New handle

[A. G. Maisey]

I have found these comments quite interesting. They remind me very much of comments in another thread which related to traditional working methods in the forge.

The carving that is the focus of discussion here is a pretty fair piece of work. Certainly it is not brilliant art, but it is a good example of the modern carver's craft.

Most importantly, it is affordable.

To accomplish the same, or a similar result with hand tools would take---how long?

Would the piece of work done with hand tools be equally affordable?

No, it would not.

It is perhaps a nice feeling to decry the loss of traditional working methods, but these artist/craftsmen must live , as do we all need to live. If they only produce works that are beyond the reach of all but very wealthy people, the craft will eventually die.

In my opinion we should praise the use of these modern working methods which make available to clerks and carpenters , the art and craft which was in the past the exclusive prerogative of princes.