The Difference is Real! There’s a reason we don’t look like other companies in our category – we still offer more tools for more specialized applications and markets. Toolmakers, Not Commodity Distributors: Ever notice why some tools feel stronger than others? Chances are it starts with our contoured precision lathe-turned Ash and Hickory handles. Since our founding in 1872, we’ve been Toolmakers. That’s a legacy and heritage that we strive to live up to every day. We’re not a manufacturer of a commodity and as such, we’re willing to sign-up to some very specific information when it comes to the tools we sell.