GSPTOPDOG wrote: ↑Fri May 26, 2023 7:05 pm
Klein & Sons (or Klein Tools to be precise...

)
Need to get another one of those. Got both the hawkbill and older coping blade variant in a used lot--gave away the hawkbill one. I really like this combo for most tasks I do around here, as I don't have to carry a hawkbill AND a TL-29.
Klein stopped contracting Utica to make these--all the brown-handle ones are made in China now. They are easily recognizable by the steel lock release (not brass as on pretty much every Utica Klein I own from 1975-2020. I got the two-blade right before things were moved overseas in '21.
PS: I emailed Utica and asked who they were still making these for. Utica told me they're still making them for Proto. It's the J18535 through them (standard TL-29 format is J18500). However, I bet it ain't cheap. I once asked Fastenal what the price was if they specially ordered the Proto version of the ubiquitous Klein hawkbill--$50 when the going price for the Klein was $30! I'm purchasing my first 1/2" ratchet soon, and I need to check to see what the local mine supply (my nearest Proto dealer) asks. Hopefully, they're cheaper.