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[nateswoodworks]

If you are looking at getting a new high end tool and cringe at the price think of what Joel from TFWW said in a post on their blog, I just thought it was interesting.

joel (http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com)
If you have to produce stuff for a living getting the right tool is critical. In the 19th century each trade had specific hand tools for maximum efficiency just for their trade. Saws would be carefully filed for the task at hand. Fortunately there is a hand tool revolution going on and new hand tools are available that approach the functionality and selection of the early 19th century. And, while the prices might seem high, tool prices as a proportion of income has dropped even now. A full toolchest would cost in 1800 about 25 pounds, or at 30 shillings a week (a very good salary) or about 16 weeks work. 16 weeks worth of salary for a top cabinetmaker in today's market would be enough to equip many tool chests with the same tools.

[CessnaPilotBarry]

A few years ago, I remember someone that inflation adjusted good quality pre-WWII hand tools, including Stanley planes, and various examples of good quality saws and chisels. What they found showed Lie Nielsen, Clifton, Veritas, Auriou, Grammercy, and many of the current high quality saw makers as a good value historically, sometimes even cheap.

I really wish I can find the link...