Richard Carters Ltd - That's my afternoon sorted!

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Jan 14, 2010
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A few weeks ago we got some new shovels on site, I clocked that they had been made by a local West Yorkshire firm, but I had know HOW local until last night.

http://richardcarterltd.co.uk/

"Few british companies can trace their traditions as far back as richard carter ltd, the original hand tool manufacturer.

Jeremiah Carter established the Company in Highburton in 1740. Business flourished, and in 1850 Jeremiah's great, great grandson, Richard Carter, relocated the Company to Dene Works in Kirkburton, which was to become our home for the next 150 years.

It was at these premises where it became clear our future lay in shovel manufacturing; and in 1870 the Carter Shovel was developed for the rapidly expanding coal mining industry, which was fuelling the Industrial Revolution.

Soon after Richard Carter Ltd was incorporated in 1909, World War I broke out and demand for tools increased dramatically. Every week, thousands of tools were sent via Kirkburton village railway station to the troops on the front line. Indeed, history repeated itself several years later when World War II placed even greater demand on our services.

The 1970s saw the beginning of the decline of the Nationalised Coal and Steel Industries and this forced us to seek new markets. This was so successful that, despite many alterations to the Kirkburton premises during the 1980s, we outgrew Dene Works and began the search for a new home.

Eventually, in 1999 we moved again to Neiley Works in Honley. The new premises gave us the opportunity to embrace state of the art manufacturing techniques which, combined with our heritage, enabled us to innovate our product design and enhance quality.

It has been three centuries since our founder, Jeremiah Carter, had the vision and courage to start his Company. The Carter family, are proud of the fact that we still own and run Richard Carter Ltd. We are prouder still of the people who work here, many of whom have done so for many years, and how far we have come together. Some may see tradition and innovation as unlikely bedfellows, but for us they are what we stand for.

Richard Carter Ltd, The Original Hand Tool Manufacturer"


This is less than two and a half miles from my house and I didn't even realise.
(I'm not a native of the area, so forgive me).

Anyway, I called them up just now, and although they don't have a shop or showroom, they welcomed me down, with my axe heads, and said they'd size me up what I needed.

I believe the modern parlance is 'FTW!' ;)

Obviously I shall have my camera in hand too...and I shall do my best to blag a tour, if not today, but next week, so I can provide some hand tool porn pics.
Hopefully more to follow.
 
That's really cool. Looking forward to your pictures. It'll be interesting to hear about their axe handles handles.
 
Sorry for the delay in updating, I've been feeling a little under the weather, labyrinthitis (which is nothing to do with bad hair and eye shadow), but finally felt well enough to take some snaps and share my haul.

Unfortunately I didn't get chance to take any in the FTY :( it was a bit late in the afternoon when I visited, and I didn't wanna keep my guide, the current Mr Carter too long.
He was very obliging and helpful though, and despite not selling directly to the public they saw me off with a good haul, and a great deal!!

Here's what I landed:

P5173798.jpg


2 x 16" x 2"
P5173804.jpg

I used one on the Plumb....but it felt too short for the weight of the head so scraped it.

2 x 18" x 2 1/4"
P5173801.jpg

See above - Last two they had turned, grain is not ideal but shouldn't be an issue for this length/use.

2 x 30" x 2 1/4"
P5173805.jpg

Hope to use one on the 4lb Kent pattern (pictured) and one on my 4lb nameless splitter (currently on a 36" in bad repair)

1 x 36" x 2 1/4" 'Universal' (minus the collar)
P5173807.jpg

MOD issue these, standard 3' for 'crowd control'. I'm gonna see if this will work on the DB.
It will not be long enough in the eye though...good or bad idea?? Shall I just get a pick handle and do LOTS of reshaping??

Wooden 'Camping' Mallet
Was totally unfinished, came as head and handle. Had been sat gathering dust after the camping Co. that ordered them went bust.

Assorted wedges
P5173810.jpg

Seem to have mislaid a few. No wooden ones were cut...but I have some Yew that seems to work a treat, despite being a softwood.

Total cost £37/$58(US)....the mallet was a freebie and is excellent for seating heads.

One decent Granny B handle alone will cost me £18! And I can't cherry pick em.
 
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It's an interesting workshop/factory.

They have some great toys in that place. Sadly, they don't manufacture there own axe heads, they are bought in from Europe and more recently, from China :( He didn't even know the steel or specs (I'm sure he would have found out the details if I pressed him further).

Its clear that shovels and spades are their thing though, axes are just a side line and a means to fufil their military contracts.
I think I'd like to invest in one of their 'treaded utilities' at some point.
 
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had to revive this great thread.
beautiful handles.
i am only a few hours away from Tennessee Hickory so i will make a visit in the spring
House Handle is four hours south of where i live.
there is enough hickory in this area to BBQ ten thousand hogs a week but it can be a chore to source a few straight grain boards from a local sawmill., but i'm seriuosly thinking about laying in a supply this winter to make a few custom handles
 
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