How do you cut?

[Art]

Welcome to Leatherworker.net

When using a straight edge to guide the knife, I use a utility knife, but generally I make a line and then cut the line with a head knife. For Tight inside curves a clicker knife works very well and a punch of the correct radius works even better. The rotary tools are of for straights and big radius outside curves, but you usually have so much blade in the cut that it is hard to turn. A well sharpened and buffed or stropped utility knife can be a thing of beauty also.

Art

So, do you think the rotary tool is better than the utility knife with thick razor blade? When cutting with a metal straight edge, do you strongly suggest using a headknife? What are the benefits that would be seen in going with this type of knife over a rotary tool or utility knife?

[Prince]

It almost boggles my mind how shears/scissors aren't in the lead with like 70% of the votes but then again, my stuff is probably a lot different than the typical leather productions. Here are 2 pics of a current project in progress and you can see that there can be thousands of tight curves and complex cuts in a particular project. and each new suit requires dozens of brand new patterns.

First I draw a bunch of stuff out onto the leather, and then use one of those pocket folder style razor blades to cut out 'clumps' of the drawn out parts since it's easier to control and cut smaller pieces, and then I cut and trim everything finally with the shears. I've never even used a head knife but can't imagine it'd be useful for anything other than what my handy razor knife thing does. Same for the roller knife, can't see it being useful for my stuff.

Anyone have any contrasting thoughts? Maybe something else would actually be better for my kind of work?

[hivemind]

Azmal, I do a lot of the same types of stuff you do. I own a nice Osborne head knife, but I've never used it. All my cutting is done with either a utility knife, a strap cutter, or (90%) shears.

[oldskool]

Welcome to Leatherworker.net

When using a straight edge to guide the knife, I use a utility knife, but generally I make a line and then cut the line with a head knife. For Tight inside curves a clicker knife works very well and a punch of the correct radius works even better. The rotary tools are of for straights and big radius outside curves, but you usually have so much blade in the cut that it is hard to turn. A well sharpened and buffed or stropped utility knife can be a thing of beauty also.

Art

I see. I basically only do straight cuts, but still I want to try marking the leather and cutting with a head knife. I would be worried that I wouldn't maintain a perfectly straight edge without the guide.

[8thsinner]

Even with a tiny bit of practice you can get the hang of cutting a straight edge.

After several years of not doing leather work I can, and did, the other day get a nearly perfect straight edge using a camp knife on 2mm leather pulling towards me.

You really just have to have a steady hand and recognise when your going off a bit, just don't practice on good stuff.

[hidepounder]

I cut 90% with head knives...my favorites being Gomphs and W. Rose. I like the smaller blades and I take a lot of time removing the shoulder of the knife back about 3/4". Confidence comes with practice, of course, but with a sharp headknife it is reasonable to expect to cut straight never wander outside the pencil line. I also use a couple of small sharp straight knives...they look like parring knives....and for tight radius inside corners, I use a swivel knife first and then finish with a small straight knife. I think the saddlemakers will bear me out here...ounce you learn to correctly sharpen and use a head knive, you'll also find yourself skiving with one, which saves a lot of time and effort! Just my humble opinion.....

[escherblacksmith]

I use a reed knife I acquired from my wife when she got a new one.

Just keep it sharp.

[DJordan]

For straight and moderate curves, you can't beat the rotary cutter. This little tool will cut thru 8-9 OZ like hot butter.....

I concurrrr completely a rotary cutter and a drywall t square cuts like nobodies business!

Have you ever come across a pro quality rotary knife?

[Vikti]

So far I've had great luck with just a utility knife and a broad blade x-acto. I have a friend who is a knife/sword smith and I'm negotiating with him now to make me a custom head knife

[Go2Tex]

My round/head knives are my first choice for most leather. Cutting, skiving. A carpet knife works great for rough cutting parts. For trimming I use a small trim knife, one straight blade and one curved, purchased from Weaver. For those tight corners, I design the curve to fit one of my hole punches or strap end punches. It leaves a bit of clean-up work where the two cuts meet, but it's better than trying to get a round knife around it on thick skirting.

As for sharpening, I use a Galco sharpening system with the guide for the correct angle. It's the only thing I've been able to get a good edge with. I can shave with it. A strop board keeps all my knives nice and smooth between sharpening.

Straight lines are not a problem with a head/round knife. It does take a while on thick, firm stuff but you have the control and you can see where your cut is going. I find that pulling a knife is more difficult to control and I can't see where the line is going because it's behind or under my hand and arm.

Edited November 24, 2008 by Go2Tex