This is an interesting discussion...and i think you have got a point there, many brands simply died because the quality and/or design wasn´t up to date. When everything suddenly grew global, the habbit of buying from a nearby manufacturer disappeared. I remember when my father changed job, and was introduced to Wera Kraftform screwdrivers (35-40 years ago) , suddenly the old Bahcos got off his shelf. Bahco made great, durable tools, but before the "Ergo" revolution, the design was old-fashioned, not very "hip" and not very user-friendly. But don´t get me wrong, i love old Bahco (and E.A. Berg).
Although i´m an old tools collector, this is really a good point. There is also a big difference between loving old tools and use them on and off for homework, and on your own car, and to be a craftsman with a schedule and timeplan for every job.
Same as above...Would i buy 440s for my collection? No. Would i trust them in a professional job: Yes.
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Bahco Argentina 18 mm and Belzer 19 mm sockets (½").
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From top: Kamasa, unknown german, kamasa and Belzer wrenches.
Kind of interesting:
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The 8 mm Kamasa is from the "original" Kamasa, made in Japan. The 9/16 is later (my guess) and from West Germany. Hi Roverbo.You do have a point when you talk about product design,and what you say about amateur vs proffesional.When i go to a local car dealership i take a peak in the employees tool cabinets,and well maybe im a snob when it comes to tools ( and some other things) and what they have is not to my standards......lots of what i consider as cheap brands,like Teng Tools.In norway the Teng Tools importer have done a great job on marketing the brand,and you can buy their tools many places......i do not think Teng Tools are anywhere near what you can call well designed,but still they sell good,because of marketing campaigns,and not that cheap either. What i forgot to say earlier when i bashed Stanley,was about the economic aspects of outsourcing parts of the manufacturing,i dont know how many lost their jobs at facom,but running a factory also benefits the surroundings of where the factory placed,that is even more important today when the economic situation around the world aint the best.So i rather buy products made in europe just for that reason......It would be interesting to see a price comparison between a set of combinatoin wrenches ranging from 8-24 mm.Facom 440 vs Stahlwille open box vs Gedore 7 series. Do the customer get cheaper tools when high quality brands move their production to low cost countries?
