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The Anarchist's Tool Chest
By Christopher Schwarz
When I am too exhausted, ill or busy to work in my shop, I will shuffle down the stairs to my 15' x 25' workshop and simply stand there for a few minutes with my hands on my tools.
To be sure, I thought I was a touch nuts because of this personality quirk. But after reading the oral histories and diaries of craftsmen from the last 300 years, I found it's actually a common trait among artisans. I am drawn, married or perhaps addicted to the things that allow me to coax wood into new shapes. At the same time, my relationship with my tools is like a tumultuous combination of an Italian family drama, a bigamist's decision about who to sleep with and a careful gardener.
This book, “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest,” paints a world where woodworking tools are at the center of an ethical life filled with creating furniture that will last for generations. It makes the case that you can build almost anything with a kit of less than 50 high-quality tools, and it shows you how to select real working tools, regardless of their vintage or brand name.
“The Anarchist’s Tool Chest” will guide you in building a proper chest for your toolkit that follows the ancient rules that have been forgotten or ignored.
And it will make the argument that building a chest and filling it with the right tools just might be the best thing you can do to save our craft.
Like all books from Lost Art Press, “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest,” is printed and bound in the United States on acid-free 60# paper. The 6” x 9” hardcover is Smythe sewn and covered in linen. This book is 480 pages. All copies sold by Lost Art Press are signed by the author.
When I am too exhausted, ill or busy to work in my shop, I will shuffle down the stairs to my 15' x 25' workshop and simply stand there for a few minutes with my hands on my tools.
To be sure, I thought I was a touch nuts because of this personality quirk. But after reading the oral histories and diaries of craftsmen from the last 300 years, I found it's actually a common trait among artisans. I am drawn, married or perhaps addicted to the things that allow me to coax wood into new shapes. At the same time, my relationship with my tools is like a tumultuous combination of an Italian family drama, a bigamist's decision about who to sleep with and a careful gardener.
This book, “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest,” paints a world where woodworking tools are at the center of an ethical life filled with creating furniture that will last for generations. It makes the case that you can build almost anything with a kit of less than 50 high-quality tools, and it shows you how to select real working tools, regardless of their vintage or brand name.
“The Anarchist’s Tool Chest” will guide you in building a proper chest for your toolkit that follows the ancient rules that have been forgotten or ignored.
And it will make the argument that building a chest and filling it with the right tools just might be the best thing you can do to save our craft.
Like all books from Lost Art Press, “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest,” is printed and bound in the United States on acid-free 60# paper. The 6” x 9” hardcover is Smythe sewn and covered in linen. This book is 480 pages. All copies sold by Lost Art Press are signed by the author.
475 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2011
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1184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 26, 2015
Read this book before you start woodworking. The Woodworking Fairy should deposit this book beneath the pillows of all who dream of woodworking.
This is an excellent read, and one that would have saved me a lot of legwork and money back in 2001 when I was confined to working exclusively with hand tools. The interior of a small coat closet in my one-room studio apartment, with a fold-up bench bolted to the inside of the door (per the illustration in the Appendix section of Hand Tools: Their Ways and Working by Aldren S. Watson), the only place I had to work. My next door, pianist neighbor didn't need the noise of power tools, my lungs didn't need the dust they produce, my brain didn't want the noise they make, and my budget didn't want to shop for them. But I digress.
It was very difficult for a beginning, hand tool restricted wood worker (especially in the 2001 era Internet) to figure out which hand tools I should buy, in what order and for what reason. What hand tools did I really need in order to make, say, a dovetailed box? How about an end table? I also could not find good, concise, substantiated guidelines for evaluating and buying used tools, and had no idea -- when I wandered into one of suburban Chicago's specialty woodworking shops -- if a wood soled or metal soled plane was better, or why. How I wish I'd had this book then. It would have solved all of my beginner woodworker problems. And, even though the Internet has a lot more on it now than it did 14 years ago, concise, collected, well written and packaged information is still difficult to come by -- hence, this book.
Now, 14 years on with several hand tool projects and too many incorrect purchases under my belt, I can say that Schwarz is right. This book does a terrific job of helping to prioritize purchases: it says what a particular tool is for, which means beginners probably only need a small selection of the total 40+ tools Schwarz lists. Some tools, for example, are for larger pieces or very specific maneuvers. Schwarz also always says why he's making the recommendation he is, telling stories from personal experience. It also made me feel less crazy for some of my past mistakes: at one point, for example, Schwarz describes how he can't get a certain type of plane to work without shimmying it with a piece of cardboard, something that never would have occurred to me as a beginner (or perhaps even now). Well, that certainly explains the days and days of suffering along with this particular style of plane that even an expert, master woodworking instructor couldn't help me get right!
Finally, this is just an enjoyable read. A few others have mentioned Schwarz's "strong voice" but, frankly, in this era of correctness and homogeneity, I found it to be just a "voice," which is perhaps only "strong" by comparison to more bland writing. I like how personable, clear, funny and wry Schwarz's writing style is.
This is an excellent read, and one that would have saved me a lot of legwork and money back in 2001 when I was confined to working exclusively with hand tools. The interior of a small coat closet in my one-room studio apartment, with a fold-up bench bolted to the inside of the door (per the illustration in the Appendix section of Hand Tools: Their Ways and Working by Aldren S. Watson), the only place I had to work. My next door, pianist neighbor didn't need the noise of power tools, my lungs didn't need the dust they produce, my brain didn't want the noise they make, and my budget didn't want to shop for them. But I digress.
It was very difficult for a beginning, hand tool restricted wood worker (especially in the 2001 era Internet) to figure out which hand tools I should buy, in what order and for what reason. What hand tools did I really need in order to make, say, a dovetailed box? How about an end table? I also could not find good, concise, substantiated guidelines for evaluating and buying used tools, and had no idea -- when I wandered into one of suburban Chicago's specialty woodworking shops -- if a wood soled or metal soled plane was better, or why. How I wish I'd had this book then. It would have solved all of my beginner woodworker problems. And, even though the Internet has a lot more on it now than it did 14 years ago, concise, collected, well written and packaged information is still difficult to come by -- hence, this book.
Now, 14 years on with several hand tool projects and too many incorrect purchases under my belt, I can say that Schwarz is right. This book does a terrific job of helping to prioritize purchases: it says what a particular tool is for, which means beginners probably only need a small selection of the total 40+ tools Schwarz lists. Some tools, for example, are for larger pieces or very specific maneuvers. Schwarz also always says why he's making the recommendation he is, telling stories from personal experience. It also made me feel less crazy for some of my past mistakes: at one point, for example, Schwarz describes how he can't get a certain type of plane to work without shimmying it with a piece of cardboard, something that never would have occurred to me as a beginner (or perhaps even now). Well, that certainly explains the days and days of suffering along with this particular style of plane that even an expert, master woodworking instructor couldn't help me get right!
Finally, this is just an enjoyable read. A few others have mentioned Schwarz's "strong voice" but, frankly, in this era of correctness and homogeneity, I found it to be just a "voice," which is perhaps only "strong" by comparison to more bland writing. I like how personable, clear, funny and wry Schwarz's writing style is.
April 8, 2013
Those familiar with Schwarz's many books, articles and DVDs will know all-too-well that he is cantankerous, opinionated and deeply idiosyncratic. However, he is also erudite, practical and discerning. This is probably why, over the past decade or so, he has become the great apologist for the merits of hand tool woodworking in the 21st century. Because of this great service to the craft, we can forgive him of all his quirks.
After all, the sheer amount of unfettered passion he has for woodworking reveals itself again and again in the pages of this book. Schwarz's introductory chapter reads like a manifesto--he aligns himself politically with the early American anarchists' movement--but as you read on, it becomes clear that the book is actually a love story. It's not a love story about his love of woodworking, but rather his love of the people who do it. In fact, Schwarz's promotion of hand tool work is really his way of putting "people" back at the forefront of woodworking, whether as a "craft/trade" or as a "hobby". Indeed, he hardly makes any distinction between these categories. He respects it all and wishes to see it all flourish.
Even if you're not interested in Schwarz's social views, the book still has a great deal to offer. It's main section is an encyclopedic examination of pretty much everything you've ever wanted to know about Western woodworking hand tools. With this book, Schwarz cuts through the detritus and gives solid advice about what woodworkers should spend their money on and which tools are a waste of time and cash. I'm sure The Anarchist's Tool Chest will become a favourite among woodworkers, much like the books of James Krenov, Tage Frid and that ilk were for previous generations.
After all, the sheer amount of unfettered passion he has for woodworking reveals itself again and again in the pages of this book. Schwarz's introductory chapter reads like a manifesto--he aligns himself politically with the early American anarchists' movement--but as you read on, it becomes clear that the book is actually a love story. It's not a love story about his love of woodworking, but rather his love of the people who do it. In fact, Schwarz's promotion of hand tool work is really his way of putting "people" back at the forefront of woodworking, whether as a "craft/trade" or as a "hobby". Indeed, he hardly makes any distinction between these categories. He respects it all and wishes to see it all flourish.
Even if you're not interested in Schwarz's social views, the book still has a great deal to offer. It's main section is an encyclopedic examination of pretty much everything you've ever wanted to know about Western woodworking hand tools. With this book, Schwarz cuts through the detritus and gives solid advice about what woodworkers should spend their money on and which tools are a waste of time and cash. I'm sure The Anarchist's Tool Chest will become a favourite among woodworkers, much like the books of James Krenov, Tage Frid and that ilk were for previous generations.
January 2, 2018
Best discussion I've read on why making things matters (though granted, it won't appeal to everyone). Plus, you learn how to build an excellent tool chest, and what tools to put in it.
October 20, 2021
Fantastic... now I gotta quit my job.
June 15, 2023
Very very useful for novice hand tool enthusiast such as myself. I will return to this. More of a manual than a "read cover to cover" book. I did read it in its entirety but I skimmed the bits about tools I don't care about as well as the chest project plans.
I generally align with Schwarz's whole deal but found his tone a little too "I'm a goofy and salt of the earth guy guy" -- e.g. "Many woodworkers get by without [a spokeshave] their entire lives because their work doesn't require it. They build boxy stuff in the Shaker, Arts & Crafts, or Midcentury styles and wouldn't know a fair curve if it wrapped around their necks and strangled them. A sharp spokeshave in your tool chest can change the way you look at, design, and execute furniture. Curves are easy work for the tool, and the shave itself is simple to sharpen, set and master. Curves are visually exciting (why do you think they invented cheerleaders) and spokeshaves are the gateway drug that will steer you away from building in the styles of Early- Mid- and Late-crate." 🙄
Also, I was distracted by how wrong the word "anarchy" felt for his commitments but eventually just stopped caring and focused on the specifics e.g. "By owning your own tools, you are thumbing your nose at the dehumanizing concept of labor specialization. By rejecting the mass-manufactured-style-of-the-moment dining tables, you are questioning the dominant institutions that produce them. By filling your home with furniture that will last for generations, you are knee-capping the system that requires constant consumption." IDK perhaps a bit grandiose for a little woodworking hobby but on some core level I'm like...hell yeah....
I generally align with Schwarz's whole deal but found his tone a little too "I'm a goofy and salt of the earth guy guy" -- e.g. "Many woodworkers get by without [a spokeshave] their entire lives because their work doesn't require it. They build boxy stuff in the Shaker, Arts & Crafts, or Midcentury styles and wouldn't know a fair curve if it wrapped around their necks and strangled them. A sharp spokeshave in your tool chest can change the way you look at, design, and execute furniture. Curves are easy work for the tool, and the shave itself is simple to sharpen, set and master. Curves are visually exciting (why do you think they invented cheerleaders) and spokeshaves are the gateway drug that will steer you away from building in the styles of Early- Mid- and Late-crate." 🙄
Also, I was distracted by how wrong the word "anarchy" felt for his commitments but eventually just stopped caring and focused on the specifics e.g. "By owning your own tools, you are thumbing your nose at the dehumanizing concept of labor specialization. By rejecting the mass-manufactured-style-of-the-moment dining tables, you are questioning the dominant institutions that produce them. By filling your home with furniture that will last for generations, you are knee-capping the system that requires constant consumption." IDK perhaps a bit grandiose for a little woodworking hobby but on some core level I'm like...hell yeah....
May 22, 2025
For a non-english speaking non-woodworker, this book is still a must read !
The general parts that are not woodworking technics are extremely inspiring !
The technicals parts, are, for someone like, gibberish. I bet they are extremely usefull, but are skipable. I would have love to delve more into the anarchist artisans part, which are extremely relevant.
4/5 : will absolutly recommend reading but is not for everyone
The general parts that are not woodworking technics are extremely inspiring !
The technicals parts, are, for someone like, gibberish. I bet they are extremely usefull, but are skipable. I would have love to delve more into the anarchist artisans part, which are extremely relevant.
4/5 : will absolutly recommend reading but is not for everyone
August 8, 2021
This is a great read, whether woodworking interests you, or you have the passion of the crafts person. I did skim the fine details on antique tools I do not possess. And adored everything he wrote that motivates us to work with our hands, hearts, minds.
January 11, 2024
Dense information lightly given.
Only a 4, not 5, because I could not in good conscience recommend it to someone who is not already interested in woodworking.
Only a 4, not 5, because I could not in good conscience recommend it to someone who is not already interested in woodworking.
December 27, 2021
I made myself finish the book I was reading before this because I didn't want to split my attention between them. That was a wise choice. I powered through all 475 pages in just 7 days. (Huzzah for my year-end vacation that made it possible.) For someone interested in woodworking using hand tools, this is indispensable content. But it is also incredibly well written, with sparkling humor distributed throughout. Strongly recommended.
June 8, 2017
Good and detailed overview of one man's hard-won opinions on what hand tools are essential for those getting into the world of hand woodworking, which makes it a good place to start for newbies like me. It is a bit dry in places, as you might expect of a book that's describing different sizes and specific uses of tools, but given that that's precisely the purpose of the book, that's not really much of a criticism. Those dry spots are also saved by the fact that Schwarz is an excellent writer and is thoughtful about both his craft and the place of his craft in an increasingly IKEA-fied society.
November 22, 2019
Great book for beginners and advanced users to hand tool working. Covers all the various basic tools (planes, chisels, saws) as well some unique and specialized ones. Without giving any specific recommendations, Christopher provides excellent guidance as to the attributes of each tool and what to look for when purchasing.
Interestingly, also suggests searching for pre-WWII manufactured tools as an excellent alternative to purchasing lesser quality newly manufactured ones. However he does stress one should always put hands on before purchasing whenever possible.
Interestingly, also suggests searching for pre-WWII manufactured tools as an excellent alternative to purchasing lesser quality newly manufactured ones. However he does stress one should always put hands on before purchasing whenever possible.
April 17, 2019
This book connected a lot of dots for me about woodworking and why I wanted to do it. I knew there was some stuff kicking around but this layed the path from one dot to another. It's a proposal to woodworking the hand tool way. There are caveats (he still suggests a plane, bandsaw, and bench grinder) but the tools listed are also sufficient to do everything by hand. It's an impressive and thorough book
September 20, 2020
The most inspiring and informative book I have read since Craig Gay's "Modern Technology and the Human Future."
This book covers an ethos and philosophy of both life and work, and blends it with what basic tools you need and how to build a toolchest for those tools.
If you dislike the impersonal or perfect crap that is mass manufactured today, or simply want something more from your dabbling or hobbies--something that will add to your life, read this book.
This book covers an ethos and philosophy of both life and work, and blends it with what basic tools you need and how to build a toolchest for those tools.
If you dislike the impersonal or perfect crap that is mass manufactured today, or simply want something more from your dabbling or hobbies--something that will add to your life, read this book.
March 30, 2012
An excellent intro to the why of hand tool craft and expression rejecting the pointless materialism found in modern furniture. Chris Schwarz is funny and yet conveys a serious message wrapped up in the guise of a book about building a tool chest. Among my favorite books on the subject, and certainly a great read.
May 22, 2020
It’s a good read. I like the personal story parts the most, to be honest. Some detailed sections about a specific tool become long reads. It probably depends where you are standing as an amateur wood worker when you start reading this book.
I like the overall idea and once you’ve read the whole book you’re sold on it.
Not to forget, the author is really cynical, but in a funny way.
I like the overall idea and once you’ve read the whole book you’re sold on it.
Not to forget, the author is really cynical, but in a funny way.
July 7, 2011
This book couldn't be more in tune with where I am as I think about the craft. Read it in two evenings.
August 24, 2011
I truly enjoyed this book. It's written in a tone that I fully understand.
March 26, 2019
I want to argue there is a glaring omission in the premise of his book - he doesn't talk about buying furniture from other artisans. Many may consider that absurd, as this is a book for the woodworker; however, as he describes themes of consumerism, patronage, and quality he speaks in terms of supporting other artisans. The truth is, quality woodwork isn't entirely dying - there are many talented woodworkers in the US, struggling to get by. We can't all expect the have the time to explore various furniture styles - most of us will probably finish fewer projects than we dream of. Many things will be our first attempts - he points to the economics of buying mass-market junk vs making something for yourself but I'd argue patronage of a peer is a 'middle way,' especially since many times hobbyists make something for themselves, they're making it for the first and only time. Perhaps I'm channeling Enzo Mari here, a designer and author I read on CS's recommendation. While I think EM's claim that American DIY is culture degrading is snobbish and wrongheaded, I do agree that there'll be something sad about a house full of 'first and only attempts.' "Exploring" furniture styles will lead to them being treated superficially and stereotypically, rather than understood in depth and iterated from. Also, rather than exploring timeless forms, few people notice trends while they're a part of it. There are piece of furniture I wish I could do again, while there are other forms I can't give the time they deserve. Before we build furniture that lasts a lifetime, I think many of us ought to understand how these forms fit in our lives. Since the author permitted himself to keep the book as long as it was, there was plenty of room for nuance on this topic.
Part of me considers my review premature, as I have only just finished the book and haven't had much time to implement much of its advice.
Since the author is also the publisher, I wish he explored more ways of presenting the information he wants to share. I think it's good he shares strong opinions. I know from other pursuits, my time as a beginner is best spent submitting to an authority, then getting out in the world and practicing. If you look for other opinions, you'll find them. If you have questions, you'll find answers - even if your questions were wrongheaded. It's too easy nowadays to become a keyboard jockey who is didactically knowledgeable but unaccomplished because people spend too much time 'researching' and not just making things.
Going back to how information is presented - while he does delineate his list of essential tools from those which he considers 'good to have' and provides an example here and there about possible substitutions (eg. purchasing a shoulder plane instead a of rabbet plane), I wish more context was provided. His perspective comes from paring back - which is not quite the same as starting from Eden. Either way, most woodworkers aren't starting from Eden either - many have made tool purchases already (right or wrong) or have inherited some tools. A narrative format can't capture all of the possible variations we as readers are coming from but some flow charts or venn diagrams could have been orders of magnitude more insightful - remember, he's the publisher and the books aren't mass-market prices.
I very much enjoy CS's cantankerous writing style; however, his background as a newspaper journalist definitely influences how this book is written in ways I disliked. It often reads as a narrative, hiding actionable information among anecdote. A lot of chapters seem to contain repeated information, reading much like an anthology - other times, the broad narrative style dominates, referring to other chapters in the book. It makes it neither a book that is quick to refer to, nor intuitively linear: I've read it once, but I found myself cursing that I didn't have index cards on hand sometimes because I could tell I'd have a hard time finding the key points I found most valuable again in the future.
Nonetheless, if someone told me they were committed to the craft but didn't have a roadmap, I'd tell them to get off the forums and read this book.
Part of me considers my review premature, as I have only just finished the book and haven't had much time to implement much of its advice.
Since the author is also the publisher, I wish he explored more ways of presenting the information he wants to share. I think it's good he shares strong opinions. I know from other pursuits, my time as a beginner is best spent submitting to an authority, then getting out in the world and practicing. If you look for other opinions, you'll find them. If you have questions, you'll find answers - even if your questions were wrongheaded. It's too easy nowadays to become a keyboard jockey who is didactically knowledgeable but unaccomplished because people spend too much time 'researching' and not just making things.
Going back to how information is presented - while he does delineate his list of essential tools from those which he considers 'good to have' and provides an example here and there about possible substitutions (eg. purchasing a shoulder plane instead a of rabbet plane), I wish more context was provided. His perspective comes from paring back - which is not quite the same as starting from Eden. Either way, most woodworkers aren't starting from Eden either - many have made tool purchases already (right or wrong) or have inherited some tools. A narrative format can't capture all of the possible variations we as readers are coming from but some flow charts or venn diagrams could have been orders of magnitude more insightful - remember, he's the publisher and the books aren't mass-market prices.
I very much enjoy CS's cantankerous writing style; however, his background as a newspaper journalist definitely influences how this book is written in ways I disliked. It often reads as a narrative, hiding actionable information among anecdote. A lot of chapters seem to contain repeated information, reading much like an anthology - other times, the broad narrative style dominates, referring to other chapters in the book. It makes it neither a book that is quick to refer to, nor intuitively linear: I've read it once, but I found myself cursing that I didn't have index cards on hand sometimes because I could tell I'd have a hard time finding the key points I found most valuable again in the future.
Nonetheless, if someone told me they were committed to the craft but didn't have a roadmap, I'd tell them to get off the forums and read this book.
July 17, 2020
This book was way more practical than I thought it would be, and I suppose that's a good thing. This is more like a little encyclopaedia of woodworking tools, and it's a handy reference to come back to if you are shopping for a tool and want to know more about it and what to be looking for. Personally, I prefer watching YouTube videos in general for learning about things, but these are short entries that allow you to skim.
What was I expecting? More history and old plates of tools, Moxon and Roubo style, I guess. When I was working on my doctorate and basically living in the 17th century and exploring woodworking, Lost Art Press put out their first book, and it was Moxon. I ordered it immediately, obviously! And that may have coloured my outlook when it comes to this publishing company, so that is on me.
There is some timeless wisdom, and my favourite part of the book was this excerpt from p. 10:
"Woodworkers generally labor alone, producing objects that are the result of just our tools, our minds and our hands. And the objects that we build are a slap in the face of the chipboard crap that is forced down our throats at every turn.
So though woodworking may seem a traditional old-time skill, it is quite radical in this consumerist age where buying stuff is good and not buying stuff is considered fringe behavior."
I think Nick Offerman put it pretty well, too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InDDx...
This book is a little quirky because it's very personal in a way. It doesn't go as far as those food blogs where you have to keep scrolling because the author is talking about being in college and the crisp air of autumn before getting to the actual recipe, but just be prepared to meander into memoir-like bits in the book.
What was I expecting? More history and old plates of tools, Moxon and Roubo style, I guess. When I was working on my doctorate and basically living in the 17th century and exploring woodworking, Lost Art Press put out their first book, and it was Moxon. I ordered it immediately, obviously! And that may have coloured my outlook when it comes to this publishing company, so that is on me.
There is some timeless wisdom, and my favourite part of the book was this excerpt from p. 10:
"Woodworkers generally labor alone, producing objects that are the result of just our tools, our minds and our hands. And the objects that we build are a slap in the face of the chipboard crap that is forced down our throats at every turn.
So though woodworking may seem a traditional old-time skill, it is quite radical in this consumerist age where buying stuff is good and not buying stuff is considered fringe behavior."
I think Nick Offerman put it pretty well, too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InDDx...
This book is a little quirky because it's very personal in a way. It doesn't go as far as those food blogs where you have to keep scrolling because the author is talking about being in college and the crisp air of autumn before getting to the actual recipe, but just be prepared to meander into memoir-like bits in the book.
January 12, 2025
Yes, this is about woodworking. No, it’s not just about woodworking.
Christopher Schwarz writes with an infectious passion that pulls you in from the very first page. His approachable and conversational style feels more like a friendly chat than a set of instructions. It’s a joy to read—engaging, thoughtful, and never heavy-handed.
The Anarchist's Toolchest is not a how-to book in the traditional sense. It’s much more than that. While Schwarz shares an abundance of knowledge and practical insights, he also leaves plenty of room for the reader to interpret, adapt, and explore his or her own approach to woodworking. This is a book that teaches you as much about philosophy and intentionality as it does about tools and techniques. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship and a gentle nudge to reflect on how and why we create with our hands.
And the cherry on top? The book concludes with a beautiful journey: building your own English tool chest. If you’ve followed through—and I have—you’ll find that the chest isn’t just a project, but a reflection of everything the book embodies: creativity, patience, and self-expression. Even after finishing the chest, you’ll return to the book time and again, finding new insights and inspiration with each read.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to connect with the art of woodworking on a deeper level—or anyone simply searching for a beautifully written exploration of craft and creativity.
Christopher Schwarz writes with an infectious passion that pulls you in from the very first page. His approachable and conversational style feels more like a friendly chat than a set of instructions. It’s a joy to read—engaging, thoughtful, and never heavy-handed.
The Anarchist's Toolchest is not a how-to book in the traditional sense. It’s much more than that. While Schwarz shares an abundance of knowledge and practical insights, he also leaves plenty of room for the reader to interpret, adapt, and explore his or her own approach to woodworking. This is a book that teaches you as much about philosophy and intentionality as it does about tools and techniques. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship and a gentle nudge to reflect on how and why we create with our hands.
And the cherry on top? The book concludes with a beautiful journey: building your own English tool chest. If you’ve followed through—and I have—you’ll find that the chest isn’t just a project, but a reflection of everything the book embodies: creativity, patience, and self-expression. Even after finishing the chest, you’ll return to the book time and again, finding new insights and inspiration with each read.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to connect with the art of woodworking on a deeper level—or anyone simply searching for a beautifully written exploration of craft and creativity.
October 31, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed The Anarchist’s Tool Chest and found particular value in it’s tool list, including the depth in describing which tools are essential, why they’re essential, and what to look for when finding and purchasing tools.
The later section, which describes how to build the tool chest itself, is full of helpful details and advice for each stage of constructing the chest. While I haven’t built the chest yet, I definitely plan to in the near future.
The book is filled with tangential philosophy on hand tool woodworking, with random bits of dry humour that catch you off guard and make it a very fun read.
The only thing I find difficult to reconcile is the ‘beginner-friendly’ nature of the tool list when juxtaposed with the later section, where plans and instructions are provided for building the chest, which is what I’d consider an advanced woodworking project, with intricate details and difficult joinery. The book feels like it’s almost missing a middle section which would detail techniques for the joinery itself, and while I appreciate this likely falls outside the scope of the book, it makes it difficult to identify who the book is aimed towards, and what woodworking experience the reader would ideally have.
The later section, which describes how to build the tool chest itself, is full of helpful details and advice for each stage of constructing the chest. While I haven’t built the chest yet, I definitely plan to in the near future.
The book is filled with tangential philosophy on hand tool woodworking, with random bits of dry humour that catch you off guard and make it a very fun read.
The only thing I find difficult to reconcile is the ‘beginner-friendly’ nature of the tool list when juxtaposed with the later section, where plans and instructions are provided for building the chest, which is what I’d consider an advanced woodworking project, with intricate details and difficult joinery. The book feels like it’s almost missing a middle section which would detail techniques for the joinery itself, and while I appreciate this likely falls outside the scope of the book, it makes it difficult to identify who the book is aimed towards, and what woodworking experience the reader would ideally have.
December 16, 2019
This book fundamentally changed (formed) my relationship with woodworking. More than a technical book about craft (though there is a popular project in there), it is a study on minimalism (or what Schwarz calls aesthetic anarchism) applied to handtool-centric woodwork. I grant this book may not resonate with all the way it resonated with me. It starts with the author recounting his emotional relationship to his tools. How on a day when he was unable to work in the shop, he still found great comfort going to the shop and putting his hands on his tools.
In the modern technologically-enabled lonely world we live in, contact with real things and real people is increasingly rare and valuable. This book, simply put, is an ode to the value of connecting with tools, the things they make, and the people for whom you make them.
Schwarz' tone is frank, personal, and occasionally crass. As much as a woodworking book can be, this is a page-turner that leaves you wanting more.
In the modern technologically-enabled lonely world we live in, contact with real things and real people is increasingly rare and valuable. This book, simply put, is an ode to the value of connecting with tools, the things they make, and the people for whom you make them.
Schwarz' tone is frank, personal, and occasionally crass. As much as a woodworking book can be, this is a page-turner that leaves you wanting more.
January 11, 2018
This is a must read book for anyone who is at all interested in woodworking. Not because it describes how to build anything particularly exciting (except for a hand built wooden tool chest that I suspect few with bother with). But rather because Mr Schwarz has a mission: to evangelize hand wood working, to assure a vibrant community of folks who know how to build furniture really well. And, I suppose he'd say, to combat the mentality that poorly built furniture which won't last very long is a pox on society: it is a reflection of a disposable age which gets further and further from the grounding of well built, craftsman -like goods.
It is well written, amusing, and informative. Even if you don't plan to hand plane a rough board into flatness -- or even if you don't plan to even ever pick up a piece of wood -- this is a worthwhile read.
It is well written, amusing, and informative. Even if you don't plan to hand plane a rough board into flatness -- or even if you don't plan to even ever pick up a piece of wood -- this is a worthwhile read.
January 27, 2020
Really an excellent book overall. It’s a mixture of practical advice regarding tools and their use and maintenance, an overview of how to build a tool chest, and a philosophy toward craftsmanship and life. Unfortunately, it also contains a sliver of vague and conflated economic theory (in essence, an espousal of the labor theory of value, for those wondering) and this is the only downside. Did I enjoy this book? Most certainly. How much? I’ve already ordered another book by the author.
January 5, 2023
I was going to say that maybe this book should've focused more on using some power tools, but Chris himself says that the publisher (or editor?) wanted this at the end. Hilarious. Pretty sure even the Tool Chest itself requires a table saw and/or planer to build. Why keep like 20 different specialized planes when one plunge router would do? Odd. I do love the narrative style woodworking book writing though.
February 26, 2018
Did what it set out to do: motivate and inspire me to live an 'anarchist' life. That is, eschew the corporate and disposable, and learn to build my own furniture. I imagine I was already leaning that way, and Christopher just gave me a push, but none-the-less...
April 20, 2018
An amazing book that every woodworker should read, regardless if you work with power tools or only with hand tools. I love the fact that the author writes with a witty and relaxed, yet sophisticated style. An enjoyable read that I just simply devoured in mere three days.
January 13, 2022
Passion for durable and well-made is informed by the history and techniques, allowing a great freedom in moving from consumer to creator. Exceptionally well-formulated to guide one in selecting tools to last a life-time--or longer, and to use them in a way that honors the creative impetus.
August 2, 2025
This was a really nice read - a subject I'm interested in, have no real expertise on, and want to explore, spoken about by a man with lots of opinions and clear passion for a dying trade. Well worth the read, and both humerous and informative throughout.
August 9, 2019
Paper - LOVE IT. Witty, brilliant, well-written. Made me fall in love with Christopher Schwarz.
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