anyone know why Buttonhole chisels are soooo expensive?
 

I mean seriously... the lowest price that I have found is $80 and they go up to $500 this is nutz....

Steve

Noticed this was posted in vintage -- so you might be wanting an antique one, but using the term buttonhole cutter I found quite a few in a quick search. Never heard them called chisels before. Then again, maybe your looking for something that I've never ecountered. The price on the cutters was $8 and on up.

yeah, I was looking at the antique ones. A similar woodworking chisel of the same period is 1/4 the price. I get the "scarcity" issue, but sheesh.... I saw one for sale for $300 and the seller was not even sure if it was a button hole chisel and the age, but "ones like this sell for up to $500" it's just silly.

Usually a high price on something like this (or featherweights) that does not merit it by materials, is driven up by collectors, but I do not see a big market for these.

New to me, just askin...

Steve,

Seems like something you could easily make and even have it look period. Pretty cool to have the actual antique tool but when prices are sky high it becomes sort of iffy. Maybe one will turn up in the near future at the flea market for $10.

Jon

I googled "buttonhole cutter" and a three piece set came up for less than $8.00.

My grandmother's stepmother was a seamstress in the late 1800's. I am pleased to own her buttonhole scissors. They are not valuable, but they are handy for more than buttonholes, and I feel privileged. I first used them in my mother's sewing room in the 1950's on buttonholes made with the old Singer attachment.

On the other hand I saw a chisel type tool in a sewing machine store a couple of years ago. I think it sold for about $16, and it was billed as a tool for cutting buttonholes. It looked dangerous.

OK, to clarify... The first 4 are old buttonhole chisels the last one is the modern set.

All Steel (I can make these)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]422334[/ATTACH]

Hardwood and Steel (pretty sure i can make these)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]422335[/ATTACH]

Brass Figural (I might be able to make these)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]422336[/ATTACH]

Bone and steel (maybe someday...)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]422337[/ATTACH]

Modern set
[ATTACH=CONFIG]422339[/ATTACH]

And here are what I think you were referring to.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]422340[/ATTACH]

Steve, I have seen that first one before, someone was using it as a nut cracker, now if I can just remember who.

Karen

I've never seen the pretty ones before! I guess my family had the cheap stuff. Thanks for sharing the pictures and giving me a little more education.

it's what we do here.... I have learned WAY more here than I have at any other site.