With exposed brick and soft classical music in the background, the downtown outlet of this family-owned chain offers hardware shoppers something of a boutique feel. But the guys stalking the aisles in dusty overalls and steel-toed boots know this is a serious destination for home improvement tools, supplies and accoutrements. Most of the items on the showroom floor serve as models; the protocol involves documenting your selections on the provided miniature clipboard or on a store computer, and then placing your order—which is filled immediately—at the enormous customer service counter. Lee Valley offers woodworking items, such as axe heads, hammers and store-brand Veritas workbenches, as well as an impressive selection of saws, from the exotic (Japa­nese rip-tooth Dozuki, $89) to the classic (21-and-a-half-inch hand saw, $27). Gardening supplies are another focus, and chances are that you’ll find what you need, whether it be an English rabbiting spade ($59), a long-handled shovel ($19.50) for planting flowers or a “scare owl” with a moving head ($29.50). For those new to the DIY game or looking to upgrade their skills, the store offers a very popular series of seminars (classes include Power Tools for Women and Spring Gardening: Start Your Own Seeds Indoors).