CitizenKate Report post Posted April 1, 2009 I'm not sure if the pricing is the same Kate.. I can't remember, but I have two henley's one fat and one thin barrel. I don't like the fat barrel much, my hands aren't big enough for it I guess, so it doesn't get much use, but I like the thin barrel a lot. I haven't played with the L. wrangler yet, but know someone who has one... He says he likes the barrel and yoke, but not quite sold on the blade yet... He still likes the ceramics. I may have to add one of those to the collection.. They don't keep the information on that page up to date, so you'll need to contact them for current pricing. At least the contact info is still current. I use different barrel sizes for different purposes. In general, the 1/2" barrel (with a straight blade) is great for better control on those straight lines and wider curves. I use the 3/8" barrel (with an angled blade) for tight curves and decorative cuts. I have seen some notable exceptions to these parameters. Some guys can do some incredible things with those fat, straight blades. I am not one of them. LOL Kate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted April 1, 2009 I would like to know your thought on the Barry King as opposed to the Ol Smoothie. I know that the Ol Smoothie is good, but i never tried the Barry King. $100 compared to $45. What are the votes?TIA The blade and the barrel are the differences in mine. One Ol Smoothie has a 3/8 barrel with a 1/4" slim blade. The other Ol Smoothie has a 5/8 barrel and a 1/2" blade. The Barry King has a 1/2" barrel and a 3/8" blade. Each was bought at different times and for different needs. I grab my BK just as much as any of them. The Henley has a 1/2" barrel and 3/8" blade. The blade opens a little wider ditch than the BK, the blades are reported to last longer beofre sharpening, but I don't like the yoke as much as Barry's. I got it because of the great reviews they get. I haven't had it long enough to do any more than strop the blade. I am not sure I am stropping it any less than the others because stropping is kind of a habit. I probably wouldn't run out and hunt down a R Hackbarth knife, but this one came on an buy it now ebay deal that lasted about 12 minutes after the guy listed about 10 original Hackbarth stamps and the knife for a song. The yoke is pretty good, but no cool ball bearing show off action for when you are running one at 3000 rpm tooling and smoke is coming off your leather. The blade seems alright. It makes a good straight tracking knife. If I was looking at doing it again and didn't have a good one, I'd get a couple of Barry's with different blade setups to start with. For the price you can have two set up for different duties at the same price you'd pay for one of the others. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
okiwen Report post Posted April 1, 2009 Thank you. I know that the bearings in the Ol Smoothie are sweet but I didn't know if the BK was just as smooth. I have some tools on order from BK now, I guess I'll add this to it. "I'd get a couple of Barry's with different blade setups to start with. For the price you can have two set up for different duties at the same price you'd pay for one of the others. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tina Report post Posted April 1, 2009 True, a better swivel knife does take a lot of the effort out of carving. Still doesn't fix the problem (which I still have been known to have on occasion) of not knowing where to steer it. Heheh!I've been admiring those Wrangler knives. I may end up adding one of those to my collection yet. Kate Hi Kate, if you ever come across the knife at a show or anywhere, take the time to try them out...It's a blast. I was surpriced myself how much a good knife actually could help out. As you can see I have the narrow barrel which for me is perfect, it really helps on those tricky bends and such. Another thing I have discovered is that I almost never ever get the cramps in my hand as I do with heavier/bulkier knifes. To me this is the RR of swivel knifes, just my 2 cents:-) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CitizenKate Report post Posted April 2, 2009 Hi Kate,if you ever come across the knife at a show or anywhere, take the time to try them out...It's a blast. I was surpriced myself how much a good knife actually could help out. As you can see I have the narrow barrel which for me is perfect, it really helps on those tricky bends and such. Another thing I have discovered is that I almost never ever get the cramps in my hand as I do with heavier/bulkier knifes. To me this is the RR of swivel knifes, just my 2 cents:-) I do every chance I get, which unfortunately until now has not been very often. But I know what you mean. The first good swivel knife I got was for very intricate carving, like small letters or tight, curvy knot patterns. It, too, is very light and comfortable, and the small, thin blade makes it easy to cut very accurately. I think that one is a bit under-rated, I really have enjoyed using it. The only thing giving me cramps lately is the mallet I'm using, since the 20oz maul my brother-in-law made me out of wood got pounded into splinters. It sure was great while it lasted. I could pound all day and not feel any joint stress. Now, I've got a 20oz. BK maul on the way. That one should last just a bit longer. Kate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldtimer Report post Posted April 2, 2009 (edited) My favorite knife is an old, rust pitted Theo. (Theodore) Harrington head knife. I bought it on a flea market for a very low amount of money. Sometimes you have luck on your side! How it has found its way to a flea market in Sweden, no one knows! For skiving I mostly use an old H.Gomph round knife, a twin to the Gomph knife in Steve Masons pic. / Knut Edited April 2, 2009 by oldtimer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cowboy316 Report post Posted April 12, 2009 hey guys and gals new to the group here and am lookin for ol smoothie web site or where i can look at his blades im lookin for a reasonably priced beader blade dont have much for money right now just tryin to get my tools replenished Cowboy316 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rawhide Report post Posted April 12, 2009 hey guys and gals new to the group here and am lookin for ol smoothie web site or where i can look at his blades im lookin for a reasonably priced beader blade dont have much for money right now just tryin to get my tools replenished Cowboy316 Chuck Smith's website isn't functioning...you'll have to call or email them and they can email you a catalog. Chuck Smith Tools PO Box 2647 Valley Center, CA 92082 Phone: 760-749-5755 Fax: 760-749-5355 E-Mail: olsmoothie@sbcglobal.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cowboy316 Report post Posted April 12, 2009 Rawhide thank you for the info ill give him a call on monday or tuesdays and see what i can get thanks again Cowboy316 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
