My Wish List

Despite my having what is probably the largest collection of billhooks in the world, much to my wife's distress, I still actively seek to buy them. There were many small local makers, some of whom marked their tools, but those of Kent, Sussex and Hampshire are actively collected by others. Those from the south west of England are also sought after, but the abundance of those made by Knapman means a trickle still come on the market.

My local makers Isaac Fussell of Nunney, John and later James Fussell of Mells (near Frome in Somerset) are also difficult to find. Other Somerset makers include Steed and Padfield. Recent treasures are a Skurray made in Chippenham and a Buckland made in Netheravon (both from Wiltshire). Buckland were succeeded by Sheppard - I have a Sheppard hoe, but not a billhook.

Down of Mere (Wilts) also made edge tools - I have a small spar hook and found my great grandfather's thatching tools (a ridge knife and an eaves knife) also made by Down some years ago when my cousin's farm was being demolished...