History of the company

In 1981, Hans Karlsson started the company H Karlsson Klensmide in Varv outside Motala.

From the start, production was craft-based and focused on tools for woodcarving. It was traditional forging with a focus on function and quality. Over the years, collaboration with customers has helped us to design the tools so that they are durable and work in the best possible way.

In 1983 we developed our own range of gouges for violin making.

Later we also made a series of carving tools in our own design. These tools have formed the basis of our production ever since. They have been constantly developed and refined.

In 1987, his brother Mats joined the company.

At the same time, we started manufacturing punching and perforating knives for the printing and packaging industry. In 1990, the company was converted into a limited company.

His wife Carina joined the company to take care of grinding, sharpening and paperwork.

In 1994, the range was expanded.

This was due to the fact that we agreed to take over the production of carvingtools from Bröderna Svensson in Vaggeryd. Gustav and Ivar Svensson started the production in the early 1930s and Gustav now, 84 years old, wanted to hand over to us. These are tools with a very good quality reputation. Production is carried out using the same methods as in the 1930s. The oldest machine from around 1914 is still in use!

In 1997, the business was moved from the old forge in Varv to the historic Motala Verkstad district in Motala near the Göta Canal.

In the building, which was previously a charcuterie factory, there is now the forge with two hearths, carpentry for the making of handles, a small shop where many of our about 800 tools can be seen and tried.

In 2019, the business was taken over by Hans and Carina's sons Johan and Andreas

The business is run in the same spirit as before. We are now 4 people who work full time with the manufacture of tools.