Edge Rounding Tools. Cutting, Not Burnishing

[Haroldson]

There seem to be an array of edge rounding tools. I am interested in making holsters, belts and items of similar thickness, could someone suggest something from among the various styles and sizes please? I am leaning to one of the push/pull tools that seems to be constructed by making a hole in the head of the tool. Are these as sharp as the V shaped push tools? Brand preference?

Thanks

[Art]

You either love Bissonette edgers (with the hole in them) or you don't. I have been using round bottom edgers for so long I guess I don't care to learn how to use the Bissonette. I use Ron's edgers although I do have the occasional Gomph and Early Osborne. With early tools (1900s and before), the leather trade was dominated by horse gear, and they used horses for horsepower. The leather was big and heavy and the #4 and #5 edgers were king. These things were huge for the 12-16oz leather used at the time. If getting an old Gomph or other early edger, do not get a #3, get a #1 or #2, even a #0 if you can find one. Check with Bruce Johnson for good used tools , or call Vandy at Sheridan Leather and get a good Douglas reconditioned tool. If you need some advice on Bissonette edgers, call Bruce Johnson.

Art

[IngleGunLeather]

I have Barry King edgers. I use the Bissonnette style and have no complaints. I use them for the same things you're looking at using them for, belts and holsters. I'd have to say I use a #1 and #2 the most for doubled up 6/7 oz leather. At 55 bucks a pop, it can get expensive. Just depends on how much you're willing to spend. I have aquired all available sizes of the Bissonnette, plus I have a #2 Sharp Edge Curver, great for the belt slots and any other sharp corners. I like like the Bissonnette besause it will cut in either a push or pull method. Sometimes an area just doesn't like getting edged one way, probably has to do with grain or something.

Edited December 5, 2012 by CountryTrash

[Haroldson]

Thank you for the answers. Sounds like the Bissonette style would suit me best, I find that I want to work on things like leather or small wood projects from various directions to get the best angle or to work with the grain.

[bruce johnson]

Here's my thoughts on bisonettes. They have a few advantages. The front edge of the hole can ride down the leather and act as a "training wheel" to maintain the same angle. Easy to use for people starting out.They also are good edging pieces with a thin lining. Some other edgers can cut under the lining and end up scooping it out. On the downside they are the hardest to sharpen at least for me, and have the least life. You have to maintain that same curvature of the bottom edge when you sharpen or you end up widening the hole and turn a #1 into a #4. Then you have to be careful you are not running into the opposing edge. Stropping off the bur on top of the hole can be a bit tricky working inside that angle. Some of the newer ones have issues. I have had some that no matter the size number, they are all made from the same width stock. That makes it hard to keep the smaller sizes at a 45 degree angle without running into the bench on thinner leather. You about have to work off the edge of the bench. The old Rosecrans are my favorites. They seem to be the originals on these, and are designed right. The angle is good for push and pull, the width varies by size. They are close to 100 years old now and hard to find and harder to find ones that haven't been messed up through poor sharpening. The older Osbornes are pretty good too. One thing a lot of people think it that they can get into inside square corners with a bisonette. You can maybe get within 1/8" depending on the angle it was bent at. Some will do a slot and some won't - it depends on the radius of the end and the tool design itself.