rk10007

Quite an interesting discussion, veering between tradition, craft, politics, economics, psychology, sociology and the plight of our auto industry. Jack Cafferty recently landed himself in trouble by characterizing the Chinese as a bunch of "goons and thugs" and said products manufactured in China are "junk." Then again, he may have been speaking of what has become of Detroit.
As for handplanes, I was once counseled to look for Stanley planes made in Sheffield, England. I was advised that the steel was of high quality, and, accomodating the European market, the Sheffield Stanleys were a heavier, more sturdy plane than their American or Canadian counterpart. I am not yet sure, as I am only now putting together my dream workshop, and have yet to tune the planes and put them to the test. My collection is all N.O.S., and I am pleased with the fit and finish, though, I must admit, they do not compare with the bronze beauties cast by LN. I am pleased nonetheless. I am sure they will serve my hobbiest purposes, just fine. Also, though they were manufactured across the pond, that was long, long ago, and my e-bay purchases all added to the domestic economy.
I recently purchased my first new car. All my past purchases were American cars, strangely enough, some were purchased from foreigners, and none purchased in the same decade of manufacture. My recent new car purchase was a Honda Element. While I'd have much preferred to buy American, it was not so much that I left the American market, as the American market left me. Nothing here compares to the versatility of the Element. It seems the Japanese, like LN, have a knack for listening, not just producing.