Craftool Pro Stamps/tandy Sale

[AllAroundRider]

Not really sure where to post this but I got the flyer for the Tandy sale that started today and when looking at stamps to add to my collection I noticed the Pro line ones are $18 with the gold memebership, I can't afford very many but I am wondering for those that do a lot of floral carving/tooling which ones can't you live without? I still only have the basic stamps that came with the Tandy Deluxe kit and I have been getting by ok but I would like to see about stepping it up.

Also what kind of knives do you like to use to cut out the actual leather? I have just been using a scissor but wondered about getting a trim knife or something as I have to cut a lot of curves.

[Bob Blea]

I've looked at the new stamps and they look good, I also have read a few comments here that they are pretty good. On sale they probably are a good buy, though when not on sale in general the Barry King tools are cheaper. If I were upgrading the first things I would get would be bevelers. They are the most important good tool you could have. Next would probably be the undershot bevelers or petal lifters, as they are pretty important to getting the Sheridan style leaves and flower petals. Also, I think my floral work got a lot better once I discovered what a center shader could do. Add to that a good veiner and you are probably all set for a lot of things.

For knives, depends on how much you want to spend. I started with a tandy round knife a year later I bought a Leather Wranglers round knife and found out how unsharp my tandy one was. The Tandy knives, especially when on sale, might be a good place to start IF you can sharpen them properly.

Hope this helps,

Bob

[electrathon]

I agree with Bob. Bevelers. The regular craft tool bevelers are completely misshaped, the new pro ones are pretty good. Not as good as Barry King, but are decent. If I was grading, Barry King is an A, the new pro tools are a B and modern craft tools are an F, a low F at that.

[AllAroundRider]

Thank you both for the help! I feel like I spent a small (large for me) fortune on tools and leather this weekend but hopefully I can get some projects done and make up for it.