Using The Half-Round Knife

[Ola Lindberg]

I´m looking for some sort of manual or other instructions on how to work with a half-round knife. Can anybody help me?

[Randy Cornelius]

I would reccomend the stolhman book on leather tools, There he has several good tips on how to use the knife and how to sharpen it as well as a lot of the other leather tools you will use. I can give you a few tips here.

1- DON'T PUT ANYTHING IN FRONT OF THE KNIFE YOU DON'T ENTEND ON CUTTING OFF! most importaint is fingers.

2- If you drop the knife, let it fall and do not try to catch it. Just step back and pick it up after it gets through bouncing around.

3- Push the knife with your upper body, with your elbow tucked in next to your body, Because when the knife slipps it will not go far with your arm tucked in next to your body.

4- Sharpen it, learn to keep it sharp, strop it like you would your swivel knife, every time you pick it up.

5- Always push the knife away from you, never pull it toward you.

6- make a sheath for your round knife and keep it there unless in use.

I am sure I have left something out. Everyone should chime in on this one with your tips and things you do with your round knife to keep things in the shop safe.

Randy

[particle]

This has been posted elsewhere on this site, but it's worth posting again.

[Fredo]

I think it's been covered by the first post. Most importantly stay behind the knife. It will cut you, the blood coming out your finger will ruin any leather you're working with.... Ask me how I know.