Rock76 Report post Posted June 25, 2009 I have a question for all you holstermakers out there. I'm getting ready to invest in a good edge beveler, and need some advice on which ones to look at. I started out with the Craft Tool edger, then went to the C.S. Osbourne, but neither is really giving me the rounded edges I'm looking for on my holsters. What do you use? What size? Thanks a bunch! Best Regards, Adam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted June 25, 2009 Adam, I am not a holster maker, but have used about as many styles of edgers as I have splitters. For edging a round profile there are a few choices. Round bottom edgers, vizzard, or bisonette edgers will get the job done for you. As far as hard numbers for size, the size numbers may not correlate between makers. For instance, Jeremiah Watt's size numbers run larger than most other makers with the same number. I have had and use some from Jeremiah, Barry King, Ron Edmonds, and Bob Douglas. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kevinhopkins Report post Posted June 26, 2009 Hi Adam, It's always nice to work with good tools, and good edgers are no exception. But I've gotta tell you, once you become familiar with what you can do with a good sanding unit, your edger won't be quite as important to you. If you don't have, or can't get, or don't want to use a sander, then buying a good edger is your best option. I've not used them all, but I've been pretty happy with the Osborne line. They make several different styles, as I'm sure your'e aware, and some do better than others. But for holsters and sheaths, its a sander, whether a belt or a drum, and if you're doing your work for a living, you need to visit someone who really knows how to use one, and have them demonstrate for you. Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rock76 Report post Posted June 26, 2009 Thanks Bruce, those are the the makers I'm looking at. I guess really what I'm trying to do is eliminate some of the guess work on my end regarding sizes and styles and go with an edger (or edgers) that is "tried and true" for holster and belt makers. Kevin, I'm using a rotary drum sander right now in conjunction with the edgers I have and it's working out okay. I'm just thinking if I have an edger that will get me closer to the final edge shape I'm looking for, it might eliminate some of the grinding I'm having to do with my drum sander. -Adam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted June 26, 2009 Adam, One other concern with edgers would be doing slots. I do them a couple of ways depending on which beveler is at hand and size I need. The bisonettes won't do them very well. I have a larger turnback that is designed for slots and tight inside curves. That said, my round bottoms will get them. The sweep on the vizzards works well to get into tight spots too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rock76 Report post Posted June 26, 2009 Thanks Bruce. I've seen photos of bisonettes, but never used one. I might have to give those some thought. -Adam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Randy Cornelius Report post Posted June 26, 2009 I have gotten hooked on the round bottom edgers made by Ron's Tools, he also makes a Montana edger for light weight leathers. I would suggest a # 2 and #3 in the round edgers to start. Randy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rock76 Report post Posted June 26, 2009 I have gotten hooked on the round bottom edgers made by Ron's Tools, he also makes a Montana edger for light weight leathers. I would suggest a # 2 and #3 in the round edgers to start. Randy Thanks Randy. I just went to his website, and those look really nice. I think I might give those a try. -Adam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
