Beveling Small Details

[Tree Reaper]

The work is good but it's overshadowed by your rudeness.

I've used craftool and Barry Kings tools and there is a difference between the two, I have both so I'll keep buying professional tools for repetitive work and still use some craftools occasionally.

As for the original question, if he's not happy with the results from the tools he's using regardless what they are he can always upgrade and make his own decision on what works best for him.

[JLSleather]

...YOU decide if you need it, or it's just someone repeating something they heard from someone who heard from someone ...

Pretty sure that's what I said.

AND, Aaron's correct -- the craftools currently for sale 'over-the-counter' are not the same ones available years back.

AND, you're correct -- I sometimes say things my own way. You don't really need to spend all that energy suckin' up if people know the leather will be done right. I leave the long-winded facebook/tweetybird/pinholer stuff to people who talk better than they carve.

Edited December 24, 2013 by JLSleather

[Cyberthrasher]

Wow, way to keep being arrogant. The OP ASKED if there was a better tool for the job and he was answered.

anyway - the Sheridan bevelers have steeper pitch and therefore allow you to MORE EASILY get into tight spaces without effecting the adjacent work.

You can use any tool you want, but the right tool for the job will yield the same results with greater ease and pleasure - allowing you to spend your time in other places.

[JLSleather]

Actually, I've seen yours. I think I'll just stop there.

[electrathon]

I view it like this. Mozart could likely have made great music from an out of tune piano. A average quality pianist could make good music out of a high end concert piano. But the high end piano will always be easier for the musician to play better music. And in the hands of a master, the high end will always be superior.

Many people never realize how much better their work would be if they used good tools since they have nothing to compare too. I have had people demonstrate to me that they did awsome work with Craft tools. I then pulled out a high end tool and showed them how much better their work would look. In general, if the person in into quality, they quickly decide they like the cleaner, crisper look better. I have had a couple tell me that the clairity/clispness is not of concern to them.

And the new Craft tools are BAD. The ones in the beginner kits are horendous. They are mis-shaped and leave muted impressions. The newer pro series tools are much better, and they are on sale for $15 each after Christmas. And yes, I am a tool guy. I have a lot of very nice tools

Aaron

[JLSleather]

Many people never realize how much better their work would be if they used good tools since they have nothing to compare too.

Aaron

Agreed. And tha's true of leathercraft in general, I think. So much crap out there, the new guy might actually think it's SUPPOSED to look like that.

I think i met that guy, doesn't care to improve anything. After all, somebody bought some of his stuff - maybe even more than twice - so why make it better?

I figure - each his own. Only irritates me occasionally when I see someone who doesn't know a "G" chord from a "C", trying to teach music (just to borrow your analogy for a minute).

[Cyberthrasher]

Actually, I've seen yours. I think I'll just stop there.

Why don't you put some ice on those internet balls before they swell up any bigger. Want my address?

[Tree Reaper]

This isn't that great if you tried to carve it.

I apologize if your kids did it.

[treybecca]

Ok this really has become a pissing contest.

In reply to the original post, I agree that tools are very important. However, a true Master of any craft can produce astounding works of art using just crayons. I personally did invest in some barry king tools, and while I love my mallet and swivel knife I do find myself going back to my vintage Craftools time and time again. The key word here is VINTAGE. You can get them for about the same price as new ones all the time on ebay and it's well worth it IMHO.

The biggest key I found in improving my own technique was perfecting the casing process. You could spend thousands of dollars on tools, and if the cow isn't ready to receive your blows, it won't make a lick of difference.

Here is an example of an artist doing what she does with the tools she has been given. She is Deakath on deviantart, she is French and I have talked to her about her processes. In most cases she uses small screwdrivers, modeling tools etc to get the look she is going for. Now this might not be your cup of tea for all you traditionalists out there, but she inspires me with every new post.