CustomDoug Report post Posted August 23, 2012 I've been watching a few videos that show detailed pattern's (think fine Italian shoes and bags) being cut out using what looks like a thin handled knife with a long-ish pointy exacto blade. The handle of this knife seems to be shaped flat like a carpenters pencil. Anyone have an idea where I could get something like this? It looks good for very detail patterns in thin leather with lots of turns and corners. I'd be willing to try and replicate it if need be - I need to look into whether exacto makes long blades, or are there other (better) choices? The closest I came to finding a similar object in my searches, is a knife called a "clicker knife" but most of those have a thin hooked blade. Does anyone have any experience with those? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KAYAK45 Report post Posted August 23, 2012 The very term "clicker" goes back centuries to the sound made in cutting out leather for boots. A very good explanation is found in "Dictionary of leather-working tools, c.1700-1959 by R.A.Salaman" Simply, any knife used to cut out PATTERNS in leather. A long flat blade was used for longer cuts. As it was sharpened, a hook developed above the point and would do intricate cuts. The newer, flat blades where used for longer cuts. Many, now use SURGICAL BLADES, which you may have seen. They would appear to be a pencil handle with a straight blade, that can be stropped for longevity, and are relatively inexpensive. By raising the handle, only the thin point is used for intricate cuts in thin leather, by lowering the handle the long length of the blade leads to straight cuts or gentle curves Hope that helps. Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChuckBurrows Report post Posted August 23, 2012 Yes they are clicker knives and I use one a lot - they come with replaceable blades in both straight and curved (they are re-sharpenable as well)- The curved blades are great for cutting small to large curves. I wouldn't be without one... There are two types - one takes shorter blades and the other longer blades I prefer the longer bladed type - here's the handle by Osborne http://www.campbell-randall.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=1_3&product_id=249 and the blades http://www.campbell-randall.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=1_3&product_id=426 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted August 23, 2012 Other options: The traditional short clicker knife, Weaver 3" Leather Cutting Trim Knife# 65-2975. They make a wooden handled one # 65-2976 that is further down the page, I prefer the blue handled one. Weaver also carries an Art Knife #65-2866 that is further still down the page. Instead of the art knife, I use surgical scalpels in Numbers 10, 11, 24, 26, all the way up to PM 40 and 60. They are easy to use, come well packaged, are cheap, and will take your finger right down to the bone or further if you aren't careful. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CustomDoug Report post Posted August 24, 2012 @ Art - I know nothing of scalpels (imagine that ).. are there any handles that are similar in shape to a carpenter's pencil (which just seem perfect to me for some reason), or do you have a preference that you'd share when it comes to these things? It seems that blades are interchangable on some and and not so on others (are those just olders ones?). Thanks . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CustomDoug Report post Posted August 24, 2012 (edited) There are two types - one takes shorter blades and the other longer blades I prefer the longer bladed type - here's the handle by Osborne Hi Chuck, I also like the longer bladed type more (from just a 'looks' standpoint) as it's more similar to what I've seen in those videos... Do those also fit into the handles posted? That seems like it would not be proportionate (long blade ,short handle). So, maybe there's another handle option? Or some DIY option - like wrapping pliable metal around it and flattening with a mallet. Freeze the following video at 19 seconds for a good look at what I'm looking for: Edited August 24, 2012 by CustomDoug Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted August 24, 2012 Doug, There is a No. 3 handle that fits the 10 or 11 blade (others too). The #11 blade is commonly used for filigree work and general cutting. No.4 handle that fits the 24 or 26 blades and is a bit larger. The above come in the standard stainless that can be autoclaved and also some crafter types that are bigger and have plastic handles. Most of these handles and blades go pretty cheap on eBay, a lot of it is Chinese, and the quality is good. There are also Swann Morton handles and blades (English) that are higher in quality and more expensive. I'll get some pics tonight and post them. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cdf Report post Posted August 24, 2012 Lee Valley tools have a scalpel system , takes #4 blades , spare blades store in the handle . Blades can be resharpened ( with care ) . Warren woodcarving tools make a very nice clicker knife , with replacable/resharpenable blades ( Lee Valley carries them too . Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CustomDoug Report post Posted August 25, 2012 ...Warren woodcarving tools make a very nice clicker knife , with replacable/resharpenable blades... Chris If this is the one you're talking about from Warren https://warrencutlery.com/store/product-info.php?pid185.html, then that's a really good price to include 6 separate blades! I would prefer the longer handle ones though and I'm not seeing any on that site. Hmm at that price, maybe I "need" both kind . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chavez Report post Posted August 25, 2012 Hi Doug, I've been using a cheap craft scalpel set with thin handles until i switched to clicker knives and I would recommend the "fat" handle of a clicker over a thinner "pencil" handle. Although I've got quite big hands. I've got straight & curved osborne blades, one in an osborne handle and one in a slightly bigger Woodware rep. handle. The quality of the handle does not matter that much as long as it can hold the blade ok. From what I understand, you are looking for a craft scalpel, which is 100% interchangeable with a clicker knife. Just make sure you can source curved blades as well as straight ones. And only buy top quality scalpel blades. I've had a cheaper blade snap at the base while I was cutting 8oz leather and the sharp blade flew right into my face and hit my glasses (lucky i was wearing them). This is less likely to happen to a clicker blade. There are plenty craft scalpels on ebay. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted August 25, 2012 Top is a Swann Morton retractable handle (available in #3 only) with a #10 blade Next a retractable with a #15 blade Next a retractable with a #11 blade Next a standard #3 surgical handle with a #11 blade Next a standard #4 surgical handle with a #22 blade Next a standard #4 surgical handle with a #24 blade Next a #4 craft handle with a #24 blade Next a dime and a #3 craft handle Next a #4 Craft handle Next a #3 Surgical Handle Next a #4 Surgical Handle Next a #8 Post Mortum Handle and a PM60 blade Next a PM 40 handle and a PM 40 blade Art Doug, I'll get some pics tonight and post them. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CustomDoug Report post Posted August 25, 2012 (edited) Wow Art, that's quite the collection of scalpels you have. Thanks for posting that. I'm sure I'll end up with a few of those too down the road. I'm thinking I'll give the clicker blade idea a go first. Thanks everyone. Edited August 25, 2012 by CustomDoug Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted August 26, 2012 Hi Doug, The Swann-Morton retractable #3 handle sells for $9.50 shipped from England on eBay. It will fit #10 and #11 blades and is very like a carpenter's pencil to hold. It is also retractable so there are no suprises if you forget where you layed it. You do have to remember to close it though. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CustomDoug Report post Posted September 2, 2012 (edited) ...... I know. Here's the closest thing I've been able to find to what I'm looking for, it's from an Italian company and doesn't give much info or a price until you register. I'm not sure yet if they'll even sent stuff internationally, but I'll see. Anyone here from Italy and be willing to proxy for me, if not? Here is the link..... http://www.actosc.it...per-tagliatore/ The description translates to: Cutter knife with rubber handle and replaceable blades. Tool needed to accurately cut all types of leather. To be used on a steel sheet zingata or even better on the stump for cutter. Replacement blades in packs of 100. Cutter knife to skin . Register to see prices and purchase products! Edited September 2, 2012 by CustomDoug Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted September 3, 2012 (edited) If you find someone that can read Italian etc. and you decide to order the knife I want one also and I will split the package of 100 blades with you if you wish or I will take a full package. I sent them an e-mail in Italian, I forgot my Mac has a translator. Asked for cost and if they ship to USA ferg ...... I know. Here's the closest thing I've been able to find to what I'm looking for, it's from an Italian company and doesn't give much info or a price until you register. I'm not sure yet if they'll even sent stuff internationally, but I'll see. Anyone here from Italy and be willing to proxy for me, if not? Here is the link..... http://www.actosc.it...per-tagliatore/ The description translates to: Cutter knife with rubber handle and replaceable blades. Tool needed to accurately cut all types of leather. To be used on a steel sheet zingata or even better on the stump for cutter. Replacement blades in packs of 100. Cutter knife to skin . Register to see prices and purchase products! Edited September 3, 2012 by 50 years leather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CustomDoug Report post Posted September 3, 2012 (edited) Well. I hope it doesn't cost too much because I've found a better looking one since writing the above, that I want more. It's from a German company and it has what looks like a scratch awl on the opposite end from the blade . See "Utility Knife MUNDUS" (the one on the left side of the page). It holds a true clicker blade as opposed to the replacement blades of the rubber handled one above. Here it is: http://www.schein.de...ge.html?marke=2 . The good news is that this website has a British (English) language option. Edited September 3, 2012 by CustomDoug Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CustomDoug Report post Posted September 3, 2012 Dang it! all the sudden I'm finding better and closer examples of the knife I'm after. Where were these the other day? Here's an even better one than the one I just posted : http://www.grassi-figli.it/accessing.php?id=120 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted September 3, 2012 The one from Italy is exactly what I have been wanting. I am going to stick with it. ferg Dang it! all the sudden I'm finding better and closer examples of the knife I'm after. Where were these the other day? Here's an even better one than the one I just posted : http://www.grassi-fi...sing.php?id=120 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leather Guru Report post Posted September 3, 2012 (edited) I make my own knives using High speed steel hacksaw blades ( NOT BI METAL ) Grind off the teeth with an angle grinder ,shape the point & sharpen on one side . I have been using this type of knife for 25 odd years . You'll need a diamond sharpening stone as the steel is very hard & even if when sharpening with your belt sander you heat up the blade HSS does not loose it's temper (like we sometimes do ) . Make sure the blades you buy are not BI METAL ! Here's a video of me using such a knife . http://www.youtube.c...h?v=hoiidrC0Nqc Plese excuse the ugly gesture at the end of the video Edited September 3, 2012 by Leather Guru Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CustomDoug Report post Posted September 3, 2012 Wow, man I'm impressed!! I like that idea, will give it a try I'm sure too. Tell me about the handle you have there.. did you make it, and how ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leather Guru Report post Posted September 6, 2012 Hi brother , I put some pics on Picasa web albums I'll find the link ? ? ? The knife handle is called L'indisponsable & it's coming from VERGEZ-BLANCHARD but U can make your own handle your self ; Use your ingenuity Wow, man I'm impressed!! I like that idea, will give it a try I'm sure too. Tell me about the handle you have there.. did you make it, and how ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leather Guru Report post Posted September 6, 2012 I'm trying to find the pics of my collection of knives made from high speed steel saw blades Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
antonyt Report post Posted November 6, 2015 (edited) I bought Mundus knife from here I was very satisfied of the tool. The blade is really smooth and the balancing of the knife is perfect. http://shoetechnik.com/mondus-knife.html Edited November 6, 2015 by antonyt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
