ESSENTIAL TOOLS

Having access to or possessing certain items is essential. Having a loom, a desk or a work table is certainly essential. However, even more essential are those minor tools that can be easily transported and used. The fabled Mästermyr tool chest is an example of a traveling artisan who certainly had to borrow—or construct—a place where these tools can be used.

The following are essential, to be certain and should work for most basic activities, but they are just a start! All these tools were chosen because they were so often seen that they were ubiquitous and small enough to be easily held and transported.

Agriculture

Axe
Hoe
Mallet/Mall
Rake
Shovel
Sickle/Scythe

For a more complete list of what tools might be owned, consult the list in “The Discriminating Reeve” to choose what might be of use.

Cooking

Knife (Large)
Pot (metal or Stone; a tripod or trivet is also recommended, though a temporary surface of some sort can be made with stones)
Spoon (Large)

Leatherworking

Awl
Cutting tool (Sharp Knife or Shears)
Needle

Metalworking Tools

Hammer
Tongs

Textiles

Needle
Pins
Shears, Scissors or Snips
Spindle Whorl and Stick

Weapons

Spear

Woodworking Tools

Axe
Hammer (a Mall type, not a specialist hammer)
Tongs (also known as Pliers)
Wedge (metal or wood)

I have recounted above the basic tools needed for those activities with which I am accustomed. If there is an activity with which you are familiar that is not mentioned here (or a tool for one of these activities you find essential but mentioned here), please let me know!