Al Stohlman Swivel Knives From Tandy

[pearlheartgtr]

I'm very new to leathercraft and bought an old (very old) starter kit off ebay for $10. It came with the basic stamps and a swivel knife. Needless to say, the knife has seen its days. It squeaks when I turn it. I know I can probably lube it, carefully, but it also grinds when turned.

Since I have a business account with Tandy, I was wondering what anyone thinks of the Al Stohlman swivel knives. I can get the stainless steel one for $36.00 (retail $64.99)or the leather handle for $65.00 (retail $129.99). How it looks isn't important. I'm looking for performance. But if there's anything better within those price ranges, I'd be glad to check them out. The Lancer looks to be in my price range, but I'd like people's opinions.

Stainless Steel

Leather Handle

[dustin29]

I use a Barry King swivel knife and I love it! It is smooth and stays sharp for a long time. I think it costs around $45.00 with one blade, and additional blades cost $15.00. I think you would be pleased, but It is the only professional grade knife I have ever used.

[Hilly]

I know, the ones that come in the "starter kits" are pretty crummy. I have one that doesn't spin more than once. Saved my money and bought an "Old Smoothie" from Chuck Smith. Also got the colbalt Sheridan style blade. Blade is nice and sharp, and the swivel knife spins and spins and spins. It's like knight and day compared to the Tandy swivel knife. I love using it.

If I were you, I'd save my money, go to a leather show, and test drive them all. Find something you're comfortable using. Just my $0.02.

[cgleather]

I took a look at the Stolman knife and didn't care for it. I think you will get more bang for your buck with one of the other makers. Spend the money on a good knife and blade if nothing else, it is the heart of your carving. Berry King makes good ones, Chuck Smith as well. I have Robert Beard Knifes and blades, I love them and would not trade them for anything in the world. Bob isn't making knifes at this time due to issues of parts for them. He still makes blades and I think they are the best around they start around the $45.00 range. Look around at one of the trade shows if you can make one so you can handle different knifes and see what you like.

[King's X]

I have just about every swivel knife on the market and my two favorite is Leather wranglers SK3 (Al Gould model) and my ol'smoothie 3/8" barrel with the cobalt blade. Spend the money, you won't be disappointed. I have both Stohlman knifes and the only thing that I do not like is that there is almost no grip to them because they are cast. I also have the Hide Crafter's stand knifes and they are really good for the money.

Good luck

[WyomingSlick]

I am in agreement with one of the posters above that you shoud wait untill you can do a "hands on" comparison between differant models. If the yoke on yours is dragging, then simply pop it off......it is only held on by a snapring if it's a standard Craftool model. Polish up the stem with some crocus cloth, rinse with WD-40, wipe, and apply just a very small dab of Vaseline or graphite grease to it, and reassemble. Take some time and practice with your knife so that you are very sure what you are looking for when you decide to "step up" to a higher priced model. A lot of very good work has been done with no better knife than what you have, but it was done with a sharp, stopped blade in properly prepared (cased) leather by craftsmen who had put in the practice time to become proficient at it. It won't make a big differance to invest a lot of money in a knife if you don't invest some money in some scrap leather and practice, practice, practice.

[pearlheartgtr]

Thanks guys. The knife I have is the standard Craftool and pretty beat up. It's not worth the trouble of taking apart and trying to fix. I also don't see any leather craft events anytime in the near future in my area (Long Island, NY) to take any knives for a test drive.

I've been accumulating sites for the other knives you all have mentioned (after reading previous posts on the subject before I posted) and will probably be picking up one of those.

Thanks again!

[pearlheartgtr]

I want to take the time to clarify something because I received a pm earlier from this topic that really rattled my cage.

I know that buying an expensive tool (and I don't think $36-$50 is expensive for a quality tool) isn't going to turn me into a prodigy carver overnight. I know it takes a lot of time and practice (I'm a tattoo artist and can attest to hundreds of hours of practice before ever touching needle to skin).

I'm reluctant to disassemble the knife I currently have because I DON'T KNOW HOW TO. Plain and simple. Maybe I'll mess with it after I get a new one so's not to screw it up and be left with nothing. And as I said earlier, it is old and beat up. Trying to fix a $5 knife simply isn't worth the trouble.

[Hilly]

I want to take the time to clarify something because I received a pm earlier from this topic that really rattled my cage.

I know that buying an expensive tool (and I don't think $36-$50 is expensive for a quality tool) isn't going to turn me into a prodigy carver overnight. I know it takes a lot of time and practice (I'm a tattoo artist and can attest to hundreds of hours of practice before ever touching needle to skin).

I'm reluctant to disassemble the knife I currently have because I DON'T KNOW HOW TO. Plain and simple. Maybe I'll mess with it after I get a new one so's not to screw it up and be left with nothing. And as I said earlier, it is old and beat up. Trying to fix a $5 knife simply isn't worth the trouble.

If it's one of the inexpensive knives from Tandy, just grab the barrel in one hand and the top in the other, and pull. The knife should come apart easily.

These inexpensive knives are a great way to learn how to use the tools. Many people stick with them and are happy. No need to upgrade if you are comfortable and happy with what you have and the results you get.

[Spider]

I took my adjustable swivel knife and cut about 1/4" off the barrel length and re-tapped the hole. I personally like the shorter barrel for my hand and small detail. I have the Stohlman 3/8" leather wrapped and use it mainly for long lines like borders on straps for example. But I like it cause it's pretty. My main knife is the short adjustable I modified so go with what's comfy.