Found some old lathe gouges and chisels on a vintage tool site. The steel was in fair condition, but they had what looked like old bits of broomstick for handles. A good enough reason to buy a lathe. First project, of course, was to turn lathe tool handles and make copper ferrules. Also an excuse to play with some nice timber.
(L to R) American Red Cherry, Black Walnut, American Sycamore and Eastern Blackbutt.
Three by Ward and Payne (Sheffield) and one by Robert Sorby (Sheffield, still in business.) Around 80 to 100 years old, maybe (just maybe) as old as late 19th Century. Paul Sellers, a traditional woodworking guru, says there never was finer tool steel than on Ward and Payne tools. Quite a lot came here, because it coped with our very tough woods and their bench chisels were popular on sailing ships. I've collected a few and intend to collect a few more.
They work beautifully. The steel whispers of the souls who have used them before me.