Dave Budd

Originally trained as an archaeologist, for the last 20 years I have been making tools for craftspeople, both modern and historical (ie living history, museums, etc). My journey into tool making began by supplying willow and rush working tools to the basketmakers in the South West, whom I worked closely with to make sure the things worked correctly!

These days I make tools for pretty much any craft you can think of, from silk to stone. All of my tools are handmade in my Devon workshop and the wood for the handles comes from the trees surrounding it. I offer most standard tools (such as bodkins and rapping irons) in a range of sizes and styles to suit most users and can make them to your design if required; several basketry teachers have their preferences to sell on to students. I also run courses in blacksmithing, tool making and maintenance from my workshop.

My website is never up to date and the range of tools that I make far exceeds my tolerance for dealing with that kind of technology. So if there is a tool that you are looking for, please get in touch and I'm sure I can help :-)