What Should I Get?

[Texasknight]

So I'm still pretty new to leatherwork, but I've made a couple of holsters now, and a few other things. I received $200 for Christmas and I'm not sure what to spend it on. So think back when you first started doing leatherwork, what's the one thing you wished someone had told you to buy that made a big difference in your work? Any suggestions are appreciated.

---Jason

[drphil]

Hey Jason, If I were to do it over again, I think the first "big" tool purchase I would get is a leatherwranglers swivel knife. It has honestly made the biggest difference in the quality of my work and in the enjoyability of leatherworking. You dont have to strop them every four cuts. They are truly worth the money. So, if you are to only get one thing, go for a leatherwranglers sk-3 swivel knife. After that, I would go with a quality tapered maul (18 or 20 oz). Happy shopping!

[cem]

Jason what are you into if it's carving I agree with drphil a leather wranglers swivel knife would be a great choice I love my two. My other choices would be some beveling tools from Barry King or a maul from Bearman or Beary (that's my next thing to get).

If your not into carving though some good knives for cutting out leather would probably be a good choice.

Clair

[azrider]

Biggest change in my work was a pair of mauls from Bearman. I didn't realize how often I would use them, but they make a huge difference, even if I am just driving punches. I would get one in a 14-16 oz and one in a 20-22 oz weight.

[Phatdaddy]

Biggest change in my work was a pair of mauls from Bearman. I didn't realize how often I would use them, but they make a huge difference, even if I am just driving punches. I would get one in a 14-16 oz and one in a 20-22 oz weight.

I've just got the one, but I agree, my Bear Maul has made a huge difference in my tooling. I'm planning to get a second one.

Kevin

[CWR]

Buy a good round knife and some decent edgers. It doesn't matter if you tool or not, we all have to cut out leather.

Good luck,

CW

[Chavez]

Hi!

I'm also looking to invest in a good swivel knife.

SK-3 looks great and I guess if I cut my food & drink expenses for a couple of months I'll forgive myself for spending so much on my hobby=)

What size of knife/blade would you recommend? I have above average hands and I'm planning on learning sheridan style and general carving.

Thanks!

[Art]

Hi ?,

Paul makes a very good swivel knife. If you go to one of the shows he is attending, he will let you carve all day with different ones and you can make a decision. Wickenburg is only a month and a half away (Feb 9-11)

At least I think he as attending.

Art

Hi!

I'm also looking to invest in a good swivel knife.

SK-3 looks great and I guess if I cut my food & drink expenses for a couple of months I'll forgive myself for spending so much on my hobby=)

What size of knife/blade would you recommend? I have above average hands and I'm planning on learning sheridan style and general carving.

Thanks!

[Chavez]

Thanks, but, unfortunately, that's a bit to far away from me

[Art]

Ok then,

Buy the knife Paul recommends (call him or Skype him) and see if he will let you swap for another if it doesn't fit you. I have seen guys with DDD hands that use the smallest knife they can find and ladies with small hands who use knives that are quite large. It is purely a matter of taste and style. Some folks push instead of pull, and again it is what works for them. You are not going to stop with one swivel knife. Some do, but changing blades is a hassle, so more than one may be in your future. I have 5 or 6 or 7 of the same swivel knife that I have bought over time (at least they all take the same blades), but others change them up and buy a different one every time. So it doesn't matter in the long run, get something and build from there, Bob Beard, Paul Zalesak, Barry King, and Henley are all good knives. Henley knives a great, but they give me too many choices.

Art

Thanks, but, unfortunately, that's a bit to far away from me

[Chavez]

Thank you, Art.

How does SK-3 compare to Barry King's knife?

Would I, as a beginner, feel the $100 difference between them? Or is it a better idea to try and save the money for other tools (i only have a quality round knife, skiver and a v-race so far. The rest is basic-necessities craftool stuff)?

[Art]

Honestly, I am such a Bob Beard knife fan that I doubt I could be objective. I have a Barry King knife but no SK-3 to compare to. I like the BK, but would trade another BB for it in a heartbeat.

A Barry King knife and blade is way above what others who do darned good work are using. Mine is made of brass, which some folks just don't like. With swivel knives, it is all so darned personal, just dive in and get started.

The Henley is an excellent knife at a reasonable price made by a couple of good ol' boys down in Louisiana. And they knurl them fine, medium, or coarse.

Henley Manufacturing Co, Inc.

(318) 631-3545

4229 Pro St, Shreveport, LA 71109

Art

Thank you, Art.

How does SK-3 compare to Barry King's knife?

Would I, as a beginner, feel the $100 difference between them? Or is it a better idea to try and save the money for other tools (i only have a quality round knife, skiver and a v-race so far. The rest is basic-necessities craftool stuff)?