stitching groover

[AEBL]

I'm trying to learn/practice saddle stitching with an awl, and I have heard two things "around on the internet":
* stitching groover helps keep your stitches below the surface of the leather, and therefore prevents wear-and-tear on the stitches

* that nobody should use a stitching groover (but no explanation as to why ...) I suppose if I were forced to invent a reason, I'd say that perhaps it weakens the leather there so that it might get dry and rip?

Should I buy and use a stitching groover? (I currently don't own or use one).

[fredk]

36 minutes ago, AEBL said:

* stitching groover helps keep your stitches below the surface of the leather, and therefore prevents wear-and-tear on the stitches

This is true

36 minutes ago, AEBL said:

* that nobody should use a stitching groover (but no explanation as to why ...) I suppose if I were forced to invent a reason, I'd say that perhaps it weakens the leather there so that it might get dry and rip?

Doubtful. I never had it happen or come close to happening.  A groove a maximum of 0.5mm deep in 4 or 5mm leather is hardly significant. Although I don't do saddlery I once made and fixed medieval style shoes and I always grooved for the stitching

IMO buy a good groover

 

[bruce johnson]

I agree with FredK on this 100%. Will also add this-

Grooving helps to keep your stitches below the surface but also gives you a target to sew into. I don't care if you are machine or handsewing, that grooved line helps line up your awl if you handsewing or your needle on machine sewing. Scratch lines from a divider are not as obvious. No lines and unless you are an elite stitcher, it can look like a cow trail when you sight down the line. 

That strength issue is a non-factor. People claim that the strength is in the grain and you weaken that. If the flesh side is not much of factor how come we make saddles and belts from heavier leather than wallets? Take the thread of grain you groove off. Pull it apart between two fingers. Decide for yourself if that will make the difference between holding your work together or not. 

I'm voting with Fred also - buy a good groover. There are a few options out there - Barry King, some (not all) from Amazon, Horse Shoe Brand Tools has a compass style groover. I am bringing on a handled style I really like soon and am putting the final polish on the tips in the next few days.  

[AEBL]

Thanks for the feedback folks, looks like I will be ordering a groover

[TonyV]

A leather edge creaser will also provide a below surface channel for stitching, and it was used long before the invention of the groover.  The groover is definitely faster and easier to use than a creaser.

Both tools can be used for decorative crease/groove around the edge.