New Tool Idea - Large Leather Shears - Should I make these for sale?

[Stagesmith]

Greetings. 

I make tools, and have been making tools for over 40 years. I spent many months this year learning the skills of refurbishing, sharpening and tuning, tin-snips, shears and scissors. Along that path I discovered WISS #8 Belt Shears for cutting leather and fabric belting.

They are very nice, but a bit small for my taste. The largest commonly available WISS Shears are #22W, at over 12 inches long

They can be purchased new but the old ones are better. I ended up with several pairs of 22W's and decided to super-size the #8 Belt Shears.

The WISS Belt Shears are interesting because the lower blade is serrated to hold the leather and the upper blade is knife-edged.

My new shears cut 1/4" sole leather like paper. Kind of amazing. As a knife-maker these aren't too hard to make, but I'm curious if there is a market for them.

I've been using these for the last few weeks on various knife sheath projects and really love them, but there are lots of ways to cut leather.

I am curious what others think of these.

[Dwight]

There's a market for virtually anything produced.

Price will generally determine how big that market is.

May God bless,

Dwight

 

[SUP]

There are shears in the market that are large although not the brands known well here. They work well on thinner leathers but they do not work on thick leather, at least  none that I have seen. So there is no reason why your shears should not sell well.  Best of luck.🙂

[AlZilla]

Given the number of places that sell Wiss 22W scissors, I'd say there's definitely a market. I can get them to my door for $32 to $60. The question is whether you want to play in that market or can you build a better mouse trap and get a premium price for it.

You've piqued my interest. But remember, you're dealing with a crowd for whom the hundred dollar servo motor seems to be the holy grail. Price will definitely be a factor.