Makers of Sailmakers Palm

[Brion Toss]

Hi Nick,
Smith and Co. is not exactly the kind of organization that is big into ecommerce. They're a tiny, tiny shop in Redditch, and I doubt they have a computer on the premises, unless it is coal-fired, with an isinglass monitor screen. But they do make mighty fine palms. As has been noted, there is quite the range of grades, but the worst is far better than anything you'll find at West. Just get the best grade you can afford. The Wooden Boat Foundation is a good source. Or you could contact Des Pawson at Footrope Knots, and beg him to drop by Redditch to high-grade a palm for you. It'll cost more, but you'll get a good story out of it.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[NickfromWI]

Thanks guys! I will definately follow your advice and if all else fails, I'll have to pick up the bat-phone and call Mr. Pawson!

Quality is worth it. I was in the aisle at WM looking at the Palm they had and just said outloud, "blech" and I put it back.

I'll let y'all know what I end up with!

love
nick

[NickfromWI]

Where, where, where?!?!

I checked out the WBF site and found nothing about palms. I found a couple of dead link. Maybe the palms are gone now?

love
nick

[Bob Pingel]

Nick-

The palms ae still at WoodenBoat. Use this link -> http://www.woodenboat.org/store/folder.asp?f=255

Bob Pingel

[osteoderm]

From the "Overly Romantic Files"... The best way to aquire a palm is to go crew on a square-rigger for awhile, and have one passed on to you. That's how I got mine, and how other friends have gotten theirs.
Besides, what makes for better story?
"So, after walking the aisles of West Marine in dismay, I emailed a guy who knows of a company that takes a credit card..."
OR
"Hands chapped and scarred, cursing the dropped pliers (yet blessing the sturdy lanyard), I was hanging in my harness half-way down the front of the nicely-drawing fore top'sl, tending to a started seam in the second reef band. 'Yar", says the mate on the aft side of the sail, pushing the needle back towards me, "You'll be needin' a proper palm, you will... I've a spare in me ditty bag to fit yer ham-hands..."
As if you needed another reason to go volunteer of a square-rigger...

[NickfromWI]

Thanks for the link! I have no clue why I couldn't find it. I swear I looked!

Click here to see 2 Palms

Notice the one on the left, the "best" one ($90) has a sharp edge on the inside of the thumb. I see the cheaper one has a rounded edge. That rounded edge looks more comfortable to me.

What other factors should I consider? Why is 3 layers better than 2? I won't be using this thing for hours at a time.

Whattya think?

love
nick

[Bob Pingel]

Nick,

The"best" is a roping palm and the other is seaming palm -- both Smith palms. The diff is in the thickness and stiffness of the leather. Both are beefy and way nicer than the WestMarine variety.

Where do you live in WI - do you ever get down near Milwaukee? I own a Smith roping palm and I'd be glad to let you take a look at it.

Contact me off board at rmpingel@earthlink.net

Bob