Four Marks Tools was founded in 2020 during the Covid Pandemic, where we had to be resourceful and adapt to life under lockdown rules. Up until March 2020 I was working as an Executive Head Chef in a busy Surrey Hills hotel and conference centre. I was furloughed indefinitely, as were many others, but with a young family to support and more time on my hands than I had ever had before I needed to do something to keep me busy and sane.

The seed had been planted many years before by my dad, who also trades in tools, since his retirement. It was a seed that needed to be nurtured which wasn’t possible while I was working as a Chef. With everyone being stuck at home during the pandemic, some were getting around to doing the odd jobs that they previously didn’t have the time for - like clearing out their sheds, lofts and garages! Facebook market place became flooded with engineering and vintage woodworking tools which was when I decided to act on the seed which my dad had planted.

I had no previous knowledge of woodworking or engineering tools. I was lucky to pick up old tool catalogues, watched Youtube videos and researched how to use some of the beautiful old tools which I sourced on my journey to creating Four Marks Tools.

I have acquired a wealth of knowledge, met some amazing people, have come across a range of rare and exciting collectables and tools along on the way (please have a look at my Instagram page). However, I now take time to carefully select and refurbish old tools to bring them back to their former glory so that they can be re-loved and enjoyed by collectors and tradesmen all over the world.