tossik Report post Posted June 4, 2014 Hi everyone, I want to buy a tool for cutting straps. I see that two main kinds are metal draw gauges and wood ones. What is better? Pros/cons for each? Or should I stick with a ruler and a sharp blade? Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Troy Burch Report post Posted June 4, 2014 I've only used the wooden one so can't help with the comparison, but it's a big time saver and much easier. Which ever one you get you'll be glad you did. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
snapmyfengerleatherwork Report post Posted June 4, 2014 If you are cutting thick leather for items like reins, the blades in the wooden-type tend to break as the thicker leather is being cut. The opening is not wide enough for leather over about 10 oz. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gump Report post Posted June 4, 2014 I have both the wooden Pro Strap Cutter and the metal one from Tandy, and I much prefer the wood one.I have no trouble cutting up to 12 oz. with the wood one. The metal one is more difficult to use, and the exposed blade can get you if you're not careful. The wooden strap cutter from Tandy is not as good as the pro strap cutter. Gump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
celticleather Report post Posted June 5, 2014 I've been using my wooden Pro Strap Cutter for about 38 years with no problem, and I regularly use it to cut 16oz oak-tanned bridle butt. I have a metal draw gauge, but there's too much blade showing for my liking!And Gump is right . . . compared to the Pro cutter, I think the Tandy version is rubbish. I bought one as part of a job-lot of tools, and soon found that the blade angle was wrong, leading to some expensive mishaps! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tossik Report post Posted June 5, 2014 Thanks for the advice guys, I'm trying to find the pro strap cutter but only see the Tandy version. Can anyone share the link the the pro one. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
celticleather Report post Posted June 5, 2014 Try this . . . http://leatherworksproducts.com/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Sioux Saddlery Report post Posted June 5, 2014 I like the OLD metal draw gauges for heavy work, and the wooden Strap Cutter for light stuff like saddle strings. The Strap Cutter blades break on heavy harness and skirting. I have several metal draw gauges set at different widths so when I'm cutting harness I don't have to change widths, but I have one that I'm partial to (my first one) so more often than not, that's the one I use for 90% of my work. Draw gauge blades have to be sharp enough to shave with, and have the right bevel on the blade or you'll ruin work. Getting the blade right is an art in itself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
