Ko-ken Tools -- What Makes this Brand Special !?!?

[Steve_P]

I will agree that I find Koken is a bit overhyped here along with most other "boutique" brands in the US: PB Swiss (#1 overhyped IMO), Gedore, Stahlwille, etc. But out of all of them, Koken is the one that mostly deserves the hype it gets in comparison to the others - IMO. If I was starting out buying sockets a year ago, I'd own a lot more Koken because of the quality, selection, and price- but also since they've finally established a US presence; this is a huge selling point to me. You can make the greatest product in the world, but if it has to ship from Japan, that's not helping me choose your product if there are 10+ other choices I can have in a few days. (edit: and it's not like I generally can't wait a few weeks for shipping, but if there's an issue, like a socket is duplicated and one missing, I don't want to deal with the hassle)

I only have specialty Koken sockets as I had all of the standard offerings already. I have both the metric Zeal short sockets and nut grip in 1/4 and 3/8. I also have a 21mm lug nut socket with the short extension. I think that's all the Koken I have. (edit 2: D'oh! I have several of the spark plug sockets with the retainer clips) But for the $, their quality is excellent, and their socket/bit/driver selection is insane. Years ago, I downloaded their catalog and looked thru it and they have stuff that I'd be shocked if they sold ten of that item in a year. Saying that, their ratchet selection has gotten better, but it still *****. Yes, the low back drag is pure orgasmic ecstasy , I know, but they only recently upgraded to 72T a few years ago, and their selection is still lacking when even compared to Gearwrench.

Edit 3: GDit, I looked at the post above, and I also have the single pinless universals in 1/4 and 3/8.

 

[Qualitytools]

I just received the 3/8 nut grip set, love it! That makes my third set of KOKEN sockets, excellent quality and affordable, what more can you ask for.

 

[F-22]

"boutique" brands in the US: PB Swiss (#1 overhyped IMO), Gedore, Stahlwille, etc.

They're really good for the price they sell in Europe - especially PB Swiss. But the price in the US is sometimes just absurd.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

The super shallow sockets seem interesting to me. I don’t run 3/8” drive. I use 1/4-drive up to 15mm and have 1/2-drive with a bit of overlap staring at 10mm

I wonder if I should get 1/2-drive super shallow kokens at least starting above 15mm where my smallest sockets are 1/2 drive shallow and maybe they’re too big and I don’t have any 3/8-drive

 

[Typhon]

I'm delighted with all the Ko-Ken stuff I have.
I've got a 3/8 drive metric deep & shallow set. I love it. The ratchet is definitely the lowest drag resistance of any I've used. The design is like a Proto inside. Really, really like butter with a bit of grease added. I've got Snap-On, Hazet, and Facom ratchets and this one is by far the smoothest.
The sheet metal box is cool, too. I added a sliding T-handle to the set also.
Here in Taiwan, Ko-ken is a very familiar premium brand, much better known than KTC, but is known to be a bit on the pricey side. Nothing like Snap-On, of course, but still a lot more expensive than a lot of other Japanese imports.

Even though this post is quite old, it truly resonates with me.
My first realization of what a 'great tool' feels like was when I was 13 or 14. I was obsessed with motorcycle racing back then, and to save money, I started learning how to do my own repairs and modifications. A fellow enthusiast who was already working brought over a Koken Attack Driver and a tool set. Once I used them, I could never forget that feeling.

After I told my older brother about it, he gave me his lunch money and savings. The very next day, I skipped school and headed straight to Taipei with the sole purpose of buying my own Koken tools.
It was that experience with Ko-ken that led me to start following and collecting hand tools. It made me deeply realize that there is a massive difference in the details and quality between various brands. Perhaps it’s like choosing a life partner—if you want the relationship to last, you have to choose wisely.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Been ignoring this thread until now.

These oddities may be of interest.

Wing bolt sockets 3119 and others https://www.koken-tool.co.jp/en/panflets/KOKEN201506EN.pdf
Would do well for hooks and eyes too.


Rebar concrete formwork tie wire twister BD003E-I https://kokenusa.com/products/1-4-hex-drive-form-tie

 

[superautobacs]

First post in 12 months (a bit of a nostalgic feel, seeing that these classic GJ emoticons are still available )

Random photo showing a Ko-ken 11mm bit holder with their T60 bit. That bit has seen some good use from doing wheel bearing bolts.

 

[rick carpenter]

First post in 12 months (a bit of a nostalgic feel, seeing that these classic GJ emoticons are still available )

Random photo showing a Ko-ken 11mm bit holder with their T60 bit. That bit has seen some good use from doing wheel bearing bolts.

@superautobacs, good to see you back here!

 

[richfinn]

Koken visits HJE

I think it's great that this lady has become the face of Ko-ken USA, always enthusiastic and knowledgeable at the trade shows

 

[superautobacs]

Koken visits HJE

I think it's great that this lady has become the face of Ko-ken USA, always enthusiastic and knowledgeable at the trade shows

I feel like I've known about HJE for practically as long as I've been on GJ.
Some year back, I recall their website gave us a glimpse of their multi-level store via a virtual tour, but a video like this is much welcomed!
I saw them as one of the few brick and mortar stores left in the USA that happened to have an online storefront, and more importantly, one that offered a wide range of tools from often obscure, many defunct, many NOS, and from primarily US tool manufacturers. Over a decade later, they are offering a selection of Ko-ken tools. I did not see that coming! Such a cool store, with equally cool tools.

 

[KnurledNut]

First post in 12 months (a bit of a nostalgic feel, seeing that these classic GJ emoticons are still available )

You're always a welcome sight!

 

[LXCam]

Koken visits HJE

I think it's great that this lady has become the face of Ko-ken USA, always enthusiastic and knowledgeable at the trade shows

That was cool and she kicks ***.

 

[Fedwrench]

First post in 12 months (a bit of a nostalgic feel, seeing that these classic GJ emoticons are still available )

Random photo showing a Ko-ken 11mm bit holder with their T60 bit. That bit has seen some good use from doing wheel bearing bolts.

Always a joy to see your posts of unique tools in action in different situations that I hope I never find myself in thanks for sharing.