"The term restoration invokes some thoughtful arguments concerning antiques, or in our case - tools.  There are some who believe that a tool should never be changed in any way, as that will destroy its integrity.  There are others who feel that any change is OK as long as it makes the tool useable.  I like to think that somewhere in the middle, where all the variables are taken into account, is the best place to be.  What are these variables?  Not more than what common sense would dictate.

Antique tools should be in the same condition today as they were a hundred or more years ago in the hands of a prideful worker."

Herb Kean
Restoring Antique Tools, 1998