Newbie Looking For Tools

[Mijo]

When I started out all I bought were Tandy tools and over time i've slowing been replacing them with osborne tools (i.e. bevelers, needles, awl, chisels, etc.). IMO, osborne tools are the next tier up from Tandy and when I need to I'll replace those and move up another tier (i.e. Barry King, Douglas, etc.). I don't regret buying the tandy tools as that's all I could afford at the time and i really didn't know what else was out there, this was before I discovered this forum.

I've read posts from other forum members, in other threads, suggesting to save up and spend the extra money on better quality non tandy tools and to some degree I would I aggree with those posts. However, I feel a got my moneys worth out of those tandy tools as I was just learning how to use them and now I can really appreciate the difference in the quality of the tools.

If your interested in Osborne tools checkout, http://www.campbell-randall.com/ , they carry a pretty wide selection and in most instances cost less than if you are buying the same tool directly from Osborne.

[BevJones]

Sean,

If you are not sure you wil stay in leather, by all means, Tandy is a place to start. If you know you are going to stay with it, buy the better quality tools. I would recommned that there is one item you should spend the money on that is worth it's weight in gold and that is a good round knife for cutting thicker leather.. Keep in mind that these are just my opinions and there are a lot of vendors out there and a lot of good people on this site that can help you. Bruce Johnson is well known and a wealth of information on this site and as said, he may have some tools for sale.

I do have some tools I could sell you that I used but have now replaced with better tools if your interested Bev at DB Jones Saddlery, 715-896-3367

Recommend getting a subscription to the Leather Crafters & Saddlers Journal - leathercraftersjournal.com. I learned a lot from this magazine as well as attending the classes at it Sheridan WY trade show. Well worth the trip!!

For stamping tools - Barry King at barrykingtools.com As far as craft tools, look for the older ones, they will have just the number on the handle without the letter in front of the number. Those are the better ones. Also, if you stumble upon any old McMillen's or Gomph Hackbarth's in garage sales, buy them. They are worth a lot of money and are real gems too!

Swivel Knife - check out Paul's at leatherwranglers.com

Round Knife - Terry Knipschield at knipknives.com

Douglas Tools has some of the better older tools and I love getting the old awls from them. The new ones made now don't seem to work as well as the old ones.

If you get into the sewing machines later, if you come across a Juki or a Cobra, they are good machines.

For other items, I use Springfield Leather a lot and some stuff from Weaver. Ohio Travel Bag for hardware and Timco for conchos are good too..