Best tool for cutting out scalloped pieces?

[RunningRoan]

I am needing to cut out a shaped (scalloped) noseband for a halter. Not the tiny, border scallops though, I will be putting 1" or larger conchos on this noseband and I want the noseband to be shaped around the conchos. I have tried my angled utility knife cutter which works great for straight cuts, but it is too hard to manuever to neatly cut the scallops. Also tried leather shears, no luck with those either.

Is a head knife the right tool? Or maybe another knife with a finer blade than my utility knife?

[Brandon]

Grind a round punch to half moon?

[bruce johnson]

I use an old head knife that has been pretty used. Pretty short front to back and the tips are good. It maneuvers a little tighter than my bigger knives. Another knife I still use sometimes is a grapepickers knife I got at the local surplus/supply store. Basically a hook blade knife with good steel, like like a lino knife but smaller. You pull the knife and it gives me maybe a little more control on really tight curves. I used to cut a lot of shaped pieces with that grape knife. Now it seems like I am regressing and using older tools more and more. I use draw gauges more than my wooden strap cutter, the round knives more for other cuts, etc.

[badLoveLeather]

How about a Osborne No. 150 STRAP END PUNCH?

http://www.csosborne.com/NO150.HTM

Check it out!

[bruce johnson]

To clarify the question for me. Are we talking half round scallops or "flares" for the conchos to sit in? I guess I was visualising flares on a nose band. browband, cheek piece sort of thing. For regular half-rounds you can take a round punch and grind half off like Brandon said. Do it slow and keep it cool and it works. The end punches are not half round. They have longer legs that go part way down the straps to help line up. You can gring them off a little. Be aware though, some makers round end punch cutters also are not a true half-circle, but more elongated.

[JRLeather2]

this is my Starrett 5/16" half round punch, I am sure they make other sizes also....

[DCKNIVES]

I do it like Brandon said.I went to Harbor Freight and got a set of hole punches and ground off half of each.It works welll.Dave

[RunningRoan]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I'm thinking the head knife may be the way to go. I don't have one, but I should get one anyway.

I've included a pic of what I'm trying to accomplish. Shaping the leather around the conchos.

[tonyc1]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I'm thinking the head knife may be the way to go. I don't have one, but I should get one anyway.

I've included a pic of what I'm trying to accomplish. Shaping the leather around the conchos.

You shouldn't have any trouble cutting that shape with a round knife as long as it is sharp.

Tony.

[RunningRoan]

You shouldn't have any trouble cutting that shape with a round knife as long as it is sharp.

Tony.

All right! Gotta add one to my shopping list! Now keeping it sharp is another thing I'll need to learn. One thing at a time

Thanks everyone!

[Hennessy]

I use an old head knife that has been pretty used. Pretty short front to back and the tips are good. It maneuvers a little tighter than my bigger knives. Another knife I still use sometimes is a grapepickers knife I got at the local surplus/supply store. Basically a hook blade knife with good steel, like like a lino knife but smaller. You pull the knife and it gives me maybe a little more control on really tight curves. I used to cut a lot of shaped pieces with that grape knife. Now it seems like I am regressing and using older tools more and more. I use draw gauges more than my wooden strap cutter, the round knives more for other cuts, etc.

g'day bruce,i've used a plough guage all my life for straps,but sometime past i've turned the wooden strap cutter about n made a pusher out of it ,a li'l tricky but it works,room for modification i think but cheaper than a plough adios peter john

[Kowboyboots]

Check Triggs Leather for some new concho's if you haven't lately. They have some cool new ones.

RR, did you ever find the copper spots or rivets you were looking for?

I use surgical a lot of surgical blades to cut, but haven't tried cutting what you are doing.

kathy

[MADMAX22]

Just so ya know Tandy is having the Al Stohlman brand round knife on sale I think this week or very soon. Something like $29 or such. I think they are decent knifes.