I am Cody, a 19 year old college student from Southwestern Virginia. 

I have been collecting (more like using) old tools for at least ten years, when the lady who owns the adjoining property gave me and my grandfather permission to pick up and keep all her father's old tools and smaller equipment (larger items have required special permission)  around the property.  Since then, I have purchased old tools from the flea market and online and get disused tools my grandfather has since upgraded from or forgotten he had.  I regularly use these old tools when helping my grandfather on the farm, and for my own tinkering.

One thing that has always bothered me is the move of production to China by many American toolmakers.   As a result, I only buy new and used American, European, and sometimes Japanese tools. Only on rare occasions do I buy Chinese anymore--example being the CTA Tools Farmer's Pliers, which are a copy of the Duluth Handiboy DH-16, which cost at least $50 used, the CTA Tools is only $10 or so new, and since I will be buying these to stick in my back pocket for farm use, $50 or more isn't something I want to spend on something I will likely lose.

Welcome to the site. You'll find lots of good info here.

Welcome to Tool Talk! Glad to have young members who see tools as we do.

Hi Cody, welcome from Florida.  Nice to see some young guys getting interested in old tools.  Lots of helpful people here.  Don't be afraid to ask questions, it's one of the best ways to learn.

Mike

Welcome
Wise County VA??