Keeping Edges Vertical?

[Deanimator]

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.

My clip attachment paddle is gluing up tonight and I've traced the holster body onto my leather. I'll sew the paddle tomorrow and cut out the holster body. I'll put in a new blade and give the X-Acto knife a try.

Thanks.

[TomSwede]

Stropping the blade with the same tecnique as for swivelkives will add more edge to youur exactoblade making it even easier to cut.

Tom

[NoahL]

I actually used an X-Acto knife before I got the round knife--the round knife is much easier. I still use X-Acto knives for delicate cutting (inside belt slots, trimming sheath mouths, cutting out integral belt loops, etc) but the main pattern pieces are cut out with the round knife now

[Deanimator]

http://www.acehardwa...2629220.1259386

I actually have this kit. The one with the grooved plastic handle seems easier to hold on to than the slimmer metal handles.

I had one of those in high school in the '70s for doing woodcuts and airbrush stencils!

[cstephens]

Back to head knifes, how good are Damascus blades? And does anyone suggest the hole in the blade for a finger rest? Seems like it could waste a lot of blade Down The road...

[dirtclod]

I've never seen or used a Damascus bladed knife so i can say anything about that. Never have used a knife with a finger hole either. My finger is down by the side of the blade when i cut.

[cstephens]

I've never seen or used a Damascus bladed knife so i can say anything about that. Never have used a knife with a finger hole either. My finger is down by the side of the blade when i cut.

here is what i mean, i dont have any experience and was looking at buying this knife for $75 plus shipping and didnt know if it was a good investment.

[dirtclod]

If the seller is close enough drive over and try it out. It looks like it is probley made by a knife maker because most companies don't use a full tang blade and handle. If it real Damascus i don't know. The real Damascus takes alot of work to make. Ask the seller if you can return it if you don't like in a reasonable time if you have to order it. $75.00 is pretty cheap for a hand made knife i think.

[Mike Craw]

Hey cstephens!

I've never used a damascus blade round knife, but the damascus belt knives I own are all pretty good steel. Seems like making one out of damascus is more an exercise in blade making than an improvement over regular carbon steel. As for the finger hole, if you strop often enough to work your way back to where that hole is, you must cut a hell of a lot of leather!!

Mike

[cstephens]

After reading this, i don't see how i can go wrong with it. I'll see if he'll give me a few days to try it and send it back if it dosen't work out. Worst case i feel like i could get back out of it for that price. Tandys damascus knives are 150.00 and not as nice.