Who gets your tools, and equipment when you pass away?

[chyancarrek]

Just my brother and I left out of our family - I'm not married and have no kids so the personal stuff goes to my bro - my shop will too but if he doesn't want to keep it, I've ID'd my smithing buddies who I want to have first choice and left instructions that they are to get a "smokin'" deal on what they want. After that he can sell it for what he can get.

I agree with the above - If you know you're checking out, give your stuff (or sell) it up front so the folks left behind don't have to deal with it.

When my folks passed, every family heirloom had a note on it saying who was supposed to get it. We respected that and made sure it all went to the right folk. Sure made out life easier!

Unfortunately, there's no shortage of people who start feeding on each other once the estate comes up for grabs.

If you've had to go through that, you have my sincere sympathy. It can really tear a family up!

[LarryM]

Thanks for all the replies, I agree you should give your stuff to someone that will get the most good for them. Before you check out or are no longer using them. I particularly like the estate auction at Quad-State. To many times collectors horrid valuable tools and equipment aspiring smiths would love to have.


Thanks again for the replies
Be safe.
Larry

[Glenn]

Don't forget that we can run those tools on an IForgeIron auction and make them available to those that are aspiring smiths, or smiths that would make them welcome in their shop. Many of the tools would be put to work to earn their keep.

[Ted T]

I thought I was doing some friends favor back in the early 1980’s. So I gave away a complete Blacksmith shop.
To my disappointment, over time they did not hold the same values that I did and they let it all go to who knows what.
That is when I came to understand that “Easy Come, Easy Go” was a guideline that a lot of people follow when they have not paid the price for something.
Many people do not value what they have because they have not earned it!
So now I use my hard earned tools of over 50 years as a Health Solution.
I have fought against dying a couple of times just so the wrong people would not get my tools.
I used to look for someone who treated me with genuine kindness and respect, and who I know would carry on what I have started, they would have it all lock stock and anvils! But that never happened.
So, if I can live long enough, I have hopes of grooming a couple of grandsons if they are so inclined.
If not, “well”……. most likely you will find some real cheep tools in the junk yard or at a yard sale where I used to reside.
Ted

[Bentiron1946]

I was looking on Ebay today under "blacksmith tools" and there is a lot of stuff up for sale that belonged to some ole boy that loved it dearly but didn't plan to far ahead and now someone else is making the buck or two off of it. His family probably sold it at a yard sale or estate sale for $1 a hammer or tong and was tickled pink to get that. Either that or they kept grandpa's stuff until dad or mom died then gave it to a thrift store and someone bought it for $0.50 and it never got into the right hands. Just made me depressed looking at all of that stuff that was cared for and then just disposed of like it was junk to clear out space. I guess I'm through ranting.

[bondy1s]

My grandfather, before he passed, told me he wanted me to have his tools. He did this because he knew I would not only use them but treat them with respect.

My dad, after grandfather died, said even though he knew my grandfather's wishes, that he would keep my grandfather's tools. I was a little annoyed to say the least but not wishing to cause a rift in the family, accepted this.

My dad has now passed and I have inherited both his tools and my grandfathers.

And I use them daily, all of us being in the same trade, and each time I pick one up, I feel a connection with those men.

Not only that, they are a site better tools than any you can buy in a store today.

My tools along with those I have inherited are not in pristine condition, would have little value to a collector but they have been used for the purpose for which they were designed (and sometimes not!) but used nonetheless which is the most important aspect of this whole debate.

My son, who has demonstrated a similar appreciation of tools as myself is going to inherit the whole darn lot whether he likes it or not and I am sure they will pass to his offspring in a similar manner. I will lie better in my grave knowing this.

[Mills]

I was umable to care for my tools when younger. Too many moves too many stars to chase. Now I have assembled a fairly decent shop and it is growing rapidly.
My youngest and I had this conversation a couple of days ago. I was surprised to learn that she and her future husband value what I do and the tools that I use. However neither of them plan to follow along.

I will most likely look for an aspiring young man with stability, to get what I have started. I keep hoping for an interested daughter or Son in Law. Too soon for Grandkids yet.

[arftist]

Hopefully one or both of my children will someday take over the business,

[steve sells]

my Son gets most of the shop. Of the remaining few tools that are not going to Sean, they will go to the apprentices that helped me to make them, but they don't know this yet it seems fitting they get first chance at reclaiming their own sweat.

[brucegodlesky]

Only thing I've expressed is who DOESN'T get stuff. There are a coupla vultures out there who would get me thrashin around in the box at the thought of them using my tools.
One of my boys would most likely want some of this stuff.