The Show
Since the inaugural show in 1979, held at the York Farmers Market in North Toronto, the biannual Antique Tools of the Trades Show has served the needs of vintage tool users and collectors in Ontario, Quebec and Northern New York State. It is the oldest continually operating antique tool show and sale in Canada.
The show attracts dealers from across Eastern Canada and The Northern United States. The emphasis is on, but not limited to, handtools for wood and metal working.The increasing interest in traditional woodworking and premium quality handtools, has led to the recent resurgence of the high end, small scale hand tool makers. Several of these makers are in attendance at the show to present and discuss their offerings.
The show has been held in several locations in and around Toronto, notably the York Farmers Market, the Kahn Auction barn, and most recently the Pickering Recreation Center, where it has been held for the last 8 years.
The Curator
My name is John Pirie and I became a dealer at the Tools of the Trades Show several years ago, after having been an attendee for the previous 10 or so years.. I have been actively buying and selling vintage tools and machinery for over 15 years.My principal interest is in woodworking and machinist tools, and vintage asociated books and catalogs. I have a passion for sharpening and tool performance and you will often find the tools I sell are ready to use, with no further tuning rquired.
