They are......I play with Douglas' tools at his table every year! And, maybe the term 'middle of road' was probably not a good choice on my part. I own the whole set of BK edgers and I agree with you that they are good and have worked well for me. Plus, they are affordable even for the hobbyist. I certainly cannot justify the expense for Douglas tools. People that make money off their leather works may be able to pull it off, but that is not me.