Help Picking Out A Stitching Chisel/iron

[tossik]

Hi everyone,

I have been reading the forums for a while now, and been slowly practicing leatherwork. Thank you all for your posts, makes learning so much easier!

I have a question about stitching irons. I want to buy one but with so many options and styles, I dont know what is right. I know that Vergez Blanchard Pricking Irons are the best, but I cannot afford $200 per iron. I went on ebay and saw these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/White-Steel-Stitching-Lacing-Punch-Chisel-Sets-2-5-10-prong-tooth-leathercraft-/181412079460?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a3d00a764

Has any one tried them before? are they any good? is there any other kind I should get? Should I get diamond style or flat?

I am mainly doing modern style wallets with this thread, some knife sheaths, bets, and dog collars.

Please help!

Thanks!

[Basically Bob]

I certainly don't have any issues with the Dixon irons I have been using

[DavidL]

The difference of dixon to vergez is the vergez prongs are hand shaped (which is why the price is more).

I have dixon and vergez, vergez is better. With dixon you can shape the prongs with a sharpening stone and needle file to get the proper size.

From dixon factory they can sharpen by machine to get a smaller size prong.

[Camerius]

I'm using the Seiwa pricking irons from goodsjapan.jp, and quite like them. Maybe have a look at those?

[Not Awl Together]

I've been using the C.S. Osbornes in 6, 7, 8 spi. and pricking wheels with a sharp diamond awl for finer work.

IIRC, the Osbornes are priced around $50-$60 U.S. apiece.

[Hi Im Joe]

You should first decide what type of iron you want.

The vergez, dixon, and osborne irons mentioned in this thread are meant only to mark the leather. You then punch your holes with an awl.

The japanese ones (I have a Seiwa that I absolutely love) are meant to be punched straight through the leather and actually create your holes.

If you decide on the former my vote is for the Osbornes. American made and much less expensive than the alternative.

However, I have both the Osborne and the Seiwa and I think the Seiwa is much more effective for someone who doesn't have a ton of experience with hand stitching.

Its just more consistent. Which leads to better stitching.

[Macca]

Only issue with the Seiwa is you can't get small ones, if you want a decent SPI you are stuck with the marking/awl types.

I don't think Osborne do very high SPI irons either.

One comment regarding the dixons, you have to ask for thin teeth on the lower SPI tools, dixons teeth get thinner the higher SPI so make sure you tell them what you want, they will finish them to your requirements at no extra charge ( dixons are hand ground, just like the Blanchards, not sure where the idea they are machine made came from)

[Not Awl Together]

Just curious,

What is the height of the dents the Dixons or Blanchards make in the 8, 9, or 10 spi ?

You are correct about the Osbornes not going into higher spi's..... 8 spi is it to the best of my knowledge.

I'm interested in possibly going to Dixons at some point down the road in the higher spi's

Thanks,

N.A.T

[tossik]

As a beginner that will be making wallets and belt, what spi iron would you guys recommend I get?

[Macca]

Just curious,

What is the height of the dents the Dixons or Blanchards make in the 8, 9, or 10 spi ?

You are correct about the Osbornes not going into higher spi's..... 8 spi is it to the best of my knowledge.

I'm interested in possibly going to Dixons at some point down the road in the higher spi's

Thanks,

N.A.T

I'll check when I'm back in the country later in the week (out on business at the mo)

I have dixons in 7,8,9 & 10

I use a wheel for 12 & 14, will be getting the 12 irons soon, sadly they don't make 14's any more so stuck with the wheel.

As a beginner that will be making wallets and belt, what spi iron would you guys recommend I get?

Depends what look you are going for... Refined classic euro

Or the chunky rough American

JUST JOKING !!!!!!!