Problem With Osborne Strap End Punch

[Modad2010]

A couple of months ago I finally bought a 1 1/2" Osborne English point strap end punch for making gun belts. A couple days later I broke a finger that put leather working on hold. Recently, I finally got back to the bench and made a double thickness belt ( 2 layers 8oz.) - punch worked great. Tonight I was punching another belt and part of the right side of the punch buckled and bent. There was nothing under the leather but my cutting board that was placed on top of my granite slab. I am really disappointed about this. Has anyone else had anything similar happen? I have a 1" round strap punch and an 11/2" oblong punch - both Osbornes and have had no problems.

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

Some of my Osborne punches I've used for years with no problems, some roll right away with little use. I'd send it back where you got it and ask for another. (Do as I say, not as I do, as my ruined ones are in a box as a reminder that the new ones are mostly junk.)

[Gump]

If your punch rolled the edge, it was not properly hardened and tempered. Send it back or take it to a blacksmith and have it fixed. Personally ,I would send it directly back to Osbourne and demand a replacement and all shipping costs reimbursed, as that is a manufacturing flaw and they should stand behind their product. Gump.

[Modad2010]

I had my wife take it back to Springfield leather today because I was at work. Rusty gave me a call and said he was going to send it back to Osborne for me. He stated that they may or may not choose to replace it. I was going to have my wife pick up another Osborne edger and creaser for me, but told her to wait because I want to see what Osborne is going to do about the punch. If they stand behind their product I'll buy more from them - if not I'll buy from someone else like Barry King or will look for older Gomph or older Osborne tools. I was really disappointed because I had to wait to afford the tool and then have it fail the second time I used it. I now understand why the older tools are so prized today. They were made to be used for a lifetime and the company would stand behind their product.

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

Modad take this for what it cost ya, but I would not spend a dime on new Osborne edgers or creasers. The punches are one thing, I've gotten some bad ones, but most of them that I've gotten have been ok. Nothing to compare to the good older tools, but usable. The new Osborne edgers and creasers are another story; they are absolute pure garbage. The few I bought, I stuck in a box and took to a consignment sale. The little I got for them was well worth it to get them off my bench and out of my sight. Find a guy that deals in old tools and buy the good stuff. You won't regret it.

[bruce johnson]

So maybe Craftsman tools aren't what they used to be either, but you can hand a damaged one to anybody in the Sears hardware dept. and they'll give you a new one on the spot. They don't wait to see what happens when they send it back to the maker. I guess I'd expect any seller of a "name" tool to do the same and then they can deal with the manufacturer. You can look at a punch with a rolled end and tell if a guy tried to pry open a can of paint with it or the thing wasn't up to snuff to begin with. An old man told me once, "A cat that breaks a leg catching a mouse probably wasn't much of a cat to begin with". Seems appropriate here.

As far as creasers and edgers, no need for repetition so I'll defer to my friend in South Dakota. Let's just say Osborne must have lost the old tried and true patterns somewhere along the way.

[WinterBear]

Modad, but if Osborn won't stand behind the punches they make now, talk to Bruce Johnson, right there.

Bruce isn't one to toot his own horn, but he sells the old tools, and they'll be sharp and usable out of the box. If you look here, he has an excellent 1 1/2 " English point strap punch, #4109: http://brucejohnsonleather.com/content/index.php/leather_tools_for_sale/leather-punches-concho-slot-strap-end-and-hole-punches/

I've bought a couple of punches, a round knife, a strap cutter, and various other odds and ends from Bruce, and have not once regretted it.

[club49]

I just had the same thing happen to me, only it wasn't an Osborn, it was a no name e-bay punch. I wish I had read this post a few weeks ago. After my punch bent, I purchased an Osborn ,English point. I haven't received it yet, I hope my luck is better then yours. I thought Osborn stood behind their name? I would give them a call.

[club49]

I just received the Oosborn strap cutter, English tip. I am very happy with it.It is as sharp as a good knife.I JUST have to let my 6lb maul fall on it. I don't foresee any problems with it. Being this is an old post, maybe they got the message.

Jim