Danny I spent many years not willing to drop the coin for a Nicholson rasp. I tried a number of cheap rasps, all of which worked OK but not great. When I finally did procure a Nicholson 49 (on sale for $35) I realized that these tools allow you to do work better, faster and with less effort. So I'm more willing to try new products now. The Ultimate Bowyers Rasp (UBR) is better than a Nicholson in my opinion. Its teeth are sharper, deeper and still smaller so it cuts fast and still leaves a pretty smooth surface. The dual handle is also a big enhancement, you can put more pressure on it this way. The rasp has a coarse and a fine side, the coarse really moves wood and the fine cuts quickly and very smoothly. The teeth are hand-raised, very narrow and they don't seem to clog as much as the Nicholson. Mine has seen action for several months now and seems as sharp as when I bought it. Sharpness is measured more in years than months though.
The one thing I wish the UBR had was a half-round side, I tend to use the rounded sidee of the Nicholson a lot. Although, I think some of that preference comes from having your pressure on fewer teeth, and you don't need that with the UBR.
In conclusion, I'm happy with the UBR. Is it worth $60+? Depends on whether its your last $60. I'm happy with mine.
Another Torges offering I'd recommend, is the small rattail file for nocks. A definite improvement over a chainsaw file.
And of course theres the Bowyers Edge. I have a love/hate relationship with mine. Its handy but I have gravitated away from it, preferring a simple cabinet scraper.
