Without any further delay, here's a short report on my trip to Europe and the small amount of tools I brought back home:
The purpose of my trip was not a tool pilgrimage; it was for my honeymoon.
I was in Venice for 2 days so I did my research beforehand to find out whether there were any stores I could easily get to from where I was staying. Luckily, there was; however, I failed to note what their business hours were on the weekends. When I got there on Saturday, the store closed in mid afternoon and were closed on Sundays. I was heart-broken
I did stumble across a very small hardware store on Sunday, which was also closed, and on the window display was a pair of
Mundial and Knipex pliers. I was kicked in the face once again and wasn't even in the mood to take photos of the display. I walked away feeling miserable.
I was in Istanbul, Turkey as well. I didn't do any research on where I might come across tools, but I fortunately came across an area that sold plumbing and hydraulic related equipment, as well as power generators. This was interesting as stores were lined next to each other on either side of the street, for like 300 meters. The stores sold current, high-quality, name brands. Interestingly, when I saw a customer in a store, it would be a Caucasion man. I walked into one store only because I saw a Mundial banner. Very courteous staff. I had a look at some of the pliers they had on display. Finally, I got my first tool-nutrition.
I didn't feel comfortable taking pictures, especially because I sensed the boss, suited up in a tie and jacket, observing me as I was the only person in the store, well, with my wife.
Fast forward to my time in Germany. I only had 2 days there, but luckily I had transportation to get me to places. First in order was
Bauhaus (the home of the Wisent brand), the Home Depot of Germany, I suppose? Finally, some photos to share:
I thought the selection of hand tools is better when compared to North American home hardware stores like HD, Lowes, Ace, etc.
I think some of the hammers are supplied by Gedore (?). The orange hand protector for operating those chisels, was straight from Gedore:
Here's the
Matador section:
Quite cheap when compared to Gedore:
Just like their website:
I guess you'd rate these Wisent rebranded Wihas as the "professional" grade ones and the "DIY" grade being the handle style on the far right (the "3K" model).
My time had to be short here, so I just snagged a Matador stepped tommy bar (picture at the end).
I went to another store, but I dont' remember the name of it, and they didn't allow me to take pictures. They sold hand tools such as
Connex. Some German; some Asian imports. The screwdrivers were rebranded
"Walter Schröder". I walked out with a nice revolving hole punch. (picture at the end)
Next up was a dedicated tool supplier/retailer (can't disclose store name; agreement between me and store-person):
Some familiar names Monte has mentioned in the past:
Wiha is awesome at putting together neat tool-holding solutions, such as this bit-holding screwdriver handle. Hard to explain it in words. Their hex key holder is neat, too.
The Gedore cart with all the promotional offerings on display:
I'd like to get that hacksaw one day (everything pictured are made in Sweden):
I bought a few things from here and pics will be below.
I asked by cousin, who owns the Citroen 2CV (it's nicknamed the "duck" in Germany), to show me his tool collection:
This is for you Monte!
Hindustan Everest wrench!
Darn, I accidentally took some photos in the wrong setting:
Question: Anyone wanna guess what brand that black handled ratchet is?
An old
"LUX" rebranded NWS(?) snap ring pliers. LUX is sold at
"OBI", competition for Bauhaus.
"Format" rebranded hex keys, which he commented as being very durable.
Old
"WGB" wrench; a Felo-made LUX screwdriver; a Rheidco pliers (now part of
"Elora"
"Egona" screwdriver....
this Egona?. The green screwdriver is an old Witte "Wittekind".
Some more miscellaneous:
A
"Weicon" tool that's very similar to a
"Jokari". A
"Haupa" wire stripper (first time to hear it).
His vise:
It's very sturdy, with hardly any play. Very easy to rotate too. I don't think I saw any markings though....or maybe wasn't looking hard enough.
So, there it is. That's all the pictures I took that are relevant to this forum.
Finally, here's the goodies that I brought back home as a souvenir to myself:
The Belzer nut drivers and the the Bahco Ergo T5 screwdrivers were in the clearance bin where things were marked 2 Euro each.
Monte, I finally got the Carolus Rastoflex.
I've been wanting that for a while! It wasn't on sale or anything, but I just had to. Nice little guy.
That won't happen! 
