Suggestions

[charlescrawford]

I have one of the small 3" Stohlman round knives from Tandy which I love the size but it's hell to keep it sharp enough to cut patterns out for holsters and such. Every 3-6 inches of cutting I have to restrop. One of my friends told me I should look at Greyghost or LR knives but both are well over a $100 and being on disability makes that price is a bit much for my budget. I am selling stuff but it's very hit and miss and not very consistent yet.

I know Zack White tends to have good prices on tools and being from my home state of NC I try to send money there way when I can. They have 2 different Osborne knives one grey handle and a bigger one that has a wooden handle. The guy that guns a mobile knife sharpening business told type of metal is key with round knives. Cheap metal from the Middle East won't hold an edge for this type of work and will have to be ground daily.

He carbon steel is the best which I doubt I can afford right now but something out there has to be in a more affordable price range. Any thoughts? The Osborne knives at Zack White are $50 and $65

[TXAG]

I am on disability too. When there is a tool I need to buy, I usually just save up a little longer and buy the best one I can get instead of buying a cheapie one and having to replace it five times.

[charlescrawford]

I am trying to save for one of the Cobra machines but even that is proving to be a losing battle with a teenage daughter and and soon to be teenage daughter in the house. Makes things interesting

[chiefjason]

I picked up an Osbourne from Springfield and I have been very pleased with it. I would say I have to re strop after cutting 2-3 holsters out. I can cut more when I'm cutting bridle. Strap leather seems to dull it more. Probably the wax in the bridle helping me out.

I rarely have to sharpen it on the stone. And then just on the finest one I have. The strop keeps it running well for me.

As a possible cost saver, try stropping your current knife on 800 or 1000 grit sandpaper before going to the leather strop. It's worth a shot, but I find it actually polishes the edge too much on my Osbourne. It's sharper but actually harder to use. Seems that the small cuts from the stone let it pass through the leather better. I use the sandpaper on my skivers though.

[renegadelizard]

If you are making holsters, you need to call bruce johnson and get one of his old pattern knives he usually has for sell...they typically run in the 100-140 price range, but you will not find better knives...they are all really old knives, and the steel they are made from is top notch, not like the stuff made today...especially the new osborne stuff...i too fought with a new osborne for awhile then bought a pattern knife fro bruce that was made in 1836...i didnt know the meaning of sharp until i got this knife, and it holds an edge forever...20-30 passes on the strop when its dull restores its hair splitting edge...do yourself a favor and buy once and be done..

[charlescrawford]

I picked up an Osbourne from Springfield and I have been very pleased with it. I would say I have to re strop after cutting 2-3 holsters out. I can cut more when I'm cutting bridle. Strap leather seems to dull it more. Probably the wax in the bridle helping me out.

I rarely have to sharpen it on the stone. And then just on the finest one I have. The strop keeps it running well for me.

As a possible cost saver, try stropping your current knife on 800 or 1000 grit sandpaper before going to the leather strop. It's worth a shot, but I find it actually polishes the edge too much on my Osbourne. It's sharper but actually harder to use. Seems that the small cuts from the stone let it pass through the leather better. I use the sandpaper on my skivers though.

[charlescrawford]

Thanks for the sand paper idea. I never thought of that! I got some at autozone to try as burnisher for edges. But didn't really work to my liking still looking in that department...lol

If you are making holsters, you need to call bruce johnson and get one of his old pattern knives he usually has for sell...they typically run in the 100-140 price range, but you will not find better knives...they are all really old knives, and the steel they are made from is top notch, not like the stuff made today...especially the new osborne stuff...i too fought with a new osborne for awhile then bought a pattern knife fro bruce that was made in 1836...i didnt know the meaning of sharp until i got this knife, and it holds an edge forever...20-30 passes on the strop when its dull restores its hair splitting edge...do yourself a favor and buy once and be done..

[charlescrawford]

Is Bruce Johnson on here , on EBay or does he have a website? Where is he out of? I have a friend who get gets some of his from a guy who gets stuff from auctions, estate sales, or saddle shops that have closed. I think he is in KS though.

[TXAG]

He's on here. He has a website too.

[camano ridge]

Bruce Johnson is out of Oakdale CA. here is his web site. I would recomend giving him a cal or email tell him what you are looking for. He is very knowlagble and helpful. http://brucejohnsonleather.com/content/index.php/leather_tools_for_sale/