Suze Posted March 28, 2009 Report Posted March 28, 2009 I thought that the best knife was simply SHARP >running off and hiding now<>giggle< Quote Reality is for people who lack imagination Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right. ~Henry Ford
Members Rayban Posted March 28, 2009 Members Report Posted March 28, 2009 I thought that the best knife was simply SHARP >running off and hiding now<>giggle< Oh Suze Suze Suze....don't ya know that 21st Century MAN has to reinvent everything?? What, a simple sharp knife???? Has to be more to it than that!!!! Quote Raybanwww.rgleather.net
Suze Posted March 28, 2009 Report Posted March 28, 2009 Oh Yeah - I forgot that part I guess that is why God called US wo-man (so that we could tell man -- whoa -- when they got out of line) (We really are the smarter sex don't ya know?) >Shoves EvilSuze back in the cupboard under the stairs< Really - I have no idea how she gets out all the time. Must be a faulty lock...... Quote Reality is for people who lack imagination Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right. ~Henry Ford
Members BondoBobCustomSaddles Posted March 28, 2009 Members Report Posted March 28, 2009 My 2 cents. I have quite a few of both round knives and swivel, mostly what matters to me is that they first, swivel smoothly without any bind, any of the bearing ones meet the need, second, fit my hand, none of them do because I have hands like catchers mitts!, and third, are very very sharp! What I do is take a smooth action swivel knife, and add girth to the barrel, lots of girth! Most generally with electricians tape, it makes the barrel so I can hold it and makes the movement between my fingers much smoother and less exaggerated giving nice smooth flowing cuts. I suppose I could take the time to make larger smooth barrels, but; that takes time and I don't have any. Then I use a ceramic blade and polish it with a buffing wheel to keep it razor sharp. Last I like to get my leather almost to the consistancy of peanut butter with moisture, so it will cut, stamp, and mold with ease. As for the round knife, I have lots, both antique and newer makes but; I always seem to go back to the one I started with which was an Osborn, I have been using it for about 20 years now, and while the shape is not exactly the same as it was when I started, I originally cut the handle a little to fit into my palm, and I keep it sharp. Just the way I learned in the boy scouts about 55 years ago, oh yea, most of you don't know what boy scouts were. Anyway, the real deal is that they fit , are comfortable for you to use and are Sharp. That's what works for me. Bondo Bob Quote
Contributing Member ClayB Posted March 29, 2009 Contributing Member Report Posted March 29, 2009 For the last 20+ years my favorite swivel knife has been the same one David mentioned. It's big and heavy and just really feels like you have something in your hand. I like the shape of the yoke on it. Then about a month ago my wife wanted to know what to get me for my birthday. I couldn't think of anything I "needed" so I told her that I might like one of the knives Paul at Leather Wranglers makes. I had a chance to use it for more than just a little practice the last couple days and I REALLY am liking this knife. I dont know if it's the light weight (which I really didn't like at first) or the bearings that make it really turn nice. I think I'm getting some arthritis in my fingers and using the swivel knife has been causing my finger to really hurt. But, with this knife, I hardly even noticed it at all. I cut whole patterns without any pain, and I think my cuts were cleaner and smoother than normal. So today I'd have to say this fancy purple knife is now my favorite! PS. Hey Suze, just how big is that cupboard under the stairs???? Think maybe we could rent some space under there some days? Quote ClayB Badlands Leather Art blog Badlands Leather Art Website
Suze Posted March 29, 2009 Report Posted March 29, 2009 I'm not sure Just HOW big EvilSuze's cupboard is -- the last time she had a party it seemed like the whole world was under there. I'm suspecting a "pocket universe" under there. She does throw one H of a party however. Quote Reality is for people who lack imagination Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right. ~Henry Ford
Bree Posted March 30, 2009 Report Posted March 30, 2009 Heck... I saw the thread title and thought... Oh my favorite knives are my Cold Steel fixed blade Tanto's and my CRKT M-16 Spear Point Flipper. Whoa!! the question is really about swivel knives!! I am not a great carver so my opiniuon isn't going to be worth much on this question. I have a few swivel knives now and I like the one I got from Barry King with a thin shaft. Feels good and allows nice tight turns for cutting smooth curved lines. The blade stays sharp and cuts very nicely without binding on the leather. Quote Ride Safe! Bree 2003 Dyna Wide Glide Memberships: Iron Butt Association, Niagara Falls HOG, Wild Fire HOG NRA, Niagara County Sportsman's Association
Members CitizenKate Posted March 30, 2009 Members Report Posted March 30, 2009 I've been using mostly just ordinary Craftool swivel knives for years. I don't subscribe to the theory that better tools necessarily make for better work. So I have focused more on improving the part that holds the knife. I did get one 3/8" Magnum with a 1/4" angle blade on sale from Hidecrafter a few years ago to do more intricate carving, and it has worked very well for that. (That's the one on the right in the photo.) Recently, I just decided I wanted something nice for my hands as a reward for all the work they do, and ordered a Henley 1/2" with a hollow-cut blade. It is really a pleasure to use this knife, because of how smoothly it turns, and the hollow-cut blade makes a very nice stroke in the leather. These blades really hold their edge, too, so I don't spend as much time stropping. Of all the knives I have personally used, this one is my favorite. I also ordered a 3/8" stainless steel knife with a hollow-cut angle blade from Springfield Leather. I think this must be a knock-off of the Henley, because it's almost identical in appearance, except not quite as well-made. Even so, it also is very nice to use. It's what I use for decorative cuts. I have no idea who actually made this knife, but I understand they are no longer made. Kate Quote
Members Tina Posted March 30, 2009 Members Report Posted March 30, 2009 Here is my collection so far... From left to right: LeatherWrangler, the smallest barrel and blade in an angle Craftool with an angled Ryby blade From Springfield Leather with hollow blade Craftool wit a ceramic beeder blade The one knife I grab without even thinking is my red one from Paul. I have to say, with the blade I have and the type of carving I'm doing, this knife Does makes it all much, much easier. It dances throu curbs and bends almost as it had a brain of it's own. I only have to strop it a few times during a big job and the blade don't drag. The narrow barrel also lets me do them tricky bends and curbs very easy, I can very easy go backwards and even "upp-side-down" I simply love my little red knife:-) Quote "He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands, and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, and his head, and his heart, is An Artist" http://vildkorpens-laderlya.deviantart.com http://tupali.deviantart.com/
Members Tkleather1 Posted March 30, 2009 Author Members Report Posted March 30, 2009 There are a few of you guys talking about Henley knives. Where are they sold? ive searched around on the web and cant seem to locate anything. Does anyone know where a guy can get a rube tipped blade anymore for a swivel knife? Quote Tim Worley TK-Leather If you don't ask and dont try how are you gonna learn anything?
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