The proprietor of this 'virtual' shop is Mike Hancock. Mike and Classic Hand Tools can be seen at many shows around the country.

Mike Hancock says:

I was excited to find Auriou carving tools: high quality, in wide range and at an affordable price.
I chose the range, principally on recommendation from European tool sellers and carvers, many of who consider the Auriou range of tools to be the best available, bar none.

Auriou tools need more exposure to the UK and USA markets where they have been under-represented. They are an excellent product with the widest range of shapes and sizes of any manufacturer.
I like to support small independent concerns and to build success on selling quality products that people truly appreciate.

Auriou have been making carving gouges, chisels, rasps and rifflers in Saint-Juéry, France, since 1856.
Still a family firm, I have met Michel Auriou who is responsive to suggestions and the needs of carvers and has a dedicated care over the quality of the carving tools he makes.

There are some 500 carving tools in their range, made from 'an extremely fine grain high carbon steel' with the blade 'drawn out by hammering' before careful tempering.

I have found the tools thin in section, well made and shaped, and holding their cutting edges well.

Rasps and rifflers are 'hand-stitched' - literally, each tooth is individually picked - which means that they are slightly irregularly placed compared with machine cutting. The result is a wonderfully smooth finish and, given the quality of the steel and forging, what I consider to be the best rasps and rifflers available anywhere - a real pleasure to use!

Not the cheapest in the market, but you are paying for very high quality tools that are nothing less than an investment.

There is no problem doing this: Classic Hand Tools regularly and reliably ships abroad.
Any questions or comments about costs, delivery times, please see the website or email Mike at Classic Hand Tools.

As part of my support for you the carver, as well as Classic Hand Tools, you can write to me about any aspect of Auriou or other tools presented here - what, for example, might be the most useful tools for your particular work, problems with sharpening, and so on.

Mention Chris Pye and this website in all correspondence with Classic Hand Tools and you can count on my support if you have any questions or difficulties.
 

I have to do this, even though I wouldn't be recommending Classic Hand Tools if I thought it remotely necessary!

To the best of my knowledge, Classic Hand Tools are entirely trustworthy and care for their customers. However, all dealings and transactions which you have with them is between you and the Classic Hand Tools, and entirely at your own risk.
I will not be held responsible, in any way or at any time, for any issues or problems, financial or otherwise, that might arise.