Need Some Info On Barry King And Wrangler Swivel Knives

[cem]

I am looking at buying a decent swivel knife now that I want to try more than just the traditional Australian way of just using modelling spoons when tooling and so have narrowed it down to these two (mainly because they are easier for me payment wise) but as I have no way of trying them out I need to get a little bit more info on them.

From what I have read they are both excellent quality knives but the trouble is I have quite small hands and would prefer something fairly light so would anyone be able to tell me how long the barrel is on both of them, what the complete length is (I'm not sure if they are adjustable or not) and what they weigh. Without being able to try them in person this is probably the best I can go off.

At the moment I have an old non adjustable Tandy knife and an adjustable Midas Nylon both with ceramic blades which I'm not that keen on. Out of the two I prefer the Midas as it's lighter, but it's a little too long even at it's shortest setting so it gets uncomfortable to use after awhile.

Also it's hard to tell from the photos on both of them but do they have fine or coarse checkering on the barrel this is mostly why I don't like the Tandy as I prefer a fairly smooth barrel.

Thankyou for any help

Cheers,

Clair

[terrymac]

I use a Leather Wrangler swivel knife and have been very pleased with the way it performs. It is light and is adjustable. If you would contact Paul at pabloz@leatherwrangler.com, I am sure he can give you all the information you need. I do know it is the sharpest blade I have ever used and holds an edge extremely well. Can't say much about the King knives, I have never used one. I do like his stamping tools. The Leather Wrangler knife is double the cost of what the Barry King is, but to me, it has been well worth the cost.

Hope this helps

Terry

[King's X]

Here is a easy one for you. I have a 7/16" Barry King with a 3/8" blade and I hardly use it. I also have a 1/4" Al Gould LW Special with a semi-coarse barrel and a 1/4' blade which started out as a straight blade, but I made it angled about 10 degrees...personal preference. Anyways, I pretty much use my LW for all purpose unless I am going to carve long lines and such. At which time I bust out my old Japanese 22mm barrel with a ceramic blade or my Al Stohlman 5/8" with a 3/8" blade.

For me! I really didn't like the BK knife, but love and use everything else he sells!

Paul is very good to work with and I am getting ready to order a 1/2" barrell knife from him with a grounded down 3/8" blade from him. I don't know what I will do with the rest of my knives??

Either way, good luck!

[BarryS]

I have two 3/8" barrel Barry King knives and love to use them when I am needing the smaller barrel. However saying that, I have had some problems with the yokes sticking. I talked to Barry in Sheridan during the show and he said that he figured out what was going on and has fixed the problem. When I did have problems with my yokes he sent me new ones out right away without any questions asked. I haven't used them lately, so I can't tell you whether or not the problem is fixed. I instead have really been using the crap out of my Chuck Smith Leathersmiths in 7/16" barrels. The smoothest knives that I have used. But to go with my Chuck Smith knives I use Barry King blades in them. I really like my knife blades to be thin and he makes them thinner for me when I request him to. Hope this helps out. Have a great day.

[Spinner]

I have 2 of Barry's knives and one of the standard Tandy knives with a BK blade in it. I preferred BK's handles because he had a larger size than most and in my previous hobbies I was used to larger, heavier tools. He also did the heavier knurling for me on request.

Haven't had a touch of problems with them and the blades hold a decent edge.

I suspect if you have small hands the LWs will be better for you, especially if they are adjustable. I have the larger BK knives and they have the longer barrel (4 inch overall length) that is .625 inch diameter and weigh about 3.125 oz.

The standard, non-adjustable Tandy knife (for comparison) is 1.25 oz. and 3.25 inches long overall with a .5 inch dia. barrel.

[ClayB]

I've got a shorter than normal knife from Barry that I thought I'd like because I've got smaller hands, but I don't use it much. I've got 2 of Paul's knives, and they the ones I use all the time now. If you call them, I think either Barry or Paul will be able to get you something that's the size and shape you want.

[Clay]

I have knives from Barry, Midas, Tandy, Henley, and LeatherWrangler. I must say that I use Paul's knife the most as it is always sharp and ready to go. The blades are very easy to keep sharp. The knurling on it is slightly coarser than the others and I feel that I can control the knife better. The cool colors that they are available in is kinda neat too! Mine is green.

ClayM.

[leatheroo]

Hi clair, dont forget Peter Mains swivel knife... he also accepts paypal....you can email him for the details, they are on his website...also his modeling tool is worth getting.

[King's X]

Speaking of Peter Main.....His thinned out blade would be something I would very interested in taking it out for ride! As for the spoon, I own them, but don't use them as much. Maybe I need to take a class from Peter cuz his stuff look awesome without beveler work.

Either way, Barry or Paul or even Chuck Smith.......You will not go wrong!

Enjoy

[Deb59]

Speaking of Peter Main.....His thinned out blade would be something I would very interested in taking it out for ride! As for the spoon, I own them, but don't use them as much. Maybe I need to take a class from Peter cuz his stuff look awesome without beveler work.

Either way, Barry or Paul or even Chuck Smith.......You will not go wrong!

Enjoy

I can't speak for Barry King's knives because I have never used one. I have a number of different knives from Tandy to Chuck Smith. I took a class on Swivel Knife Techniques from Paul at the Sheridan Show. He did not sell his item at the class, just showed how to sharpen your knives and work on technique. I did go to his booth and tried a Leather Wrangler out. I ABSOLUTLY LOVED IT!!!. The knife is light weight, adjustable, choice of barrell diameters, choice of yoke style. It cuts like butter! I got the slim barrel with the 1/8 " blade, and I plan to save up and pick up a 2nd knife with either a 3/8" or 1/2" Blade. (My daughter has inherited my Chuck Smith as she has larger hands with long fingers.)

Both makers are very reputible and I am sure which ever maker you choose, they will work with you to make sure you are happy with your choice. Good Luck