Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => Events Forum => Topic started by: J-sews on February 09, 2008, 03:11:10 PM
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We had a pleasant visit with the people from Bear & Son Cutlery at the Shot Show. They were here all the way from Jacksonville Alabama to show off their surprisingly extensive line of sharp stuff. Fixed blades, folders, multi-blades, multitools, shears; these folks do it all, and everything is still quality made in the U.S. of A.
Being the the tool nuts that we are, we zoomed in on the Bear Jaws series of multitools. There are no new variations of the Bear Jaws for 2008, but it was interesting to see and compare the entire line all in one place.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bear1.jpg)
Bear Jaws 155L and Mini Bear Jaws 153
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bear2.jpg)
Super Bear Jaws 156L
In addition to the standard 4" Bear Jaws 155L, there is also a 2-1/2" Mini Bear Jaws, along with an industrial grade 4-1/2" Super Bear Jaws. For cutting chores there are two options; a Gardener 157GT model and a Sportsman 157SM model, both based around a powerful set of shears. Electrical workers get the most unique tool in the Bear Jaws inventory, the Electrician 155EL.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bear3.jpg)
If you've never handled a Bear multitool before, the first thing you'll notice is its heavy duty construction. The handle material is noticable thicker than any of its competitors. Blades and pliers are big and strong too. There is a weight penalty to be paid for this added strength of course, but its worth it in most cases.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bear5.jpg)
Bear Jaws Electrician 155EL
Back in 1995 the Bear Jaws tool was named by Blade Magazine as the most innovative new tool on the market, due to its then-unique method of folding which allowed all the blades to be accessed without unfolding the pliers. In 1999 Victorinox purchased the company, and in doing so gained access to the Bear Jaws patents, allowing the SwissTool and later the Spirit to be equipped with outside-opening blades. In 2004 Ken Griffey, one of the original owners, purchased the company back from Victorinox and renamed it Bear & Son Cutlery. Since then the focus has been on introducing new fixed blade and folding knives, many of them featuring Damascus steel. The selection of multitools produced by Bear has remained relatively static for some time now, but we hope to see continued innovation from them in the future.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bear4.jpg)
Sportsman 157SM and Gardener 157GT
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bear6.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bear7.jpg)
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The Electrician looks perticularly interesting. I think I will have to take a better look at this company. I think because they are a smaller no name brand it kinda flew under the radar.
Anyone own one?
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I agree with Hawk that electrician tool looks like a very nice tool. Some of the blades/tools look a bit like cheap knockoff ones, but how did they feel in the hand?
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I agree with Hawk that electrician tool looks like a very nice tool. Some of the blades/tools look a bit like cheap knockoff ones, but how did they feel in the hand?
The Bear tools give off an aura of strength and quality contruction. No question about it, these tools are solid! However, their designs are a bit dated. They were designed to compete with the Leatherman tools of the late 1990's. There are no fancy thumbhole knife blades or titanium scales. The lock release mechanism is particularly old fashioned.
The blades themselves are somewhat crude, but again are of good quality. Far and away better than the cheap Chinese junk!! I usually judge blade quality at a glance by looking at the phillips screwdriver. (Ever notice how the Chinese cannot seem to produce a decent phillips?) The phillips on a Bear tool is big and strong, with crisp form on the driver head.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bear8.jpg)
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Well thats good news! That philips driver does looks pretty darn good. Yeah the blades/tools don't look very refined and it was mainly this image that had me worried about them. I know the actual pliers are really well built and strong.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bear4.jpg)
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The Bear tools give off an aura of strength and quality contruction. No question about it, these tools are solid! ....
I must agree with you, Bob, based on the Cresent ToolzAll Pro. It was made by Bear.
The lanyard hole blade is strange, though. If you open the lanyard blade and thread a split ring or paracord through the hole, there is no room to open the flat screwdriver blades which are adjacent.
I prefer the Leatherman SuperTool and PST lanyard attachment arrangement, which is outside the handle.
(http://parnass.com/knives/toolzall-pro1.jpg)
(http://parnass.com/knives/toolzall-pro3.jpg)
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What's the price range on Bears? They look like a nice Mid-quality tool for those who don't want to pay extra just for Brand Name status.
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What's the price range on Bears? They look like a nice Mid-quality tool for those who don't want to pay extra just for Brand Name status.
Prices on Bear tools are generally a bit less that their Leatherman equivalents. The challange can be trying to find one for sale. I've never seen one at a store, only at internet retail sites.
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The challange can be trying to find one for sale. I've never seen one at a store, only at internet retail sites.
Same here...The electricians tool looks like a nice odd tool to have.
And why is there a nail clipper on the tool second from the left? For perspective? ??? :D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bear3.jpg)
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I was wondering about that myself. It appears to be part of the tool but maybe one of the guys can fill us in first-hand.
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I was wondering about that myself. It appears to be part of the tool but maybe one of the guys can fill us in first-hand.
The nail clipper & multitool is actually a Bear Jaws model 157LN (Locking, Nailclipper) An ordinary fingernail clipper is attached to the tool by means of a slot cut in one handle. The rivet from the clipper goes through the slot, and the clipper's spring pressure keeps it from falling off. A little bent piece of steel retains the "tail" of the clipper.
The 157LN first appeared a few years ago. (I don't know exactly when) It seems like an idea with possibilities, but then again...... ::)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/155LNa.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/155LNb.jpg)
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:o
That's the weirdest multi tool function I've ever seen.
How does it fit in a sheath? :pok:
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:o
That's the weirdest multi tool function I've ever seen.
How does it fit in a sheath? :pok:
Awkwardly. :D
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Anyone know a good source of the newer designed models? Just hoping someone here may have some idea.
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That clipper model goes to show how sometimes the designers can go way off base and just start to add stuff they think people want. It also looks like the thing was added to an original tool. Look how the cut out for the mounting goes through the company name. ::)
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That clipper model goes to show how sometimes the designers can go way off base and just start to add stuff they think people want. It also looks like the thing was added to an original tool. Look how the cut out for the mounting goes through the company name. ::)
It does seem like somewhat of an afterthought don't it? :-\
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That tool is the definition of after thought. :D They couldn't have made them look more stuck on if they tried.
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Is there a significant advantage to this particular design of outside opening tools? Is SAK's design exactly the same?
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Is there a significant advantage to this particular design of outside opening tools? Is SAK's design exactly the same?
Not particularly.
The Victorinox design is significantly different than Bear's and much better in my opinion. It is much more "snappier" and more orderly and has a much better lock interface. The plier pivot ramps function and are designed different for the respective tools also, I would do a nice picture comparison but my Bear Jaws is in storage. May be time to get a locking model and check it out. :)
I think the Bear tools may be stronger to failure in regards to handle torque since their handles are a one piece stamp, as opposed to the three piece system used on the Spirit. But then I am fairly certain the individual tool would break before the handles failed.
Hmm.
Does the SwissTool share the same three-piece handle design as the Spirit?
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I'm glad to hear that SAK did their homework and didn't just directly transfer the Bear's design over to their tools. That would have been a tad disappointing. Great piece of history to know about the purchasing of the companies, the buying back, etc.
Does something about the SAK Spirit require a 3-piece design - is there an advantage of the 3-piece over the one piece? What was SAK's thinking on that? Maybe just simpler or cheaper to manufacture with little or no strength disadvantage because, like you say, the individual tool is the weak link, not the frame.?
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Yup, the SwissTool handle is three-piece construction as well. (Actually both it and the Spirit handles are four-piece construction, if you count both side panels, the finger backspring panel, and the plier pivot bracket)
I can see why the finger backspring panel is a seperate piece; it probably needs to be made from thicker spring-grade steel. But why make the side panels two seperate pieces? :think:
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:drool: I really like the look of these Bears. From the UK I would guess Ebay USA is the best place to get them.
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I've used Bears/Toolzalls for several years and despite their admittedly dated and somewhat eccentric designs, they inspire trust with their robustness. I think their handles are the most comfortable in the business-rounded and they fit my hand very well and the tool access is great (though Bear often puts the nail nicks in unusable places). I used the Electrician on sound jobs and it was great. The lanyard attachment is a joke (it can't close with the lanyard attached) and the Phillips screwdriver is odd at first, but I believe it was designed to mate with a Bear accessory drive kit (which no dealer I've been to has ever carried). Oddly, the Toolzall re-brands seem a bit better fit and quality than the standard Bears. Perhaps Crescent kept an eye on the tolerances, perhaps it may just be my own tools. Why Bear isn't a bigger player is beyond me...
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I have seen their tools at sears, sportsmans warehouse. and industial supply. sears is about everywhere and ther are quit a few sportsmans warehouse around. you may find something there.
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The only downside to the early Bears were they were non-locking.
Combine that with the fact they were outside opening and you have to learn to say "ouch"
I used them a lot and learned to be very wary.
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Ken is indeed a great guy. He's been helping me with my Electrician's Bear Jaws issues. If Bear did a little to update their designs, I think they could truly have a place in the market. That said, the Electrician's tool is really impressive, and the only full size multi on the market to offer strippers. Why more people don't know about it is beyond me.
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The main reason is that alot of times electricians need to work with live wires and with the design of these tools like they are it could result in a very unpleasant little jolt. That being said one should turn off the power before attempting to service electrical wires.
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As one who does a fair share of theatrical electrical work, I can say that no sane electrician, that is to say, anyone who does electrical work regularly, would be working on live circuits without the proper tools. If you go to Home Depot, the vast majority of the high quality Klein tools they sell in the electrical tool department are NOT meant for use on live circuits. There is a small selection of tools specifically designed and insulated to be used with live circuits, and even these must still be used with care. Whenever it is possible, we try to avoid working on live circuits.
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Anyone own one?
I'm looking at a 156L multitool real hard - appears they can be customized / modified somewhat with Torx screws holding them together.
Bear & Son multitool catalog (http://www.bearandsoncutlery.com/index.php?submenu=Products&src=directory&view=Products&category=MULTI-TOOLS)
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Anyone own one?
I'm looking at a 156L multitool real hard - appears they can be customized / modified somewhat with Torx screws holding them together.
Bear & Son multitool catalog (http://www.bearandsoncutlery.com/index.php?submenu=Products&src=directory&view=Products&category=MULTI-TOOLS)
I dont have a 156L yet. But I do have a 155L both the locking and non locking versions. Also a mini bear. All seem to be easy to take apart. Should be fairly easy to do some customizing.
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and the Phillips screwdriver is odd at first, but I believe it was designed to mate with a Bear accessory drive kit (which no dealer I've been to has ever carried).
I don't know if they have them in stock but the coupler kit I found here:
http://www.countryknives.com/store/product.asp?sku=B155C&dept_id=109 or http://tinyurl.com/3sxxoq
On Bear's site they list the 155EL as locking and sites I've visited do state all implements lock. I really like this tool, though I can't handle one in-person. The Phillips looks good, though I might grind down the squared bottom to provide a little more reach room. This might be the illusive multi with outside-opening tools and a great Phillips driver I've been looking for! :gimme: Bladematrix.com is showing $44.38 for the 155EL Electrician's model. Unknown if it's the updated model or the older one but a phone call might tell me this.
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I just got the Toolzall Maintenance Pro by Crescent (Bear and Son) It looks like the Bear Gardener and Bird Shears only difference is it has a file (which has been replaced with a PST II diamond file ::) was a very easy mod the tools interchange very easily :)
It does seem to be a strong tool and I like it's quality :cheers:
I may have to track down and try some other Bear Jaw tools :D
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I didn't really have time for a call to Bear & Sons so I emailed them this morning about dealers in my area. Still no reply. I just may go with the 155EL from Bladematrix. Besides, it's a write-off. :)
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I didn't really have time for a call to Bear & Sons so I emailed them this morning about dealers in my area. Still no reply. I just may go with the 155EL from Bladematrix. Besides, it's a write-off. :)
:cheers: more power 2 ya if you can write a MT off ;) :D
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Odd that Bear doesn't even have a photo of the Electrician (155EL) on its website.
http://www.bearandsoncutlery.com/index.php?src=directory&srctype=display&id=21&submenu=Products&view=Products_detail
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:cheers: more power 2 ya if you can write a MT off ;) :D
One of the few good things about having your own business, even in New Jersey! ;)
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I just got a Super Bear Jaws Sportsman 157SM it's just like my Maintenance Pro Toolzall by Crescent except it has a hook thingy instead of the file. It is very well built as well :cheers:
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I just got a Super Bear Jaws Sportsman 157SM it's just like my Maintenance Pro Toolzall by Crescent except it has a hook thingy instead of the file. It is very well built as well :cheers:
Do you know what the hook thingy is for? :P :P (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/smileys/barf.gif) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/smileys/barf.gif)
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I just checked out the electrician model at a pawn shop here in Idaho. The quality is fantastic and I would have bought it except it had a price tag of $65.
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FWIW, I totally forgot I had emailed them... but I never received any response from B&S about local dealers in NJ. Also, I'd like to see a review of the newer versions of B&S multis. Anyone?
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Don't know if this matters but.................................
In Lebanon Missouri on 44 at the same exit as Shepherd Hills Cutlery there is an indoor fleamarket/antique mall on the other side of the over pass. It has been three years since I have been down that way in a big truck, butr I used to stop there all the time. Inside the mall is a HUGE display of Bear and Son's goods. I never purchased anything, but I rememebr the prices bieng reasonable and the selection of Bear products bieng quite diverse.
Hope this helps. Maybe they have an online thing for those interested in their products.
Dtrain
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Anyone know of a place in the San Francisco Bay area that sells these? The 155EL especially.
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I just got a Super Bear Jaws Sportsman 157SM it's just like my Maintenance Pro Toolzall by Crescent except it has a hook thingy instead of the file. It is very well built as well :cheers:
Do you know what the hook thingy is for? :P :P (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/smileys/barf.gif) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/smileys/barf.gif)
Have no idea I would hope you could tell me :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh But from the way you type it I don't know if I want to know ::) :D :D :D
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I believe it's for hauling out entrails, isn't it?
Def
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Yeah, its a "bird hook." The instructions say to poke it into the "vent hole" of the bird, spin it around, then pull out the entrails. Ugh! :P
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And how do you clean all the bird crap and bird guts off of your MT after you do this?
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And how do you clean all the bird crap and bird guts off of your MT after you do this?
Odd, that doesn't seem to be addressed in the instruction manual. ::) :P
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Yeah, its a "bird hook." The instructions say to poke it into the "vent hole" of the bird, spin it around, then pull out the entrails. Ugh! :P
Where exactly on a bird's anatomy is the "vent hole" located?
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Yeah, its a "bird hook." The instructions say to poke it into the "vent hole" of the bird, spin it around, then pull out the entrails. Ugh! :P
Where exactly on a bird's anatomy is the "vent hole" located?
Do you really need to ask? :D
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Is this a one-way vent hole with a check valve that we're talking about here? :D
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Is this a one-way vent hole with a check valve that we're talking about here? :D
:D :D
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And how do you clean all the bird crap and bird guts off of your MT after you do this?
Odd, that doesn't seem to be addressed in the instruction manual. ::) :P
I would send it in for warranty work after doing that! :D
Def
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Well since this thread has already went down the crapper...... :twak:
Speaking of vent holes in dead animals, has anyone tried out this lovely bit of innovation yet? :-X
(http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_228322_imageset_01?$main-Medium$)
Link to product description: http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0041414228322a.shtml
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YUCK!
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Well since this thread has already went down the crapper...... :twak:
Speaking of vent holes in dead animals, has anyone tried out this lovely bit of innovation yet? :-X
(http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_228322_imageset_01?$main-Medium$)
Link to product description: http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0041414228322a.shtml
Man, reading that description hurts! :o
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NICE!
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I never really needed an excuse not to be a hunter, but should the issue come up in future, I'll now have one ready-to-go.
I don't have my anal alimentary canal remover with me!
(I'm sure some helpful chap will simply offer me his, but I'm not sure if that's the kind of tool you share between friends)
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I never really needed an excuse not to be a hunter, but should the issue come up in future, I'll now have one ready-to-go.
I don't have my anal alimentary canal remover with me!
(I'm sure some helpful chap will simply offer me his, but I'm not sure if that's the kind of tool you share between friends)
At least not the kind of friends you'd want to be seen out in public with
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Well since this thread has already went down the crapper...... :twak:
Speaking of vent holes in dead animals, has anyone tried out this lovely bit of innovation yet? :-X
http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_228322_imageset_01?$main-Medium$
Link to product description: http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0041414228322a.shtml
Lovely! :D
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Bob didnt we have enough of that thing in Maine. I mean really it wasnt a very good seller. They had a whole rack of them.
Plus I still would have a sympathy pain if I ever used one on my buck.
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I don't think i could ever use that on another being... dead or alive. =o
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I believe it's for hauling out entrails, isn't it?
Def
:ahhh I don't believe that that tool will get much use then :ahhh :D :D :D
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Bob didnt we have enough of that thing in Maine. I mean really it wasnt a very good seller. They had a whole rack of them.
Funny you should mention that John...I remember when you showed us one of those things...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/sebago/hcbo.jpg)
Man, it made my rectal region clench up just looking at it! :ahhh
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For a second there I thought it said, "Field dressing made easy and fun!"
...
*shudders*
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I just checked out the electrician model at a pawn shop here in Idaho. The quality is fantastic and I would have bought it except it had a price tag of $65.
I just bought one recently it cost me $62.00 even including 6% sales tax at Ace Hardware in Parkersburg WV.
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I just checked out the electrician model at a pawn shop here in Idaho. The quality is fantastic and I would have bought it except it had a price tag of $65.
I just bought one recently it cost me $62.00 even including 6% sales tax at Ace Hardware in Parkersburg WV.
You're really going to hate me! :D I picked one up today as well in Idaho for $40.92 + tax. :gimme: It was the last one they had. :(
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I just checked out the electrician model at a pawn shop here in Idaho. The quality is fantastic and I would have bought it except it had a price tag of $65.
I just bought one recently it cost me $62.00 even including 6% sales tax at Ace Hardware in Parkersburg WV.
I guess I'll have to take a nice leisurely autumn drive up Rt.2.The Aces around here only stock the no-name sub-standard multis.
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The Ace store has a bunch of Made in USA of Foriegn & Domestic parts Gerbers(overpriced though), Bear & Son (Micra sized) Multitools, and some off brands (cheap chinese ones) that are from the 90's including one model thats "Designed in USA". Also they have the USA made Schrade Tough Tools (w/non laminated pliers) and a good assortment of Irish made Schrade knives.
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This Bear copy was originally sold by radio shack. Thanks to a crummy ebay picture I bought it thinking it might be a Bear. Its not bad for a China tool.
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I used to have a Bear copy.
Best Non-Brand-Name multi I've ever handled.
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Quality aside though, it bothers me to see such a blatant in-your-face copy of reputable company's product.
This isn't a case of "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery", this is "let's see how closely we can copy this product and see how many people purchase it by mistake". >:(
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Quality aside though, it bothers me to see such a blatant in-your-face copy of reputable company's product.
This isn't a case of "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery", this is "let's see how closely we can copy this product and see how many people purchase it by mistake". >:(
I agree. I added a pic of the inside tools. One thing china does'nt seem to be able to do is make a good phillips on a MT. They definately didnt try hard to copy Bears inside tools.
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Bear would sell more of the real thing if they weren't so hard to find.
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I've like the Bears for years now, but my nearest dealer is 150 miles away! I used to get mine mail order. I've never seen another person in my area carry a Bear.
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:ahhh :ahhh :ahhh I just got the electrician model today at an Ace Hardware and it was only priced 22.99 I about jerked it off the wall ::) I saw 1 at another Ace owned by the same man but it was 50 or 60 dollars :-\ But it isn't uncommon to get deal like that from store to store in those Ace's :tu: Needless to say I am very happy with the Electrician Pro :cheers:
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:ahhh :ahhh :ahhh I just got the electrician model today at an Ace Hardware and it was only priced 22.99 I about jerked it off the wall ::) I saw 1 at another Ace owned by the same man but it was 50 or 60 dollars :-\ But it isn't uncommon to get deal like that from store to store in those Ace's :tu: Needless to say I am very happy with the Electrician Pro :cheers:
Great score Poncho! 8)
So how many Bear tools do you have now?
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:ahhh :ahhh :ahhh I just got the electrician model today at an Ace Hardware and it was only priced 22.99 I about jerked it off the wall ::) I saw 1 at another Ace owned by the same man but it was 50 or 60 dollars :-\ But it isn't uncommon to get deal like that from store to store in those Ace's :tu: Needless to say I am very happy with the Electrician Pro :cheers:
Is it the new one or the PST type?
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:ahhh :ahhh :ahhh I just got the electrician model today at an Ace Hardware and it was only priced 22.99 I about jerked it off the wall ::) I saw 1 at another Ace owned by the same man but it was 50 or 60 dollars :-\ But it isn't uncommon to get deal like that from store to store in those Ace's :tu: Needless to say I am very happy with the Electrician Pro :cheers:
Great score Poncho! 8)
So how many Bear tools do you have now?
3 now :D
2 of them have the shears 1 of those is a Toolzall rebranded Maintenance Pro the other a Super Bear Jaws Sportsman 157SM and now the newest one I have is the Toolzall Crescent Electrician Pro which is a Bear Jaws Locking Electrician Tool 155EL
and courtesy of Bob I have pics of the Bear Branded models :tu:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bear5.jpg)
Bear Jaws Electrician 155EL
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bear4.jpg)
Sportsman 157SM and Gardener 157GT
Is it the new one or the PST type?
I just thought there was one type of these :think: the PST type is one of the models that I don't have ........yet ::) :D
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It's amazing how sturdy those Bear tools are built. The handle material seems much thicker than those of other brands. :)
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Yep the handles are definitely thicker than any other of the MTs I have :tu:
the heavy duty build of these tools is what keeps drawing me back to them :cheers:
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Great Find! I use to take my Bear Electrician on sound jobs and electronic installs. The outside-available tools spoil you in the heat of battle. I'll say it again, it's a shame Bear can't do something to improve their share in the MT world as they have so much going for them.
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You mean like actually have some of their merchandise available in an actual store?
I have never even seen a Bear multitool.
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ACE carries them sometimes. Also I've seen more fakes than the real thing.
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Yep Ace is the place.................for Bear and Son :rofl:
No seriously I have mainly seen the Toolzall rebranded ones at the Aces here, still they are there :tu:
But Smoky Mountain Knife Works carries the whole line of Bear MTs (but there really proud of them) ::)
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I should also meantion that Ace's prices are very high possibly due to the fact that no one else carries them so the don't need low prices on them to be competitive...
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I got lucky though because I got the Electrician Pro for $22.99 :tu: of course they had had it a long time ::) it was kinda dusty :)
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I paid $62.00 tax included for mine and mine was also dusty.
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I can tell you that Ace Hardware stores are now independently owned so while each store will usually have the majority of same items, they can have different items for sale, and at differing prices. MOF, the Chinese govt is no longer subsidizing the difference in what it costs a Chinese company to make and item and what it can sell it for, hence the increase in prices of Chinese products. I work p/t for Ace and believe me, I check thru what's available to us a few times every month for anything new. Bear & Son tools are not available from the main warehouse so whatever store wants them brings them in privately. IOW, this is a hit-or-miss thing if your local Ace carries them. The minute (hopefully) the LM Seracs ever becomes available via the warehouse I'm scooping a few up.
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Well most of the Ace's here are owned by 1 man and he has owned them independent for years
They are all Potter's Ace Hardware he owns 15 or so across Tennessee and Kentucky :D
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No Bears at our local Ace.
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The Ace here is a POS. The only thing going for it is that it's .5 miles from my house. There was an old Mom and Pop True Value that was here for ages that was run out by Lowes a few years back. I'm still bitter about that one... >:(
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The Ace here is a POS. The only thing going for it is that it's .5 miles from my house. There was an old Mom and Pop True Value that was here for ages that was run out by Lowes a few years back. I'm still bitter about that one... >:(
Seems like that's the only thing that Lowe's is good @ ::) They have done the same thing here :-[ But there are still a few good Old Hardware stores still holding on ;)
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There was an old Mom and Pop True Value that was here for ages that was run out by Lowes a few years back. I'm still bitter about that one... >:(
Substitute "Lowes" with "Home Depot" and you've got my situation >:(
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In Parkersburg there was a True Value that was put out of business by a Harbor Freight >:( the strange thing is the store still has all the merchandise in it. I wish I knew the owner I would ask to have a look inside.
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That is strange... How long has the store been closed?
All the good old hardware stores are gone here except for some "farm" stores like Orscheln. :(
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Over 3 years.
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You would think that someone would want to liquidate that inventory.
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That is strange... How long has the store been closed?
All the good old hardware stores are gone here except for some "farm" stores like Orscheln. :(
We do have Tractor Supplies here but they 2 r putting the smaller farm stores out :(
Co-Op seem to still be doing well though :tu:
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bear jaws was somewhat readily available once. craftsman branded bear jaws were sold in sears about 10 years ago. I had one but didn't hold on to it. now I wish I would have.
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i was just leafing through the old threads and because of this I now have a mini bear jaws, a super bear jaws and the bear jaws on the way
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i was just leafing through the old threads and because of this I now have a mini bear jaws, a super bear jaws and the bear jaws on the way
Watch out, next you'll be searching out the shears versions as well .... :pok: :D
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:facepalm:
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.... and then there are the different branded re-labels (ask me how I know :pok: )
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i was just leafing through the old threads and because of this I now have a mini bear jaws, a super bear jaws and the bear jaws on the way
Watch out, next you'll be searching out the shears versions as well .... :pok: :D
The shears are very nice though :whistle: :D