How do you cut?

[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