Stamping Tool B S

[JoeNots]

ok so i didn't read everones post on here so maybe i'm repeating something.

in my short time tooling (1.5 years) i've only had to really hit a few stamps hard, bevelers, basket weaves, & pear shaders. i only hit them harder if the first tap-tap doesn't look deep enough. i have almost all newer craft tools & i use their basic rawhide mallet, i'm a carpenter so i'm not bad with a hammer. i have had the fancy shiny coating come off of a few stamps & thats a problem cuase i don't see it till i stamp it in.

i think maybe some people need to just use a lighter mallet. i think we all like hand made things & i know that a nice hand made stamp was made with more care. but hand made things cost more. it also bugs me that craft tools aren't made in the US.

overall i wish i could afford the nice hand made tools but i don't know how people are breaking stamps.

[TimDreamer]

I have read everyone's posts here and can sympathize with both sides of the issue. I am not a professional leatherworker.... yet. I would love to be in the company of some of ya'll and produce award winning leather. However, I am realistic enough to know that I cannot afford custom tools at this point in time. Shucks, I was lucky enough to be able to snag a whole bunch of Craftools at $3.33 during their sale last month and felt darned lucky to do so. (One tool short of Bob Linnell's Sunflower pattern to be able to make my wife's Bible cover.) I've never bent a tool yet, but I haven't tooled in quite a while so I don't know if the newer tools will hold up.

Will I go out and buy custom tools? Yes, if and when I can afford them. I've drooled over the new swivel knifes I've seen and would love to try one, someday. I appreciate everyone's opinion, because I know ya'll are compassionate about your work and that you want to give the customer the best product that you can. However, I am not at that point and will try to do the best with what I have.

Please keep inspiring me, I've got a long way to go...... LoL.