Help With Edger Styles And Sizes

[bkm]

I bought a Craftool Keen Edge Beveler #4. When I received it, I tried it out on some straps. I thought it was taking off a little more leather than I wanted. As I've become more involved in leatherworking, I'm also looking for better tools. I would have been inclined to buy other than Tandy if I could figure out what the size numbers mean so that I could get one of another brand that removes less leather. I find that to be difficult. So the next time I placed an order with Tandy, I included a #3 edger, and stepped-up to the Craftool Pro tool. I figured that at least within a single brand, the edgers would have consistent size numbering. When I received the #3, I found it takes off quite a bit more of the edge than the #4.

The #4 Keen edge beveler is probably the right size for a bigger piece of the thick leather I am using. However, because my straps are so narrow (3/4"), I feel it takes off too much. I know I can adjust this a bit by the angle I use the tool, but since I intend to edge a few hundred straps, it behooves me to have the right tool.

I suppose I could just order a #3 Keen Edge beveler, but before I order a third edger, is there any better advice? I know there are several other types and brands of edgers. Can anyone steer me in the right direction?

[bruce johnson]

I can't speak for some makers but the rule of thumb on the old makers edge bevelers and French edgers was each size number = 1/16 inch of cut. They were all pretty consistant between makers unlike now. It looks like that black handled edger is based on the western or bent toe edger pattern so it might run larger, but doesn't look 3/16 to me. If you are ordering from someone who can read a ruler, I'd ask them the width of the cutting edge. Across the board that tells me more than try to compare sizes with the newer patterns and sizing.

[bkm]

#4 Craftool Keen Edge Beveler is cutting 1/16" -- more accurately the blade width is 0.071" which is less than 5/64"
#3 Craftool Pro Edger is cutting 2/16" -- more accurately the blade width is 0.107" which is just less than 7/64"

I am looking for something that cuts less than 1/16", probably 3/64" or maybe as little as 1/32".

If I look at Weaver's catalog, they list the edgers they sell by inch sizes, but they nearly all seem impossibly large. They list 3/16", 1/4" even 1/2" and 1". That doesn't make sense to me. The smallest size they list is 1/32". They do list a Master Tools edger in 3/64". Yet Tandy has three sizes that are smaller than the #4 (1/16")

In the vintage/antique tools I see for sale, CS Osborne, HFO, Gomph etc., the #1 is the lowest number. If that is 1/16", that seems impractical for fine leatherwork. Looking at the Weaver listing, one can correlate the CSO part #'s with the inch sizes listed. There seems to be no consistency whatsoever.

http://www.weaverleathersupply.com/Catalog/CatalogListing.aspx?CatalogId=001&CatalogDetailId=32&NSM=Y

Edited April 8, 2015 by bkm

[bruce johnson]

The larger ones in your link are French edgers. As far as the old makers, when these were made 100-140 years ago they were used in harness and saddlery work. There are some #1/2 sizes around but pretty rare. The smaller sizes came in when the craft movement got to be the market share and tools were starting to be made for a different user market. Osborne is one of the hardest to figure now. Even between different styles of edgers the size numbers don't correlate even though it is the same company. Some of their tool patterns have drifted for more economical manufacture as well. If you are looking for good quality narrow edgers, I would suggest Toby at Ron's Tools or Barry King. They both have a small edger that would fit your needs well.