As we all know used lasting pliers for the most part are as expensive or more so than new ones of decent repute.
I saw the ones on Rocky Mountain leather supply and bought a pair of the narrow nose. They in my opinion are better than the Schein but cost about the same.
The above are currently the best alternative in my mind to EA Berg available without spending a small fortune on used originals of unknown condition.
I have recently found Carreducker branded pliers on the Carreducker web site. They appear to be the same manufacturer but are listed as being toolsteel vs the stainless that RM advertises theirs being made from.
You can buy the wide and narrow from Carreducker shipped for the price of one or the other from RM shipped.
Schein are far right
RM second from right
CD middle and second from left
Sauer Berlin far left
Nice comparison! I have come to prefer the “Swedish” style myself.
There is definitely some outsourcing and while-labeling going on with pliers like this. Both the Carreducker and Rocky Mountain models you showed remind me very much of pictures of the “Akimori” pliers I’ve seen online and in catalogs. A little digging revealed that Akimori is actually a trademark of TAN, the Italian supplier. They might all be ordering from the same factory.
For beginners, I’d probably just recommend getting some of the cheap clones of the Japanese-style narrow pliers from China. I made another post here, a while back, about knocking off the sharp edges with a hobby file.
I also see Osborne pliers around through channels that distribute Osborne tools. I haven’t tried them myself, but I understand the design.
I have used the Osborne and they certainly aren’t my favorite.
As well as a pair of narrow nose very similar to your previous thread. I like the fork for opening pleats to get the nose into.
All that said I’ve come to enjoy the “Swedish pattern” myself as well. The pull takes some getting used to after using hawk bills. But I feel like the pull is easier to hold while tacking though.
I also have the black plastic handle shank pliers from Lisa Sorrell. They are definitely rough when they first arrive they are usable though.
I’m not sure who is making the subject pliers for either company however they are very similar if not the same manufacturer. They do remind me of akimori as well.
I sell the Akimori pliers now too, and they look like good quality. I haven’t tried them, as I prefer my vintage pliers I’ve had for years.
If you want nice shank pullers, your best option is to keep a close eye on Ebay and pray for good fortune. The black plastic handle ones are the only ones being produced anywhere now, as far as I know.
Any particular ones to keep an eye out for over others?
I haven’t had a chance to use any Bergs.
The only set of bergs I’ve had in my hands are nearly plum worn out. They were bought new by their current owner in 1971 and have been in constant use since then.
I have also been wondering about the manufacturers of the lasting pliers. I got the Minke pliers from panhandle and they look identical to the Carreducker and Rocky Mountain ones.
Unfortunately, there is no information on where it is made on the Minke website or the packaging. I found a Japanese shoe tool reseller that says its made in Germany but they might just be confusing distributor vs manufacturer.
I remember they had listings for the Osborne, Schein and Minke pliers. For Schein and Minke they had wide and narrow options. I actually purchased the Schein option (a lot cheaper than minke) but they were out and sent me the Minke ones. You can still find them on minkes shop.
Maybe this could be a recipe for making lasting pliers out of more general-purpose pliers, too. Drill the bottom jaw. Tap it for a wide bolt. Thread a bolt on with a jam nut. File the head to make it rounder.
It looks like they have used various different business names, trying to address opticians’ as well as shoemakers’ tools, and perhaps others as well.
@lexar4h1 do you want to reach out to them, say by e-mail? Or may I go ahead and do so.
Relatedly, if you’re willing to take a credit on the new wiki page for the firm, I’d be glad to add your name and a link of your choice.
I messaged them on Instagram but they haven’t posted in a year so I doubt I’ll get a response. I’d prefer no credit on the wiki. Also it says Turkey but the address on their website and their phone number is from Pakistan.
