As the title suggests, I'm looking for a supplier of hand tools, things like scythes, sickles, grain grinders, basically all the tools used a home farm setup circa 1918. The US has companies like Lehmans, do we have anything like them? Ebay and car boots are worth a look, but I'm concerned that as It will be some time before I can actually use the things, so I would prefer to get them now, or be comfortable of a steady retailer.
I'd recommend seeking out specialists on their fields (no pun intended) e.g. Scythe-masters, Log home builders, and the alike, and asking them whom they would recommend for those specific tools, then going with what they suggest. Only problem is that they may have a vested interest in those things, e.g. they recommend their own company...for obvious reasons.
To be fair, getting something is better than having nothing at all. Also, check the budget you're working with and see what tools are available that would cover the majority of jobs you need them for.
I have just about got all my stuff together now TIBBS ,see what have you done post , I got most all from boot sales and second hand shops......good luck with the I assume corn grinder, like rocking horse poo , I bought hand kranked one from fleabay 74 bucks plus I refurbed a big old 1890 corn grinder I drive it with a 1934 lister engine via a belt drive........its the dogs , got all my chippy tools .......the only thing left is a felling saw and more files and a few more sharpening stones, will post pics when I master doing that.
P.S. Tibbs your far better off getting the old stuff superior steel, I am lucky I can make my own tools .....they can do the intended job.....
antique fairs , loads of vintage tools at fair prices plus you can haggle and see what your buying theirs loads all over the uk .
car boots lots of the fair guys do these too.
happy hunting...
Here in the US the best sources are farmers markets, estate sales and flea markets. When I was in Italy last year my host would drive out into the country and search for old mason's and logging tools used to build and restore old style houses if stone, tile ir post and beam construction. I expect you could do the same in UK. Wrecking and demolition contractors who tear down old houses ir farm buildings are a good source.
Like everyone has said car boots, yard sales, bygone auctions and farm auctions. Had some great stuff from farm auctions. This week went to a car boot sales picked up 2 jerry cans and a big 2 handed logging saw. Got to repair it and clean kit but a great piece of kit.
That's the bugger I want UKS.
I have a few of these old time tools already, I collected them years ago before I can here, because unfortunately, we dont have car boot sales up here, ...or anything like that up, so I brought them up with me
If fact this reminds me, I have for a while now been meaning to give them a `going over` they are becoming a bit neglected
You can't have everything HL .........you lucky bugger lol
2 handed logging saw? SS. I will look out for one for you.