Round Knife, Head Knife...what's The Difference?

[tboyce58]

I thought the terms were interchangeable but Osborne Leather Tools sells both a round knife AND a head knife. What would be the appropriate application for each?

[bruce johnson]

This is one of those things that has a few variations in definitions. The most accepted is that a "round knife" will make a near half circle on the same radius from a focal point. A head knife is more elliptical and a shorter radius forward that gets longer as it reaches the points from a focal point. A round knife will have more blade in the leather and tend to stay on a straighter line. A head knife has more pointed tips, less blade in the leather and easier to do a tighter inside curve.

[tboyce58]

Thanks for the feedback, Bruce. Just a question. If you were purchasing your first, which would you choose?

[bruce johnson]

Ideally I'd have both within reach. One only and it depends on what you're making. Mostly cutting straight lines and I'd pick a round knife. Lots of tight patterning and I'd get a head knife.