What style brick trowel is best all-rounder

[KAMIKAZEE DIY]

Going to invest my pennies in a Marshalltown brick trowel.

I've been using cheap trowels but found a London pattern felt most comfortable to me.

I don't think a Philadelphia is for me (too big) but after looking at MT website I see London wide is an option????

I found London pattern better for compacting and smoothing haunching, might not be right but I drag back to compact and smooth. London pattern round edges worked best.

I can't justify buying more than one so want to get it right.

Any thoughts from experts?

[KAMIKAZEE DIY]

Got an OX london - 11"/280mm coming.

£23, amazon.

Good bit cheaper than MT trowels, any thoughts from the experts? It'll only get light use by me.

They're website doesnt boast blade to tang one piece construction but hey ho!! I reckon it'll be good enough for me.

[lutonlagerlout]

it will be ok for you mate
personally i have used MT tzyzak and the famous WHS (work hard and starve we called them) its not the trowel
its the person using it
and most brickies prefer a 10 inch philly trowel,big 12 inch london is a sure sign of a noddy :;):
cheers LLL

[KAMIKAZEE DIY]

Was at b&q last night (lightbulbs), anyway had a wander and had a MT 19-10 (10x5) Philadelphia in my hand, it just felt "right", 19-11 felt bit big. Had a think about it and I'm going back for it today. £42 - but it'll outlive me.

On a sidenote. Cant fully figure out MT's product code though

M1910D =

M- Marshall town
19- ?????
10- blade length
D- durasoft handle.

What does 19 refer too?

Will see how the ox feels when it arrives, might just keep it anyway.

[lutonlagerlout]

my 19-10 is down to around 19- 8 now and IMHO is the perfect size,trowels for me generally last round 10 years,they dont die they just get worn down by abrasion
think the first 2 numbers after the M just a product code
LLL
BTW MT 81 brickjointer is the best

LLL

[KAMIKAZEE DIY]

The OX is getting returned, 11x6 inches, too big for me, almost a spade.

Got OX 24 ounce brick hammer, its a beauty, feels lighter than a 20 ounce claw hammer - all about balance. Love it. What's your brick hammer?

Got the MT 81 brick jointer, I like it too.

Toys will be out tomorrow. Building a step.

Thanks for all your input.

[lutonlagerlout]

estwing brick hammer,my favourite is the 25 year old one,the newer one is too heavy
Estwing are to hammers what MT are to trowels
LLL