Gift Idea for the Handyman

The Art of Fine Tools

by Sandor Nagyszalanczy

 

 

 

 

Everyone has a handyman (OK handy person) in their life.  You know, that someone you call when the faucet is dripping or to fix a cabinet door.  It may be a neighbor, a friend ( a very good friend) or if you’re like me, your partner.

Husband has a workroom chocked full of tools and his favorite destination is Home Depot or OSH — so getting him a tool for Christmas is always a bust – because, of course, he already has it.  So naturally, I give him books and several years ago,  The Art of Fine Tools was one of my best gift scores. When I asked him why he replied,

“well, it’s not a very practical book but I love it, it’s just — it’s just — well, okay it’s tool porn.”

Nagyszalanczy begins his book with this simple, declarative statement:

“A well made tool is a thing of beauty that’s as much a pleasure to look at as it is to use.”

The quality of the images is indeed simply beautiful, even to me, who uses a screwdriver to pry nails.  These are rare and magnificent woodworking tools –including Japanese tools and Paul Hamler’s (?) collection of miniature tools. The text nicely explains the tools, their provenance, owners and usage.

You have to take a look inside…excuse my photos – they don’t do the book justice.

 

As I leafed through the pages to prepare this post, I realized Husband was absolutely right – this is unadulterated tool porn. It seems wrong that innocent tools are exploited like this, but your handy person will love it.

 

Turns out Mr. Nagyszalanczy (don’t you love that name?) has crafted (crafted, ha-ha I just crack myself up) a second book, which Husband doesn’t have.  Luckily, Husband isn’t a Book Barmy follower, so I’ve got his present crossed off my list.