All a square really has to do is be square. The problem is with some traditional English squares is that over time they might fall out of square. These lovely squares are all adjustable. If the square isn’t on the money, all you do is loosen two screws that are concealed in the base of the handle (where it won’t get in the way of regular use) and slacken one and tighten the other to move the blade to where it should be. The blades on all the squares are satin-finished, hardened brass. Brass is a bearing metal and the layout tools will just glide smoothly when running against them. With a traditional awl, there is no danger of cutting into the brass, and with a regular layout knife or disposable knife, the cutting edge isn’t next to the blade anyway.

Of course the thing that draws your eyes to the square and makes you want to pick it up is the wonderful wood of the handle. The tools are available in either rose she-oak or blackwood, Native Australian timbers known for their hardness, heft, and most important of all, stability. As Charlie, who works here with us, said, "They look so elegant, they force you to do better work - just to keep up." Made in Australia.