Best Mid-Grade Tooling Stamps

[ChesterHasAProblem]

Good day,

I am looking to buy a few basic tooling stamps. What are some brands you would recommend that are better than Amazon and cheaper than Barry King? I was considering getting the Tandy Basic Stamping Set, but it was described as only for children. Your input is appreciated, Thank you.

[fredk]

Buy Tandy. They're fine. They very good as a starter set. If you can go into a Tandy and inspect the tools. Make sure the shaft is straight. Check the design, make sure there is no flaw on it. 

[JDFred]

Craft Japan make decent stamps i would put them on par with 70s vintage crafttool stamps.  the ones I have I got from proleathercarvers.com

[bruce johnson]

Decide what you are interested in first. People say “I don’t like basket stamping patterns” but you can learn a lot about casing and ideal moisture with a basket stamp and a border. Want to carve? Then get the basic stamp set and play with it, that will help you decide if you like it. It will also give you a basis for which stamps to upgrade and the sizes that fit your projects. 
    As you go along you will find a whole range of stamp makers, some priced more than others. Barry King is still a pretty good bang for the buck. You may decide this is not for you or you got a stamp you just don’t use. The resale is generally good for Barry King and higher end stamps. 

[chuck123wapati]

I'll add some stamps don't need to be top quality to work well while others do need to be very precise to get a good effect. 

[AEBL]

Where are you located at, @ChesterHasAProblem? Someone here might be able to point you to a store for used tools ...

[AlZilla]

On 4/14/2025 at 4:05 PM, ChesterHasAProblem said:

Good day,

I am looking to buy a few basic tooling stamps. What are some brands you would recommend that are better than Amazon and cheaper than Barry King? I was considering getting the Tandy Basic Stamping Set, but it was described as only for children. Your input is appreciated, Thank you.

Your question reminded me of the following thread where an admittedly talented, accomplished leather crafter turned out a piece using only entry level tools (Tandy). Take a look at the high level of work. 

We have a few members here who make their own stamps from bolts they've ground to whatever shape they want. 

So, I wouldn't get too wrapped up about using a starter set. The cost is usually below what you'd spend seperately.

 

[ChesterHasAProblem]

Thank you all for your input. I decided to go with the Tandy set. Am now working on an online tooling course by Jim Linnell. I will see how it turns out.

Edited April 23 by ChesterHasAProblem

[MarshalWill]

Your choice to go with the Tandy starter set is a good one. I did that many years ago and still find myself using some of those first ones.True, I've added a whole lot of other stamps over the years but still find myself using a few of those first ones.