A fine tool: the spinner In our ongoing hunt for the finest tools we’ve profiled a brooks range finder, an Atha hammer, a fillet knife, and a level: each of whom is built as a stand-alone device, self-contained and ready to be wielded as they are, at a moment’s notice. The spinner (seen above) is a small, but useful gadget, part of a much larger and complex puzzle. This spinner comes from my father’s pre-1970 David Brown tractor that he’s had since before I was born (1972). At first glance the spinner is just a wooden knob attached to the steering wheel, but I can assure you it greatly simplifies the often elaborate operation of a powerful machine by allowing the operator to use one hand (instead of two). It gives much added leverage when navigating tight corners, and relief on the long stretches of field when both hands can be taken off the wheel. All that torque, horsepower, all the moving parts, the diesel fuel, the power take-off, the hydraulics: at the end of the day it can all be channeled through a small piece of wood that rests comfortably in the palm of your hand. This spinner speaks incalculable volumes. It’s easy to imagine the thousands of hours and miles clocked in the field, with a hand on spinner. This tool has been ground down from over 40 years of sweat and hard work into a polished instrument that is unlike any other in the world. My parents have been talking about selling the farm lately and when that day comes I will insure that one tractor will be missing a steering wheel, with a small - but valuable - piece of wood attached. - Peter Buchanan-Smith 
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A fine tool: the spinner

In our ongoing hunt for the finest tools we’ve profiled a brooks range finder, an Atha hammer, a fillet knife, and a level: each of whom is built as a stand-alone device, self-contained and ready to be wielded as they are, at a moment’s notice. The spinner (seen above) is a small, but useful gadget, part of a much larger and complex puzzle. This spinner comes from my father’s pre-1970 David Brown tractor that he’s had since before I was born (1972).

At first glance the spinner is just a wooden knob attached to the steering wheel, but I can assure you it greatly simplifies the often elaborate operation of a powerful machine by allowing the operator to use one hand (instead of two). It gives much added leverage when navigating tight corners, and relief on the long stretches of field when both hands can be taken off the wheel. All that torque, horsepower, all the moving parts, the diesel fuel, the power take-off, the hydraulics: at the end of the day it can all be channeled through a small piece of wood that rests comfortably in the palm of your hand.

This spinner speaks incalculable volumes. It’s easy to imagine the thousands of hours and miles clocked in the field, with a hand on spinner. This tool has been ground down from over 40 years of sweat and hard work into a polished instrument that is unlike any other in the world. My parents have been talking about selling the farm lately and when that day comes I will insure that one tractor will be missing a steering wheel, with a small - but valuable - piece of wood attached. - Peter Buchanan-Smith 

Best Made Travel Bulletin: Fly fishing in Argentina

Some of you may already be planning a get away this Fall / Winter so we thought we’d throw a spectacular idea your way… a customized fly-fishing tour through Patagonia with some of the best guides and trip planners in the sport. Chip Drozenski, the Best Made fly expert in residence, turned us on to the Drifters and has this to offer: 

Andes Drifters a family run operation specializes in customized vacations in Argentina. We feature trout and dorado fishing, trophy red stag / world class wing and waterfowl hunting, adventure, eco and luxury trips. Each itinerary is personalized to the preferences of our clients. Value, quality, unique experiences and customer satisfaction is what Andes Drifters is all about.

Hiking, biking, equestrian, kayaking, skiing, sailing, art, music, native culture, wine, fine dining, cooking classes, spa, artisans, photography, bird watching, designer shopping, golf, fishing, hunting, eco and the list of activities goes on all in a fantastic landscape and environment.

For more information log on to their site or contact Chip Drozenski.

A FINE TOOL: The fillet knife, by Nick Zdon The fillet knife has always held a special place in my heart as one of the sharpest and most specialized knives. The efficiency of the knife requires a delicate balance between toughness and flexibility. The need for a specialized knife for preparing fish probably arose from the fact that so much effort is expended by going out to sea, catching the fish, and bringing them back to dry land, that to lose even an ounce of flesh to an inefficient blade was unacceptable. Even today it can be a sad end to the day when you’ve spent many hours on the water, and reeled in some nice looking fish, only to have it all wasted by mangling the fillets into tiny, and inedible bloody pieces. Using a fillet knife is a unique experience in yielding conviction. The thinness of the blade allows not only for delicacy, but also for dialogue. It cannot simply be thrust into the flesh and expected to accomplish the fisherman’s will. It is literally where the fish and the fisherman meet. It is not a knife for sawing or hacking. It is a conduit. The fisherman must listen to how the knife responds to the fish and adjust accordingly. It is a process that cannot be rushed, much like fishing itself. For your sake, and the sake of the fish, learning to use a fillet knife is best begun by watching someone already skilled with the knife. Don’t mistake their speedy skillful movements for carelessness. Ask them to slow down and describe what they are doing at every step. You’ll find it’s not terribly complicated. When you are ready to fillet your first fish, approach it confidently but not brazenly, and you’ll have already learned the most important lesson. The Japanese have a knife used in the preparation of sashimi called the Yanagi Ba, which translates literally as “willow blade.” It is an apt description of the qualities found in a good fillet knife. Willow branches yield in slow graceful movements, pushing and being pushed by the wind. The ancient Samurai thought that rock garden meditation could improve swordsmanship. Perhaps the modern day fisherman could benefit from some quiet time beneath the willow before setting to work with his fillet knife.
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A FINE TOOL: The fillet knife, by Nick Zdon

The fillet knife has always held a special place in my heart as one of the sharpest and most specialized knives. The efficiency of the knife requires a delicate balance between toughness and flexibility. The need for a specialized knife for preparing fish probably arose from the fact that so much effort is expended by going out to sea, catching the fish, and bringing them back to dry land, that to lose even an ounce of flesh to an inefficient blade was unacceptable. Even today it can be a sad end to the day when you’ve spent many hours on the water, and reeled in some nice looking fish, only to have it all wasted by mangling the fillets into tiny, and inedible bloody pieces.

Using a fillet knife is a unique experience in yielding conviction. The thinness of the blade allows not only for delicacy, but also for dialogue. It cannot simply be thrust into the flesh and expected to accomplish the fisherman’s will. It is literally where the fish and the fisherman meet. It is not a knife for sawing or hacking. It is a conduit. The fisherman must listen to how the knife responds to the fish and adjust accordingly. It is a process that cannot be rushed, much like fishing itself.

For your sake, and the sake of the fish, learning to use a fillet knife is best begun by watching someone already skilled with the knife. Don’t mistake their speedy skillful movements for carelessness. Ask them to slow down and describe what they are doing at every step. You’ll find it’s not terribly complicated. When you are ready to fillet your first fish, approach it confidently but not brazenly, and you’ll have already learned the most important lesson.

The Japanese have a knife used in the preparation of sashimi called the Yanagi Ba, which translates literally as “willow blade.” It is an apt description of the qualities found in a good fillet knife. Willow branches yield in slow graceful movements, pushing and being pushed by the wind. The ancient Samurai thought that rock garden meditation could improve swordsmanship. Perhaps the modern day fisherman could benefit from some quiet time beneath the willow before setting to work with his fillet knife.

Best Made Product Preview: The Sporting-Sail

Best Made Company will be offering an exciting new product known as The Sporting-Sail. In anticipation of its launch founder Billy Smith takes us on a 2000 km skateboard adventure across Morocco, and offers up some alternate uses for the sail.

Aside from slowing down or accelerating on various ski and board set-ups, the Sporting-Sail lends itself to other functions that serve as an essential part to the sporting life. During a recent long distance skateboarding adventure 2000km across Morocco, the Sporting-Sail found itself useful as a pack cover and rooster carrier! The Sporting-Sail weighs around 8 ounces and is highly adaptable which makes transport easy in stressful situations. The fabric of the Sporting-Sail is treated on both sides with a dual soar coat silicone formula that allows for a CFM rating of zero; ultimately stopping all wind and water that tries to penetrate through. Since the Sporting-Sail’s signature material is so versatile, there have been instances where it has been used to construct make-shift shelters and tent variations for “on the go” scenarios. The red and white color scheme of the Sporting-Sail works as an effective signaling device/flag for increased visibility. Being seen (or being found) is especially important in high risk areas. In the case of an emergency, the Sporting-Sail works as a water collector or wind proof blanket. In the event of injury, the sail can be made into an ultra-light escape sled, portable gurney or pressure tourniquet.-Billy Smith (founder, Sporting-Sails)

It’s not often that the storage of tools rivals the projects they’re used to work on. In the case of H.O. Studley, his custom built tool chest stands as a work of art and proof of the love he had for his tools. Inlaid with ebony and mother of pearl, it’s the work of 30 years of consistently improving on the organization of the tools, and adding beautiful little details. A full list of the tools it contains can be found here.
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It’s not often that the storage of tools rivals the projects they’re used to work on. In the case of H.O. Studley, his custom built tool chest stands as a work of art and proof of the love he had for his tools. Inlaid with ebony and mother of pearl, it’s the work of 30 years of consistently improving on the organization of the tools, and adding beautiful little details. A full list of the tools it contains can be found here.