What exactly does this do?

[halfbreed]

So I says to this guy (my brother inlaw) do you know anyone who does leather work as I'm thinking of giving it a try and would love to borrow some tools to try it out (I am so cheap!). He says "No, but I use to do a fair bit myself back in the day and have quite a few tools". JACKPOT!!!!!!! Well maybe not quite. Stuff is pretty rusty and rough. I was hoping more for bevlers, shaders, backgrounders and such. But beggers can not be choosers and I am appreciative.

Pretty rusty.

Started to clean them up. Not bad!

No idea what this is or does. Can someone tell me?

Most of the tools are stamped C.S. OSBORNE & COMPANY HARRISON N.J.. Any good?

Don

Edited May 27, 2008 by halfbreed

[Hidemechanic]

Pics wont open, can't see the tools. GH

[rdb]

I've never seen one of those before, but looking at the picture, it's an adjustable width french skiver. Looks like you can skive any width you want within the tools limit.

[barra]

From what I can see on the top pic you have a round knife, a couple of overstitch/stitch marker wheels. The tool whith the kinda pistol grip is a draw guage for cutting strapping out, some edge tools an awl for hand stitching. Above the draw guage you have a sail makers palm. This sits in the palm of the hand and the thumb goes thru a slot. The raw hide circle has a metal disc inside with dimples. The dimples are used to push needles thru Leather or other heavy materials. The rusty tool on the left of the bound handled awl appears to me to be either an old creaser for making a decorative edge on strap good or it is a seam turner (to my eye).

Second pic. The tool on the extreme right could be a tack.nail lifter. Again the round knife and edge tools.

No idea what the 3rd pic is.

Barra

[halfbreed]

Here's a couple other shots of the mystery tool.

[Leerwerker]

This could be one of the tools used by shoe makers to cut a slit in the side of the leather into which to bury stitching.

[bruce johnson]

The mystery tool is a CS Osborne channeler. It is designed to cut a slit to sew into, and then close it up making a "hidden stitch". The edge guide and the blade are both adjustable to set the width and depth of the cut. The one you have seems to be the most common. There is also one that cuts at an angle relative to the shaft of the tool. I have one of each, and really have to hold my mouth right to cut a decent line for a hidden stitch with either one. I find that about 3 passes of increasing depth does best for me. There is another style called a Eureka channeler that resembles a french edger with the blade perpendicular out the bottom. Some guys will cut these freehand with a blade, particualrly when cutting in from an edge, and do a better job.

[halfbreed]

Thanks for the info everyone. This is a great start. Much appreciated.

Don