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Posted

I started with Tandy blades, found that a well sharpened one was about as good as a ceramic one. I used ceramic for a while till I was demonstrated the differance betreen the ceramic and a good steel blade. The drag differance was unmistakable. I now have a Henly blade. I almost cut through the leather the first time I used it the differance was so great.

I have never used a Ruby blade. My Dad has been doing leatherwork for 50 years. He told me he got a ruby blade once long ago. He loved it till it got dull and he thought he could sharpen it, bad mistake.

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Posted
I started with Tandy blades, found that a well sharpened one was about as good as a ceramic one. I used ceramic for a while till I was demonstrated the differance betreen the ceramic and a good steel blade. The drag differance was unmistakable. I now have a Henly blade. I almost cut through the leather the first time I used it the differance was so great.

I have never used a Ruby blade. My Dad has been doing leatherwork for 50 years. He told me he got a ruby blade once long ago. He loved it till it got dull and he thought he could sharpen it, bad mistake.

Ruby got dull?? I didn't think they got dull. Hmmm. I have one as well (ebay). It says on the instruction sheet that the only time it needs regrinding is if it gets damaged. It also says stropping is not needed, i do anyway, but it says it's not necessary.

Marlon

Marlon

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Posted

Many Thanks for all your comments.

I suppose that the result is 'Suck it and see'.

It would be great to try all these blades but, there always is a but, I live in a remote place in a forest in the north of England. If you could see the additional charges I face from customs and excise, boy, would your eyes water. This is along with gas at $9.80 for a US gallon.

My wife and I are off to Tucson in 10 days. We will be hitting the local Tandy store. I suppose that I will have to try the ceramic blades and come to my own conclusion.

Your comments have been most welcome.

Keep Karving.

Alan

Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.

H. L. Mencken

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Posted (edited)

all I know is that I've never had a ceramic blade drag because it was ceramic. I see lots of folks say that but I can only attest it to:

1- my blade is 20+years old and it had a better angle than some now made

2-the quality of leather is better and I'm very confident in my casing ability(when to cut it)

3-I can't comment on stropping because when I started in the 70's I was self taught and had never heard of rouge or sharpening. I just cut with it and if it dragged I cut harder or re-wet the piece!

The Henley is really sharp but the ceramic cuts like butter. Even better now that I strop it occasionally!!

ps- maybe I don't appreciate drag as my FIRST blade for 10+ years was a chipped ruby blade! I disn't know the difference!

Edited by pete
  • 4 weeks later...
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Posted

I have two ruby blades on ebay right now, just search keywords " ruby blades".

They came with a lot of tools I recently purchased. i prefer my steel angle blade. I did try my friends ceramic blade and think I will be buying one after selling the rubys. It cut thru the leather like a hot knife in butter.

Pam

  • 3 months later...
Posted

i have a ceramic blade but, never use it anymore.

i never had a problem with it just, don't use it anymore.

i also have 1/4" angle ruby blade that i never use.

rmhlogonew.jpg
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Posted

Hi All,

I bit the bullet and bought the Stohlman swivel knife and a set of Tandy ceramic blades.

At first I was doubtful as they were perhaps a wee bit better but no great improvement. They I gave them a serious stropping. What a difference that made. They are a treat to use. I even appreciate the white color as it helps with reflected light when doing detail.

Expensive but, to me, worth it. It was the stroping with a heavily charged strop that produced the noticable change.

Hope that this helps.

Al

Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.

H. L. Mencken

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