Tooling small, intricate designs

[Harry Marinakis]

I'd like some advice on improving my game.

I make these small knives with some leather tooling, typically Celtic knotwork. The knotwork is only 1/2-inch wide, and I really struggle to carve the design and get it to "pop." The photo shows the best that I can do at the present time. I am wondering if there is a better way to do this.

I am using 2-3 oz. or 3-4 oz. veg tab because I have to use a thinner leather. I know that affects my ability to get some relief in the leather.

FYI here is my process:

1. Case the leather

2. Put on my magnifying loupes

3. Trace the design onto the leather with tracing paper and a stylus

4. Carve with a swivel knife. (This is where I really struggle to get all the curves and lines parallel for something this small.)

5. Beveler to bring out some relief.

6. Modeling spoon to round the edges of the knotwork.

 

As you can see, it doesn't look like I used a modeling spoon to smooth the knotwork, but I did.

Suggestions would be appreciated.

Edited February 18 by Harry Marinakis

[JLSleather]

that's fairly condensed, but I don't know if I'd cAll it "intricate".  Could be an issue with your leather, or just with the moisture content of it, but that available space should let you get some good detail.  Here's a pic of wallets i did... Idunno .. long time ago... the area with the black backgrounds is about 2 1/4" high.
IF I were to take an 'educated guess', I'd think that if you're not getting detail crisp, you're leather is likely too wet.  I don't actually "case" items that small.  Wet teh back PURDY GOOD, then swipe a bit of water across the face, and when it's looking like before it's time to start tracing...

[TonyV]

Small detailed carving can be a real bear. Patience and experience is the only way to get good at it.  So practice, practice, practice.  An angled swivel knife blade might help initially.  JLS's suggestion re dampening the leather should help as well.