purchasing edge bevelers

[cr1234]

I've been flipping through here for a couple of days now. I received my How to Make Holsters by Al Stohlman maybe a week ago, and have been reading it as well. I think I'm finally at the point that it's time to get my hands dirty with my first holster.

I will only be making holsters for my personal use, however I do want to be able to be proud of them. I honestly wouldn't mind to get to the point that I can make a holster or two for close friends and they won't be embarrassed to use them at camp.

My focus is going to begin with western style/hunting holsters for single actions. I will be handstiching w/ needles and thread. I believe i'll be able to get away with a limited number of pieces of equipment. (needles, awe, stich groover, over stitcher, thread, razor knife, glue, dye, and sealer). I really want to do lined holsters if for not other reason i think they look more finished.

This is going to be a hobby.............. and especially in the beginning I want it to be as fun as possible. Having tools that need me to reshape the blade from the very beginning so that it works properly, just doesn't seem like much fun. I have no problem with maintaining a tool, but I don't want to begin the hobby having to modify or improve a tool. I have limited workspace. In fact I will be working in my kitchen. No garage, no workshop, just a 1200 sq foot condo.

I am particularly interested in edge bevelers and awes. As I have been reading the forum, it appears that some brands of tools are not as finely crafted as others, whether it's particular design features or simple quality.

I would appreciate some input as to quality tools for the hobbyist that are reasonable in price. I know that "reasonable" is a relative term, but hopefully y'all can understand what I'm asking. If a there is a "good" tool for $10 or $20 that meets my needs, then great........... but if "good" tools" start at $50, then so be it. I guess i'm just trying to avoid as much frustration as possible so that I will enjoy this hobby and continue with it.

Thank you,

c.r.

[Rawhide]

To save you time and frustration on edgers and awls, buy your edgers from Barry King, or Ron's Edgers. They are expensive, but let me tell you they are worth every penny and then some. I have Barry's grooved and bissonette edgers. They are about 55 bucks now, but still a little cheaper than Ron's. You may also look at Jeremiah Watt's edgers. I haven't used them, but folks swear by them.

As far as awls go there's only three places to get a perfect awl blade, Bob Douglas, Bob Douglas, and last but not least Bob Douglas...You can get by with a cheaper haft, but don't skimp on the blade. Bob's blades were 25, last I bought one. (I'd skimp on leather before I'd skimp on my awl)

Good luck.

[bruce johnson]

Marlon,

Just to add another name to the mix for edgers - Bob Douglas makes some good ones of those too. My wife got me going with his Bisonettes.

[cr1234]

Thank you. I appreciate the info.

[hidepounder]

I have to agree about using Douglas tools. Everything I've ever had from Bob has been the absolute top of the line! Don't overlook the old tools however....at Bob Douglas' recomendation I began acquiring old Gomphs and I have never looked back. My Ron's and Watt's which are both excellent, all sit on the second string bench now and all I use are Gomph's or old Osbornes. I will say however there is a learning curve to aquiring these old tools and the good ones come at a very high price! I have never used Barry's edgers or Bob Beards either but would imagine both are excellent! If I know Bob (and I do) his are probably made from tool steel as oppossed to stainless which I think is an advantage. It's important to weigh the cost differences however....it may be more practical to replace a stainless tool once or twice in a lifetime as oppossed to spending the money up front for those made of tool steel. (which applies to the old Gomphs and Osbornes).

Bobby