Clicker Knife

[CustomDoug]

I've been watching a few videos that show detailed pattern's (think fine Italian shoes and bags) being cut out using what looks like a thin handled knife with a long-ish pointy exacto blade. The handle of this knife seems to be shaped flat like a carpenters pencil. Anyone have an idea where I could get something like this? It looks good for very detail patterns in thin leather with lots of turns and corners. I'd be willing to try and replicate it if need be - I need to look into whether exacto makes long blades, or are there other (better) choices? The closest I came to finding a similar object in my searches, is a knife called a "clicker knife" but most of those have a thin hooked blade. Does anyone have any experience with those?

[KAYAK45]

The very term "clicker" goes back centuries to the sound made in cutting out leather for boots. A very good explanation is found in "Dictionary of leather-working tools, c.1700-1959 by R.A.Salaman"

Simply, any knife used to cut out PATTERNS in leather.

A long flat blade was used for longer cuts. As it was sharpened, a hook developed above the point and would do intricate cuts. The newer, flat blades where used for longer cuts.

Many, now use SURGICAL BLADES, which you may have seen. They would appear to be a pencil handle with a straight blade, that can be stropped for longevity, and are relatively inexpensive. By raising the handle, only the thin point is used for intricate cuts in thin leather, by lowering the handle the long length of the blade leads to straight cuts or gentle curves

Hope that helps.

Kevin

[ChuckBurrows]

Yes they are clicker knives and I use one a lot - they come with replaceable blades in both straight and curved (they are re-sharpenable as well)- The curved blades are great for cutting small to large curves. I wouldn't be without one...

There are two types - one takes shorter blades and the other longer blades

I prefer the longer bladed type - here's the handle by Osborne

http://www.campbell-randall.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=1_3&product_id=249

and the blades

http://www.campbell-randall.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=1_3&product_id=426

[Art]

Other options:

The traditional short clicker knife, Weaver 3" Leather Cutting Trim Knife# 65-2975.

They make a wooden handled one # 65-2976 that is further down the page, I prefer the blue handled one.

Weaver also carries an Art Knife #65-2866 that is further still down the page. Instead of the art knife, I use surgical scalpels in Numbers 10, 11, 24, 26, all the way up to PM 40 and 60. They are easy to use, come well packaged, are cheap, and will take your finger right down to the bone or further if you aren't careful.

Art

[CustomDoug]

@ Art - I know nothing of scalpels (imagine that ).. are there any handles that are similar in shape to a carpenter's pencil (which just seem perfect to me for some reason), or do you have a preference that you'd share when it comes to these things? It seems that blades are interchangable on some and and not so on others (are those just olders ones?). Thanks .

[CustomDoug]

There are two types - one takes shorter blades and the other longer blades

I prefer the longer bladed type - here's the handle by Osborne

Hi Chuck, I also like the longer bladed type more (from just a 'looks' standpoint) as it's more similar to what I've seen in those videos... Do those also fit into the handles posted? That seems like it would not be proportionate (long blade ,short handle). So, maybe there's another handle option? Or some DIY option - like wrapping pliable metal around it and flattening with a mallet. Freeze the following video at 19 seconds for a good look at what I'm looking for:

Edited August 24, 2012 by CustomDoug

[Art]

Doug,

There is a

No. 3 handle that fits the 10 or 11 blade (others too). The #11 blade is commonly used for filigree work and general cutting.

No.4 handle that fits the 24 or 26 blades and is a bit larger.

The above come in the standard stainless that can be autoclaved and also some crafter types that are bigger and have plastic handles.

Most of these handles and blades go pretty cheap on eBay, a lot of it is Chinese, and the quality is good. There are also Swann Morton handles and blades (English) that are higher in quality and more expensive.

I'll get some pics tonight and post them.

Art

[cdf]

Lee Valley tools have a scalpel system , takes #4 blades , spare blades store in the handle . Blades can be resharpened ( with care ) . Warren woodcarving tools make a very nice clicker knife , with replacable/resharpenable blades ( Lee Valley carries them too .

Chris

[CustomDoug]

...Warren woodcarving tools make a very nice clicker knife , with replacable/resharpenable blades...

Chris

If this is the one you're talking about from Warren https://warrencutlery.com/store/product-info.php?pid185.html, then that's a really good price to include 6 separate blades! I would prefer the longer handle ones though and I'm not seeing any on that site. Hmm at that price, maybe I "need" both kind .

[Chavez]

Hi Doug,

I've been using a cheap craft scalpel set with thin handles until i switched to clicker knives and I would recommend the "fat" handle of a clicker over a thinner "pencil" handle. Although I've got quite big hands.

I've got straight & curved osborne blades, one in an osborne handle and one in a slightly bigger Woodware rep. handle. The quality of the handle does not matter that much as long as it can hold the blade ok.

From what I understand, you are looking for a craft scalpel, which is 100% interchangeable with a clicker knife. Just make sure you can source curved blades as well as straight ones. And only buy top quality scalpel blades. I've had a cheaper blade snap at the base while I was cutting 8oz leather and the sharp blade flew right into my face and hit my glasses (lucky i was wearing them). This is less likely to happen to a clicker blade.

There are plenty craft scalpels on ebay.