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I do most of my leather cutting with a razor knife, in addition to often having to make multiple passes, I find that while trying to closely follow the outline of the holster and components, I end up angling the knife, creating a beveled or irregular edge, tapering toward the tip of the blade.

Does anyone tips on how to avoid this problem?

Thanks.

"When I was young, I looked like Al Capone but I lacked his compassion." - Oscar Levant.

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Posted
  On 8/6/2010 at 7:00 PM, Deanimator said:

I do most of my leather cutting with a razor knife, in addition to often having to make multiple passes, I find that while trying to closely follow the outline of the holster and components, I end up angling the knife, creating a beveled or irregular edge, tapering toward the tip of the blade.

Does anyone tips on how to avoid this problem?

Thanks.

I had the same problem until I switched to a round knife, and now there is just a little taper and I sand that out anyway.

Website: Wasteland Leatherwork

Collaboration Projects: The Wasteland Crow Project

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  On 8/6/2010 at 10:23 PM, NoahL said:

I had the same problem until I switched to a round knife, and now there is just a little taper and I sand that out anyway.

Looking at round and head knives, they look freaking huge for cutting leather pieces accurately...am I missing something?

I've never used one so now I am curious...

Chris

Three Mutts Customs Leather - http://www.threemuttscustoms.com

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Posted
  On 8/6/2010 at 11:42 PM, Spinner said:

Looking at round and head knives, they look freaking huge for cutting leather pieces accurately...am I missing something?

I've never used one so now I am curious...

To a beginner the round knives can be intiminating. These knives come in various sizes and have different applications, that vary from skiving to pattern cutting, to filigree., a smaller knife serves well for cutting leather straight or curved. The knife needs to be very sharp and maintained that way.always practice safe work practices cutting away from your self and keep fingers clear of your cutting path. These knives take practice to master but is woth the learning curve as they are designed to cut leather.

steve

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Posted

Try a hobby knife. The small, ultra sharp blade cuts easily, and is much easier to maneuver than a razor utility knife.

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Posted
  On 8/7/2010 at 1:27 AM, gregintenn said:

Try a hobby knife. The small, ultra sharp blade cuts easily, and is much easier to maneuver than a razor utility knife.

Are you talking about an X-Acto knife?

X3202.jpg

"When I was young, I looked like Al Capone but I lacked his compassion." - Oscar Levant.

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Posted (edited)
  On 8/7/2010 at 1:47 AM, Deanimator said:

Are you talking about an X-Acto knife?

X3202.jpg

That's it! That one even has my favorite blade shape for cutting leather.

Edited by gregintenn
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Posted
  On 8/7/2010 at 1:50 AM, gregintenn said:

That's it! That one even has my favorite blade shape for cutting leather.

That's what I use to cut out fine details (like small slots) in patterns and on components. I don't think it ever occurred to me to try to cut entire pieces from a hide using it. I take it you would need to make multiple passes.

"When I was young, I looked like Al Capone but I lacked his compassion." - Oscar Levant.

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Posted
  On 8/7/2010 at 2:03 AM, Deanimator said:

That's what I use to cut out fine details (like small slots) in patterns and on components. I don't think it ever occurred to me to try to cut entire pieces from a hide using it. I take it you would need to make multiple passes.

No. I hold the leather at the edge of my work bench with my drawn pattern hanging off the edge. I hold the loose edge with one hand while I hold the exacto knife in the other, straight up and down, and with a gentle up and down motion, I cut along the lines of the pattern. It doesn't have to be perfect. After I glue the holster, I trim the edges with the same knife, and then sand them. It may be unconventional, but it works for me. I can't wrap my mind around how to use one of those round knives without wasting a lot of leather.

For belt slots, I cut the ends with a 3/16" hole punch. Then I draw lines from hole to hole, front and back, where the slot goes, and cut along the lines with the exacto knife. It is actually the only knife I use. I have even cut belt blanks out of double shoulders with it.

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