Issue With Thumb Prints/flowers

[5shot]

I have noticed when using the thumb print, that it pulls the edge of the flower petal down into the depression formed by the thumb print. This causes the Swivel Knife cut to get distorted and looks very poor, and I don't see this happening on the Youtube videos I have watched. I am new to this, so I am 99% sure it is something that I am doing.

I am using 8oz Holster Leather (what I use for most everything in the shop), which has been plated, so it is quite firm.

Could this be a casing issue? Leather Type? Or?

Thanks

[Early2rise]

Usually, the thumbprint will push and round out the edge, not pull it in. Are you making your initial swivel knife cuts deep enough? And is the knife actually cutting or could it be only making a deep crease? I've seen dull knives do that and it looks like it's cut but the top layer never actually gets broken. That's all I can think of right off hand.

Btw, I had nothing but problems when trying to tool inferior leather. I always thought I just was never gonna improve. Then I finally tried Hermann oak and everything fell in place. I still have LOTS of improving to do but the leather really makes a difference.

Edited February 1, 2014 by Early2rise

[5shot]

Leather quality isn't the issue, but it isn't skirting leather either (so maybe it just isn't ideal for tooling). I use W&C, and I actually prefer it to Hermann Oak for my holsters. I order direct from the tannery, not purchased from a distributor.

Swivel knife is a Chuck Smith with a Cobalt Blade and it cuts. I would guess my cut is about 1/3-1/2 of the leather thickness - I don't give a ton of pressure on the knife, but I am definitely not just scratching the surface.

When you mentioned that you have seen them push out instead of pull in, it got me thinking...On the first strike of the thumb print I tilt the tool back, so that only the heel is used and strike towards the center of the flower, flat on the end of the tool. Maybe this is my issue.

[electrathon]

Pictures would really help here.

When you mentioned that you have seen them push out instead of pull in, it got me thinking...On the first strike of the thumb print I tilt the tool back, so that only the heel is used and strike towards the center of the flower, flat on the end of the tool. Maybe this is my issue.

That is a perfect description of proper use. You tilt it and use about the first 1/4 of the tool on the first hit, then straighten it slightly and use about 2/3 of the tool on the next hit. This gives a curved impression that has depth.

[5shot]

Pictures would really help here.

I will get one up today if I can get the lighting and angle correct to show what I am talking about.

[5shot]

Here's the pic. You can see how the swivel knife cut, adjacent to the thumbprint, is wider than the lobe without the thumbprint. The leather around the thumbprint is also below the surface of the rest of the piece, having been pulled down into the depression.

Maybe that's just how it is, but I have not really seen this on the videos I have watched (did I mention that I am just learning this stuff?). I cased this piece overnight in a plastic bag, and did not cut or stamp it until the surface color had returned to its original shade.

Edited February 5, 2014 by 5shot

[Early2rise]

I bevel first so it's hard to say. But, either that's a dark piece of leather or it's WAY too wet to be tooling.

[5shot]

It's dark leather...as mentioned in my last post, it was left to dry back to it's natural color. I don't use any of that really light leather...mine is all a russet color. You can also see that the thumbprints burnished the leather, which won't happen when it is wet. I am new to Sheridan Style carving, but have been doing leather work for 10+ years.

Edited February 5, 2014 by 5shot

[Early2rise]

Ok I see. Since I do things in a different order, it's hard to say whether mine does that or not. But I will try next time and see what happens. As long as it looks good when you're finished, that's all that really matters.

I've only played around with the russet color a few times. I like the look but I haven't found a project that I think it would go good with yet. Here's a small piece I was messing around with quite a while ago.

[electrathon]

I am glad you posted that because I thought you meant the cuts were closing, not opening. I see no problem here at all. You are going to end up beveling around the flower and it will hide any difference in line variation that is there. Your cut lines look good.

[5shot]

I am glad you posted that because I thought you meant the cuts were closing, not opening. I see no problem here at all. You are going to end up beveling around the flower and it will hide any difference in line variation that is there. Your cut lines look good.

Thanks...I just didn't know what to expect.