Skew $$$

[Manny Yabar]

“I have a question for the experienced woodturners among you. I am interested in purchasing a 1″ skew chisel and would like to invest in a high-quality tool. My research indicates that Robert Sorby models are priced at approximately $95, Robust at $139, Thompson at $155, Henry Taylor at $124, and Carter and Son at $169, among others. Have prices for these tools historically been at similar levels over the past decade? Considering what they are, these seem to be relatively high-ticket items.”

 

[John K Jordan]

I prefer Thompson tools.
His web site indicates the 1" skew is $100, but out of stock.
I see from an email I bought one in 2008 but don't remember the cost.
Make a handle.

4. Skews Archives - Thompson Lathe Tools

thompsonlathetools.com

When I want tools I call him and ask about price/availability.

 

[Webb Willmott]

I really like my robust 1” skew. It $99 unhandled. I would have bought a Thompson but he was out at the time. Both brands are first class.

 

[Lance Mirrer]

For most tools, I highly recommend Thompson Tools. Just good metal and the maker is a good guy who helps our turning community regularly.

While you are looking, check out Alan Lacer who has many videos about skews as well as a slightly different type of skew. Thicker with a curved edge

Alan Lacer Woodturning

Alan Lacer Woodturning

www.alanlacer.com

 

[Kirk Amidon]

I think that all tools have increased in price over the past years, and particularly so over the past 5 years. That said, the relative difference between each tool you mention has not really changed.

My skews include the large lacer, a 1.25 thompson, a couple benjamins best, a sorby and some old craftsman. The two I use the most are the Thompson, and a 1/2" Craftsman. For whatever reason, those two just feel right in my hands, and the others are all just off slightly. In addition to getting your "investment grade" tool, may I suggest a cheaper one too - for the purpose of trying different profiles and grinds. It is great to be able to compare a skew ground straight across with one curved such as a Lacer.

As for being high ticket items, they are probably lifetime tools for most of us. My skews only hit the grinder when either the edge gets a chip, or when the hollow ground gets flat due to honing. By comparison, my gouges are on the grinder several times every time they are used. So, for me, a skew will outlast a gouge, probably 3 or 4 fold.

 

[Wyatt Holm]

I bought a Sorby about 12 years ago. Still in good shape.

 

[Roger Wiegand]

Much as I like the Thompson steel I prefer the D-Way skew (1-1/4" IIRC) that is one of my most used tools. It takes a good edge and stays sharp, I hone almost exclusively, so can go many months between trips to the grinder. What I prefer about the D-Way is the finishing of the tool, beautifully smoothed edges and curves where they are supposed to be, much nicer that what I can do with a grinding wheel and file on a piece of square stock. (plus I don't enjoy the tool prep)

Unless you're a production turner a skew is likely to last many years, decades if you primarily hone rather than grind. The cost differences you cite are so small on a cost per day of use basis that they wouldn't enter into my consideration of which tool to buy.