Gerstner International GI-515 Oak and Veneer Tote Chest

Years ago I inherited a cherry Gerstner 530 and have bemoaned the dearth of anything comparable. But I was looking for a smaller chest and stumbled across this beauty designed by Gerstner and contract built for them in China. Given the cost of the shipping (not an amazon.com product) it took me a week to muster the courage to order one. I was concerned because shipping both ways was about 1/2 the cost of the item.Have no fear, this small chest is comparable to the original oak Gerstner line in just about every detail. Now, truth be told it's not exactly the same. The hardware appears to be chrome steel rather than brass and the finish is most probably polyurethane rather than hand rubbed lacquer, but the joinery is precise and the quality of the wood appears consistent with the Gerstner oak line of the past. I just wish they made it in cherry and amazon carried them as their own item rather than marketplace!

I bought this toolbox. Although I like the form, size and design of the box, it falls short of the Gerstner reputation for quality.The fittings are just plated, not stainless steel and in general are just low quality imitations of real quality fittings.Also, critically, the retaining bushing on one of the spring loaded pins that locks the lower drawer came out which renders the box unusable. I had to spend almost 45 minutes glueing and fixturing the pin to set it back into place, then had to put th box aside for 2 weeks to make sure the glue was absolutely cured solid because the pin spring is quite strong. The average homeowner might have difficulty even making this repair.The fact that I had to repair a brand new box illustrates the quality issues this tool chest has. I think Gerstner no longer makes high quality tool boxes. They are just cashing in on their reputation. End of the line for what was once a great company.I will not be buying again.

However I've yet to figure out how in he world this beautiful box locks which is very frustrating ...... I use it for my gun cleaning supplies which adds a nice look :)

I received my oak box to day, I was impressed. I like the oak finish. I know its not great craftsmanship but at this price it is as good as you could get, I am sure the Amish would charge quit a pit more for the same box:) I purchased this box because I like working on my guns in the living room and this box matches my furniture. So I can leave my tools beside my chair

Well made and versatile, I wanted a tool box that would look good on a shelf as well as being functional. The case is absolutely beautiful tolook at, the interior is felt lined as to not mar the case and whatever you decide to put in it. I use it to store my crystal radio parts and accessories and it looks right at home sitting next to the radio. The chrome accents are a nice touch as well. When the top of the chest is closed it pushes down two rods or dowels which in turn lock down the sliding drawer in the bottom. One class act, I intend on buying another smaller one to hold my turntable calibration tools and accessories, this carrying case is one class act.

This cabinet ain't cheap. Figured for this kind of cash I'd be getting the highest quality - which is what I wanted. So what did I get?Out of the box, it looked real good. Decent wood, hefty, no major visible flaws. This is sized perfect for my purpose, and the interior dimensions were spot-on. Carry handle was a nice plus, as I had planned to tote this little box around quite a bit - from the bench to outside locations. Really has a high-end look to it - until I started looking closer.Cheap chrome-plated steel hardware throughout. In the real world, it won't take long to scuff, flake, and oxidize. For this price, I would have expected brass or stainless fittings. The drawer slides OK for having no tracks, but it doesn't have a drawer stop. First time I pulled it out, it dropped on the floor. Have to fabricate a stop. The "Hand Rubbed Stain" finish is a factory minwax quickie. Not as durable, and once chipped, you'll be looking at white wood. Any kind of serious use, and you'll be refinishing the wood before long.Disappointing to find that the carry handle was fake leather, with no stiffener. That's not going to last long with regular transporting. The hasp lock is very flimsy, but it might keep small kids from getting in (unless they can use a screwdriver). Otherwise, you'll have to add your own lock - which won't do much for the cabinet's appearance.Each of these shortcomings can be corrected, but that will take time and money. So, what did I get for my 142 bucks? Not the high-quality item I had hoped for.It's a nice piece of furniture, but certainly not "old world craftsmanship". This is a mass-produced consumer item, spit out by a Chinese factory. The fit is OK for an assembly-line piece, but close inspection indicates that no hands touched it after it came off the line. That's one of the details that seperates the mediocre from the best - skilled craftsmen inspecting the product. Something Gerstner used to be famous for.If this sold for 50 bucks, I wouldn't be complaining at all. It really does look nice. But at this price, an offshore knockoff is not acceptable. I plan to keep the box, but it will stay on my bench instead of going to jobsites. For lightweight storage and occasional use, it will work just fine. Anything else, you'd be better off paying for an American-made product. There's still a few left.

I bought two of these for sewing chests for my married sons who are always borrowing needles, thread, and buttons. These are the perfect size and easily hold (baby food) jars of buttons, containers of pins, cards of needles, scissors, tape measure, and a host of other sewing supplies. These will be a great looking addition to their homes and will last for passing down to their children. Having bought my oldest son a US Gerstner chest, I didn't expect that these would be the same quality. However, they are still a great, well-made product for the price.

The quality and craftsmanship of this unit are just as advertised. The quality is obvious as you use this chest, a great box to store things you value.The unit has a unique locking mechanism, it is all wood construction, and is well assembled.I will definitely buy one of the larger chests.