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Blue Spruce...A Customer Review

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Blue Spruce...A Customer Review

#1

Blue Spruce...A Customer Review

Todd Stock

>Kudoos to Chris S. & Company for the recent marking knife article...it tipped me to the thin-bladed small marking knives made by Dave Jeske at Blue Spruce Toolworks.

Dealing with Dave was like having a custom guitar built by a expert, personable luthier. After discussing intended usage, mechanics of a longer blade, and alternative handle materials, I settled on a longer-than-stock blade with ebony handle and standard Blue Spruce handle appointments.

Although this was a custom marking knife, delivery was about two weeks after order - fast.

I used this knife for a few weeks and decided that I also wanted a matching awl and long-bladed large knife in ebony as well. Same deal - very personalized service - Dave was backed up with some orders (probably some of the WC folks here...), but worked in my custom order as soon as he could manage.

The set is shown below with a 4" double square and a LV marking knife for size/shape comparison. While I will likely continue to use the LV on a routine basis for large scale layout work, I really, really like the Blue Spuce set - particularly for fine dovetails and where the LV knife is too short or too thick (guitar work comes to mind...).

No connection, etc., other than satisfaction with the product and price paid.


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Re: Blue Spruce...A Customer Review

#2

Re: Blue Spruce...A Customer Review

Don Thompson - Cutler Ridge, Florida

>Thanks for posting a message about your experience. They certainly look quite nice.

I can not tell (due to monitor contrast issues), but are the handles circular in cross-section, or are there flat sections?

Re: Blue Spruce...A Customer Review

#3

Re: Blue Spruce...A Customer Review

djgaloot

>It is always a pleasure to make tools for the folks here at WC. Without fail they have been great and Todd is no exception. Someday I will need to post an update on all of my latest adventures in full-time toolmaking. Not to be commercial, but because I have had much encouragement from many folks here at WC (and the former Badger Pond) over the years.

Dave Jeske

Re: Blue Spruce...A Customer Review

#4

Re: Blue Spruce...A Customer Review

R.J.Whelan

>Todd ... if you like the marking knives and awl (I have the small knife and matching awl) you should try the paring chisels - I find myself paring things I would normally have chopped because they feel so good in the hand are such a pleasure to use ... rj

Re: Blue Spruce...A Customer Review

#5

Re: Blue Spruce...A Customer Review

Todd Stock

>Circular; however, Dave has a newer handle design that has flats. For some reason, none of mine roll more than a turn, which may be density of the ebony or just the internal blade fastening. I tend to keep the knife I'm using in the tool tray, so no big deal.

Re: Blue Spruce...A Customer Review

#6

Re: Blue Spruce...A Customer Review

Todd Stock

>May have to wait a bit for those, but thanks for the advice - I'll be dropping Dave a line before too long (I hope).

Important financial tip: NEVER, EVER sell your minty BR Martin D-35 and vintage all-mahogany 0-17, even if it means pan-handling/participation in high-risk clinical trials to pay the tuition bill. I'm finding out how expensive replacing them can be.

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