Lee Valley Tools
Mecca of Woodworking and Gardening Stores
I originally discovered Lee Valley, the coolest tool store ever, over 25 years ago from one of my father's best friends who dabbled with weekend woodworking projects. Since that time Lee Valley has expanded on the term "tool porn". Being an avid gardener, I was doubly pleased to discover that they "rock" gardening gadgets as well! Now, with a store in Victoria, I'm willing to bet the gardening gadgets will outsell their traditional woodworking catalogue.
Lee Valley has scoured the globe to obtain the finest. When they can't find what they are seeking, they have their own tool making company Veritas to design and manufacture it. Where would the weekend novice Fallen Branch chair-maker be without Lee Valley? A sharp chisel is fine; but a drill powered tenon cutter is finer. I dare you to prove me wrong on this!
With age comes wisdom. I have to admit I am now a minimalist in regards to tool acquisition. Early on I learned that it is deceivingly easy to spend my entire paycheque on a visit to Lee Valley. Another piece of wisdom is, have the right tool for the right job. It's been my experience that Lee Valley definitely has the right tool for any job.
Although they have stores across the country, Lee Valley thrives because of their great catalogue/mail delivery service. This model serves customers well. From time to time I occasionally find that a store is out of an item. Customer service has been over the top when this happens. "Come back later" or "sorry sir" isn't something you'll hear at Lee Valley. Usually the clerk says, "we will send it to your address..." and "no mailing fee" is included in the sentences that follows. Let me tell you, when you have your heart set on that certain 55 degree rosewood handled striking knife and you "must" have it - Lee Valley makes you feel like they know it too.
Most Lee Valley dissidents I have met complain about prices - but in 30 years of accumulating planes, chisels and carving tools - I have yet to find a store that consistently has better prices than Lee Valley. If you can't find it anywhere else; Lee Valley has it. For you cooking fans out there searching for those micro blade stainless steel cutters for food preparation: Lee Valley had them first and have them cheaper than any cooking store.
Lee Valley Tools
314 Wale Rd.
Formerly Nob Hill Rd
250.391.9553
Published April 8, 2010
Peter Walter writes from Victoria BC
