More on minimalist tool stuff
In the minimalist tool kit is a spokeshave we refer to commonly as a #151 after the product numbering system used by the Stanley Rule and Level Company. This flat-bottomed spokeshave was another tool rejected by craftsmen for many years because it ‘stock’ to the surface of the wade with increased friction of steel and wood; something that didn’t occur with wooden spokeshaves. Nonetheless, metal spokeshaves stood their ground and ultimately replaced wooden ones because they didn’t wear out as did the wooden soled ones. Many craftsmen introduced a retrofit brass wear strip to the fore part of their wooden spokeshaves in front of the mouth and cutting iron. As the blade was also the sole, the craftsmen themselves were introducing the all-metal surfaces that caused higher friction and so it was only a question of time before all metal spokeshaves were the norm and wooden ones were displaced.
This is a #151 made by my son in cast bronze
Veritas spokeshave
Now the #151 has held its own through the decades and indeed, when well-sharpened, well-set and well-used, the results are very good and the #151 will tackle most of your daily needs. I bought my silver-painted Stanley back in 1965 and have it today. This is the one with the little yellow oval sticker by Stanley that says Unbreakable – malleable steel.
I still have more on this but thought I would get going on it between flights.
I just got one of the silver 151’s with the unbreakable label still on it a couple of days ago.
Have a safe trip home.