Does The Swivel Knife Really Matter?

[LoyalNine]

Odd topic title I guess... But I just purchased a basic set of 7 or 8 craftools on eBay. It does not come with a swivel knife and I need to buy one. I was looking at my different options, new to old to beautifully expensive. Obviously I don't have a need for the latter but does the tool itself really matter or is it all about the blade? I see some old ones on eBay for $30 bucks and some others for $70. I have never even held a swivel knife and don't know if the tool really makes a difference or am I as well served by an old used craftool with new blade?

Also I see different sizes. Does that refer to the blade or the tool itself? Do many of you use only one or do you have a set with differing size blades?

[Ferg]

I have several, different size blades, straight and angled, different diameters of the barrel as well as lengths.

Buy the best you can afford and don't buy off e-bay.

Just my .02

Oh yes, the best definitely makes a difference in your work.

ferg

[King's X]

I suggest to my basic 7 carving class to try out as many as you can get your hands on to see what feels comfortable for you. I usually have all of the ones that Tandy Leather and allow each student try out each one. A couple of things to remember. You are looking for smooth and easy action in pushing, pulling and turning as you cut your lines. As for the blade, just remember that a sharp blade is a good blade. Now, I am not saying that all blades are equal because they are not! One of the most interesting things about new crafters is that somehow they believe that tools especially cutting tools are ready to go right out of the package. Mass produced tool are grounded and semi sharp to pass inspection, but they truly are not ready to cut. One of the examples that I do when I teach is to bust out new swivel knives out of the package and give my students a go at cutting leather. Then I introduce rouge and have the students cut leather again. As the students feel the leather cutting a bit easier, I explain to my student to imagine how their knives would cut if sharpen correctly? Then we introduce sharpening techniques that have worked for me.

People who have had some leather under their belts often ask me to suggest a swivel knife because they feel ready to upgrade. After asking a few questions, I usually suggest one simple upgrade so they can move up to their next level, a better blade. Price wise, the best blade upgrade that I can suggest is a Barry King blade at only $15 plus shipping, it is a great gamble rather then investing an arm and leg. Now, there are other blades that I would recommend like the Leatherwrangler's, Chuck Smith and Clay Miller, or Peter Main low angle blade if you are into figure carving items, but you are talking about a bit more investment.

In my opinion and I am far from an expert is that next to your pattern, your swivel knife cuts are second important step in creating beautiful art.

I hope this information helps you in making the right decision.

Good luck

[Northmount]

The top of the swivel knife should feel comfortable in to your finger. The cheap piece of flat curved steel is not comfortable as after a period of use, it feels like it's cutting into your fingers. I also find a larger diameter barrel is easier for me to use. Height should be adjustable, unless you know the height you need, and can buy that specific length. If you go into Tandy, look at the cheap versus more expensive and check how they feel in your hand. It's almost like trying on a glove, some obviously fit well, while others don't. And as above, need a good sharp blade, and strop often to keep it sharp to minimize drag while carving.

Different suppliers and grades of leather make a huge difference in how the knife cuts and how it feels while working with it. Better quality leather is a pleasure to carve. Tandy has cheap leather, and some nice import leather. If you are dealing with Tandy, get the nice stuff. You will enjoy it so much more.

Tom

[LoyalNine]

My goodness - Response to my question has been fantastic. It has answered my question for sure and then some!

Where I live is not exactly a hotbed of this sort of thing. I don't even know anyone that does leatherwork or if so where they could be found. I just don't have the opportunity to try these sorts of things out. I do like tools so I'll take the advice given on the BK blades. Ill prob order the whole knife from him as well as the price is manageable as lo g as I can slide it under the radar...

I am going to buy one to start. What size and style blade should be my first one. I can't afford 2 right now.

[King's X]

A couple of questions for you. what are you currently using? How does it feel for you cutting straight lines, curves and circles? This would probably answer your question for you. If not, I would (if you are comfortable) go with a 3/8" thin (for smaller projects) or regular width for medium to larger projects). Now, keep in mind, the 3/8" will take some getting used to especially if you are using an angle blade, but with lots of practice you will build your confidence and use it like a champ. If you are thinking of getting a BK swivel knife, but you cannot afford two of them.....consider a second blade especially if you are not sure. Good luck

[papaw]

I took the Paul Zalesak swivel class today and he says if you start with the straight blade and learn to use it, it will make useing angle blade easier and if you start with the angle it will be harder to pick up the points of carving with the straight blade harder. Also any long cuts with angle blade is harder than with the straight., just need to tilt the straight back farther. He is a pro and was using a 5/8 to do very small cuts. After watching him I tried my 3/8 straight blade and was shocked at how easy it was as I had used only the angle before. I have a BK 9/16 barrel and plan on going to 5/8 barrel soon because of my hands. the bigger the barrel the easier it is to control but the more you have to rotate it also, the smaller the barrel less control on some cuts but you also have to turn it lessin making the turns. That's what I learned today.

Edited June 1, 2014 by papaw

[LoyalNine]

Again thanks all for the input on this. I am currently not using a swivel knife at all that's why I was asking. it's all new to me. With the help of this thread (and the search function) I think I have decided on the BK 1/2" barrell with 3/8 flat blade. That seems to be a pretty standard size unless I am mistaken? I plan to order an extra blade as well. Should I get the 3/8 that comes with the knife in thick or thin?? And what should I get for blade #2?

I will mostly be practicing. Nothing too intricatee or huge to start off obviously.

[papaw]

call BK to order and he can talk about the second blade

[Chief31794]

I know this thread has matured and you got some great advice, I didn't see a plain answer to your question, "Does the Swivel Knife Really Matter", logically it does, if it didn't then Barry King and other tool makers wouldn't be able to sell swivel knives and all professional and amateur leathercrafters would be using Tandy basic swivel knives. Now, could Bob Parks carve beautifully with the basic swivel knife in the Tandy kit, absolutely, even the guys who work for Tandy Tony and George, use the higher end knives that Tandy sells (the Al Stohlman Professional Type). I would buy the best knife I could afford and learn to use it. It will last a lifetime, most people who start with the basic Tandy knife wind up buying a quality knife as some point. The roller bearings in the top are worth the difference in price alone in my opinion.

Just my $.02 worth,

Chief