japan and this time around I decided to take photos of the route to the store.
Please follow this link which goes to my Flickr photo album.
You'll find a map with directions and photos to go along with it: https://flic.kr/s/aHskYREiv2
You can download the photos so that you can upload them to your smartphone/tablet or print them out.
_________________________________________________________
I understand not everyone is interested in going to Japan, but at least the photos should entertain you. I've simply pasted the content from my previous thread. Enjoy:
------------------------------------
posted on 11/14/2014 at Part lll: Tool Shops in Japan
Yet another thread on tool shops in Japan. Many could care less about what kind of tools are sold in shops over there, but I'm sure there's a bunch that would be curious to know.
I recently came back from vacationing in Japan and as part of any overseas trip I do, I have this insatiable appetite to seek out good tool shops that I can visit.
And so I did, and as time and mood allows, I'll upload photos that I took.
I'll start off with the city of Osaka, which became the highlight of my tool seeking adventure. I was in this city two years ago and I was fortunate enough to discover some great looking, mom-pop type tool shops, but unfortunately my time ran out as they were just starting to close up for the night. So, I made it a mission to go back to that same neighbourhood during this recent trip.
On my way to that tool shop alley, I stumbled across one shop that carried a decent amount of hand tools. I just snapped a few:
KTC tools--the standard name in tools across the entire country; like Craftsman is for North America:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15606017140" title="DSCN1193a by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8408/15606017140_bd02e944a7_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCN1193a"></a>
PB Swiss or PB Baumann as they used to be called, has been sold in Japan for many decades:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15790840535" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5612/15790840535_85b492344f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
The store literally displays it's merchandise outside of their store front. Lots of Vessel and KTC branded screwies:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15605435658" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7489/15605435658_4a59afc3be_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
I reached my tool shop alley and snapped some store front views:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15792405492" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7556/15792405492_96534355bb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15605019749" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5607/15605019749_2eff26cc91_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15792400612" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7476/15792400612_be14785b87_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
I saw this store front and my eyes just lit up as if I knew I had reached my destination. This store was just reeking of goodies.
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15606001710" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/15606001710_03d867c0bb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="836" alt="."></a>
My hopes were high, very high, when I saw these signs/stickers:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15792354602" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7508/15792354602_b4717131ed_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="."></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15605962460" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7472/15605962460_03fa50c15d_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="."></a>
There was an old display for PB Swiss tools. I wondered how many years it took for the dust accumulate on those tools!?
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15788929491" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7499/15788929491_df7d2fac03_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15790791125" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/15790791125_b3635410f0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
I then turned my attention to the glass windowed showcase and started recording
<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/EzLfmjvbkJ4?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/EzLfmjvbkJ4?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
A little redundant, but I took photos as well.
Wera, Norbar, Stahlwille, Tohnichi, KTC torque wrenches:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15767162186" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8575/15767162186_75743bfb42_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
More Tohnichi:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15171392833" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7477/15171392833_aa95556f6c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
Pressol and Golden Rod oilers
NOGA dial gauge stand
Knipex pliers *some may have seen the crosshatched versions of the pliers wrench, but any of you seen one with an anvil cutter!?
Ko-ken gold plated set
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15170876444" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/15170876444_48319f7d8d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
A rare 1990's, first generation Nepros ratchet, along with the latest 90-tooth ratchet
Zeal set on the bottom
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15605415168" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7569/15605415168_d6b6cc8d27_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
A Beta/Ferrari set:
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15170871094" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7471/15170871094_3b552ea126_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
Facom set on right
Stahlwille's older and latest 80-tooth ratchet
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15171382883" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7509/15171382883_0138b0e7c6_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
Beta SS (INOX) wrenches sitting on top of USAG metal box set
Facom VDE set
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15767146926" title="DSCN1207 by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7560/15767146926_3e91eecf59_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSCN1207"></a>
Wiha Inomic pliers
Erem(?) precision electronics pliers
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccassan/15171376843" title=". by autobacs, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5605/15171376843_13450a75be_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="."></a>
Belzer chip removers?? What is it?
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Pretty self explanatory. The evolution of the Snap-On logo:
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Some nice Beta hammers
Reilang oiler
Hazet wrench set in tin can
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Some more Hazet:
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I this point I was already in a state of tool nirvana.
I was
....and this was only the storefront. At this point, I had no idea how big or small this place is, or how many people work behind the showcase.Then a man came out and I immediately apologized for not asking him if I could take photos of his shop. I told him I was amazed at the variety of brands he carried, and that I'm visiting from Canada. Then I hear another man speak out from behind a wall of tools. He said in Japanese, "we have Piquic and Kuny's". I laughed, walked inside the narrow walkway, and greeted the man sitting on a small stool, literally surrounded by a wall of tools behind his back and sides. He was old and I wasn't surprised. Anyhow, the conversations started and it didn't stop.
The store has been in business just over 60 years. He's second generation. It was just him and his one worker.
I had never walked into a store like that. This place was just oooozing of exotic tools from around the world. It was MY KIND OF PLACE!
It was a real pleasure to talk about the evolution of the tool industry, its history, and the not-so-well known facts that only tool geeks can appreciate.
Hakko, Weidmuller, Knipex, Lowe, Belzer, Eclipse, Proto, Rigid, Noga, NES, and some I've never heard of
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Novelty items from Snap-On, Facom, Beta, Hazet, PB Swiss, Stahlwille.
Specialty wrenches from Hazet on bottom:
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A view of the inside. They have various specialty tools from Lisle, KD, Kastar, Lisle, SP (Schley), etc as well:
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Wall of pliers from Snap-on, MAC, SK, Knipex, Hazet, Bahco, Wiha, Erem, Lindstrom, WILL, C.K., C.S. Osborne, etc.
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Stahlwille 'wall' clock
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As much as I wanted to take more photos, my battery died on me! This was my last photo capture.
During our conversations we ended up talking about Gedore, Dowidat, and then to the Carolus brand. I told him I had a Carolus Readyflex model and then he brought out this super cool Carolus Conterflex ratchet. I believe he said it's from the 80's. Although a German brand, this series of ratchets were patented by a Japanese company.
Carolus ratchet on bottom with a unique fixed/flex head adjustable ratchet that was controlled by the grip handle.
Stahlwille ratchet on top
There was A LOT of cool NOS stuff here. I can write a lot about the rare NOS stuff I saw, but without pictures I'm going to bore you guys to no end.
I asked him he had something that was really rare and wouldn't like to sell. He thought for a second and told me that at his age he can't remember where everything is, and I wasn't surprised as he had a ton of stuff behind curtains inside their cool, old paper boxes with the tool illustrations on them. I only saw a little peak at the treasure chest this place is.
Anyhow, he did bring out an old Bonney Cam-Lock wrench that was within his reach from his stool. I asked him how much and I was shocked.
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Additional photos from April, 2017
Hazet once offered Ko-ken's Pathfinder sockets. IIRC, the owner said Hazet only offered this in their catalogue for one year, back in the 90's.
Some new Wera items
1/4 drive Nepros 20th Anniversay bike kit and Stahlwille kit
Some vintage treasures....
The original Bridgeport Cushion-Grip screwdrivers!
These are at least 60 years old but the plastic and rubber have no sign of breaking down or discoloring. He compared these with the current ones offered by Klein. Unlike the new Klein ones, the Bridgeport cushion-grip rubber is still intact with no slop/play.
Some old Utica specialty cutters and Klein flush cutters.
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If I was retired and lived in Japan, I'd make that happen! 

They didn't mind or question what I was doing.