Members Mypepsione Posted April 10 Members Report Posted April 10 I like the Japanese straight style. Looking at chartermade approx $200.00 so not a low cost item. Quote
AEBL Posted April 11 Report Posted April 11 The cheap ones on Amazon from China are okay, I'm assuming that you have had one and that you are looking to upgrade, so I won't mention those. Sometimes when you get the custom-made ones you're looking for a particular steel (usually a trade off between ease of sharpening and edge retention - some of the "super" steels keep an edge for an incredible amount of time, but are also harder to sharpen, and I'd recommend a decent diamond plate for that) or, you are getting something that is pretty - either premium handle materials, or damascus steel blades, etc., a tool that makes you happy to hold. If you're just going for good utility and durability while being affordable - you might look near the ~$100 range. If you find your knife inspires you as a leatherworker more when it is also a work of art - it may make more sense for you to own a more premium tool, they're nice to look at. I have a custom Japanese knife from a local guy. It has turquoise on the handle and I like watching it slice leather, and it reminds me of my friend who I got the knife from. Buckleguy has one for $60: https://www.buckleguy.com/bg-japanese-skiving-knife-35mm-straight-blade-right-hand/ Tandy has one for $70 that looks great, Weaver has a very affordable one at $30 ... Sailrite has one for $100 (and it is damascus also) https://www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Damascus-Japanese-Leather-Skiving-Knife Leatherwranglers has one (is a bit more expensive - though it is probably fantastic) Quote
Members zuludog Posted April 11 Members Report Posted April 11 (edited) I too like Japanese Leather Knives, for both cutting and skiving I have that cheap JLK with the red painted handle that you see on lots of budget online suppliers. It's surprisingly good for the price, mine was about £6 but you have to do a lot of sharpening & working on the bevel to get it into a decent state. I also scraped & sanded off the rather tacky red paint, now the handle is more comfortable and the wood grain is quite attractive Chartermade are good - as they should be for the price! Various mid priced Japanese makes include Craft Sha, Seiwa, and Kyoshin Elle ; but more important than the particular make is to learn how to sharpen it really well - there are loads of YT Videos about sharpening & using JLKs Shop around and you can find good mid priced JLKs. I only know of two suppliers in the USA - Weaver Leathercraft and Rocky Mountain Leather supply but I'm sure American members can suggest others. Have a look at this -- https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/products/flat-leather-knife?variant=40929396261004 And I think this shows it in use Edited April 11 by zuludog Quote
Members zuludog Posted April 11 Members Report Posted April 11 I've just found this, which looks interesting https://www.talasonline.com/Paring-Knives Quote
AEBL Posted April 12 Report Posted April 12 (edited) @zuludog - I have one of them, they're great. (English, right-hand, 2.0 mm) Edited April 12 by AEBL Quote
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