Makers of Sailmakers Palm

[FrayedKnotArts]

1. The advice is to get "best" quality from Wm. Smith, but the internet info is a real mix.
Prices vary and in New York City there seem to be no sources. Any ideas for a local source?


I've managed to get three nice Smiths from Ebay... but I had to go thru about eight purchases to do so. Even so, the end cost about evened out with buying new and the ones I have were "pre-broke-in", as it were. Check (esp. in NY) maritime antique stores as well as dockside shops, ask gnarly ol' seamen, etc. Smith is definitely the way to go unless you can find an old Pembroke. (Chances are very small on that!)

2. Should I start with a roping or sailmaker's model. I am a novice, want to handsew some projects, and presently use a junker West Marine palm to make whippings, for miscellaneous ropework and for minor sail repairs. The roping one seems like it might be more useful for general use....or is that the wrong way to go?
[b]
The roping palm has a high collar around the thumb (thumbstall) which you use when you want to REALLY tighten up the stitch (sewing a footrope and the like, hence 'roping' palm) which will get in the way of some people's seaming, or ordinary sewing. If you don;t anticipate doing any heavy-duty sailmaking, the seaming palm is a better choice for flexibility, as well as being far the more available of the two.

3. Are there sizes? Or do you simply adjust the securing loop on the back of it?

To the best of my knowledge (small and puny) the palms were mad in two sizes... one for the smaller hand and the standard palm size... all adjustments shuld be done by adjusting the sailtwine loop at the back of the hand. If possible, avoid palms with a buckle and tongue setup as they fail at the damndest times.

4. Are the best ones with black/blackened leather (as above in this thread)?

Black, tan, whatever.... if it's new, it's only a decorative feature. Blackened OLD leather indicates age and use... not necessarily either quality or reliability, mind you, but only that it has been sweat into, oiled and has oxidized over time from salts. A darkened leather palm which is soft and supple IS a good indication of a quality palm as it shows it's been used a lot... but the real test is how it feels on your hand. I've been most fortunate that I was given my first and the others I have now all just sort of melted into my grip.... like they'd been there for several years. The rest of them get re-sold or donated. They're like puppies.... those that come right up and say hello are keepers... the ones who cower back by their mother or in a corner turn into someone else's problem.