I think good quality tools are a necessity. For one thing, they generally work better. But I find that you also have more fun working with better tools. And when I am having fun I create better work.
I also love making tools. it’s great to create something that you can use to create other things or simply use to accomplish other tasks.
Here is a sample of some of the tools I have made over the years.
Ice axe. The axe head is three pieces of steel welded together and ground to their final shape. The handle is made from hickory.
The second iteration of ice axe. Telescoping aluminum handle for adjustable length.
Geometric compass. Cut, ground, and filed the individual pieces out of steel flat stock. Used gun blueing as a finish. This gives the steel the beautiful dark blue/black patina.
A set of lockpicks that I built out of old bandsaw blades.
Camp shovel. This was inspired by antique russian army shovels. I cold forged the blade, hand riveted the blade to the handle socket and turned the wooden handle .
Wooden mallet and bronze cobbler's hammer.