John Economaki

[woody 73]

Bridge City Tools was established in 1983 in Portland, Oregon by John Economaki. The woodworking Tools are made in America and each batch is made in limited Quantities.

I first heard of Bridge City Tools at a tool show in Central Ohio in the later part of the 1980's; each tool is a work of art and something you will treasure for a lifetime. I realize that the GJ caters to all tools but much of the talk centers around mechanical hand tools and not so much around woodworking hand tools, so I thought maybe the woodworkers on the GJ would enjoy this post.

A web-site link and pictures to follow; hope you enjoy the pictures.

http://www.bridgecitytools.com/

 

[Uncle_Charlie]

I've never heard of this company, but they look like beatiful tools.

 

[Duker]

I was an original "Member" back in the day. I have most of the tools as they were offered except for the planes and Brace which I could never quite justify the cost or need. Others I have acquired on eBay when they pop up and are not ridiculously priced. They are well made and feel great in your hand when used.

 

[Whitworth]

I have a couple of Bridge City tools from way back. They are of good quality and well designed.

Many years ago Economaki switched to a bizarre "production run" business model where they waited until enough orders entered the system before manufacturing them.

I tend to purchase on an impulse and never would even consider pre-ordering. Also, at the same time, the market became saturated with companies offering high end wood working tools; such as Lie Nielsen, Viratus (spelling?) and many others. Bridge City lost what lead it had.

Gary

 

[RivennHewn]

They always remind me of those old Sauve shampoo commercials.