Larry Broadmoore wrote:

> I can't find the Adco company in my database, but if someone is
> interested I'll be glad to dig out their file.

I would be interested in knowing more about them.  I, too have been
VERY put out by purchasing punches that would not cut hot butter.

Perhaps I am just too fussy, but I want to keep my punches sharp at all
times.  Is there a device that they used to make, or still make, that
sharpens them easily?  The hand method of drawing them across a stone
or a file takes forever, and having taken them to a professional
sharpener, I got too-thin edges that curl up or dull very easily, and
one even just broke off while punching pouch leather.

I once called the Osborne people to ask for the device to sharpen the
punches and they could not help with such an item.  They also did not
have any ideas on sharpening them.  I asked how they expected me to use
their punches when they came as dull as a stump and their answer was
"Duh! Gawwwwwwwlllly, I can't help you."

Twenty years ago the punches came sharp.  I suspect they send them out
dull so some stupid kid won't cut off a finger in the hardware store,
since the parents might sue.  I have since refused to purchase Osborne
punches.

D. L. Bullock   Piano World    St. Louis