次回この記事の日本語版を投稿します。
As mentioned in Workshop I have recently moved and I am in the process of getting settled in. In Workshop (1) I gave the workshop a heart by restoring on old bicycle shop clock, and, in the previous installment, Workshop (2) I gave the workshop a torso by building a workbench. In this installment, I will give the workshop extremities in the form of hand tools. Extremities? Yes, indeed extremities as hand tools are simply temporary body parts or extensions used to perform a task, turn a screw, hold a nut, cut threads, etc. The User is the force and control behind the tool, thus the tool is simply an extension of the body.
Old hand tools bear the same characteristics as old bicycles. They are simple, made to last, bear the manufacturer’s trademark and, in some cases, even have the manufacturer’s trademark designed-in.
There were many tool manufacturers; however, some of the more well-known include the following as indicated in a 1953 export catalog.
1. Hataya
Established nearly a century ago the company still exists today, though they changed their focus and today only make a few bicycle tools.
2. Hozan (HKC)
Established over a half century ago the company still exists today and manufactures a wide variety of bicycle tools.
3.Ohtsuka (Key Brand)
Unable to trace this company. One interesting fact of Ohtsuka brand was that the company trademark was a key, and, the company often designed-in their trademark.
Old hand tools is a fascinating aspect of vintage bicycles and I look forward to posting more information on tools and their usage in the future. I still have a chest of old tools to sort through, not to mention larger tools that wouldn't fit in the chest. But all in good time.
