Groove v. Crease

[Twosons]

I noticed in looking through many of the old posts that you are using groovers to make the stitch channel. In Bianchi's video he uses a creaser. Is there any advantage to one way or the other?

Thanks!

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

Some people believe that the leather is weaker if you use a groover because it removes surface material. The thing is, the perforated line of holes you make when stitching would be more detrimental to strength in my opinion. Either way, I can't imagine what kind of force a hoslter would be subjected to that would result in a tear along the stitch line, and I'm curious how much of a difference either stylewould make in that kind of unimaginable situation anyhow.

Now that that part is out of the way, I'll give you my opinions on the differences. Groovers are probably easier to use, and they definitely get a deep enough furrow to protect the stitching if that is your aim. Creasers are a little easier to make a mistake with, as you have to use more pressure and possibly make multiple passes to get the indention that you desire. Harder pressure increases the probability of slipping and marring your holster, and making multiple passes gives you more opportunities to slip. If we are talking about the decorative lines along the edges of a holster, I prefer using a creaser. In my opinion it makes cleaner lines, and they dye job will look more uniform (grooved lines show up darker).

My advice is to try both and see what you like the best.

[Twosons]

Thanks!

I have a groover, but saw that on the video and was wondering. I am glad I found this site, I have learned a ton.

[Shorts]

I currently used a groover on leather 7/8oz and 8/9oz. For thinner leather than this I'd go to a creaser in order to retain material for stitching. Reason being is that I groove both sides so that the threads sit low on the surface of the leather. By grooving both sides of a thin piece of leather, well, there's not a lot of thickness left to hold in the stitching. But as said, it'd be interesting to see a holster torn up at the perforated stitch line!

As Jeff mentioned, try both and see which you prefer. You might find yourself using both depending on the kind of project you're working on.

[Lobo]

I agree with previous comment. In heavier leathers I use a groover, setting the stitching down into the leather. On lighter projects I prefer to use a creaser, removing no material, leaving the leather as strong as possible.

[WickB]

I can't tell you how many "fine name brand" (and you know who for example: Hermes, YSL, Polo, etc) leather goods manufacturers put a row of stitches on a carrying going perpendicular to the pull at the base of the strap, causing an obvious Break in the strap at that point sometime soon after the buyer's purchase. All they have to do is to keep the strap stitches on the same axis as the pull and straps would last as long as the rest of the bag. Some really top notch leather manufacturers will use a rivet above the in axis stitching, an even better way to ensure longevity of product. My feeling is most "fine leather product" manufacturers today have lost the art of solid build leather craft and/or it is lost on their goods that are manufactured by a subcontractor (outside USA or even the manufacturers' shop).

I recommend anyone interested in making high quality product go to a large thrift shop or consignment joint and take a gander at the old leather goods there with a critical eye- you will learn a lot about what NOT to do.

Cheers from the UWS.

[chiefjason]

I use both.  Mostly depending on where the stitch line is or how thick the material is.  I crease the stitch line up against the gun.  I use an adjustable edge creaser on the outside.  And a free hand grover for the line beside the belt loop because it's just easier.