Comparing edger styles and sizes

[bruce johnson]

Jason asked in another thread the differences between edgers. I don't have any of the ones I started out with. They were Osborne #TL127 style. They do OK, but I find them harder to sharpen and maintain. The ones I have now are the Vizzard patterns from Jeremiah Watt, Bisonettes from Bob Douglas, and round bottom edgers from Jeremiah. I have attached pics of each style I have - the Vizzard is on the left, the Bisonette is center, and the round bottom is on the right. The top view shows the spread. The next picture shows the bottom surface and the cutting profile. The side shot shows the sweep of the blades. The advantages I see with the different styles. The curve or "sweep" of the Vizzard lets me be at a little higher angle and still have the same blade angle. Excellent for when I am edging a strap or rein by keeping the tool stationary next to the jig and pulling a strap through. It is also good for "scooping cuts" like on buckle folds or trimming welts. I can also use it for some cuts that a straight bladed French edger might not fit into. The Bisonette is a good all around edger. It can't cut too deep. With both edges of the hole sharp, it will edge on a push or pull stroke. Bob's pattern has a good difference of angle at the hole. Some are pretty flat, and trickier to strop one edge without getting into the opposing edge. The round bottom has a little flatter blade, and cuts a nice profile. It and the Vizzard are easy for me to sharpen and strop. The exposed blade and short toes lests you get right there with minimum fuss. The short/no toes let you edge slots without a special turnback edger, they will make a tight turn and keep the blade in contact with the leather. The short toes will also not guide quite as easily, and you can get under thin lining and scoop a nice divot. You have to be a bit watchful, one guy told me you have to make friends with the round bottoms. Good analogy.

To compare size numbers that I mentioned in another thread. I mentioned that numbers don't mean much between makers. Here's how I compare them. I take a piece and edge with each of the two competitors. I switch and run the other edger over the previously edged piece. If I can take any more off, I know the second edger is bigger than the first. If neither one will remove any from the other, they are probably very close or the same. Just comparing the Jeremiah Watts to Bob Douglas' bisonette now. Jeremiah's #2 and Bob's #4 are pretty close to or are the same.