Mallet Dies

[Pounder]

Hello:

I just received my first custom mallet die and need some input.

Although the shipping receipt had prominent warnings about the sharpness of the die when put it to use it only marked the leather. For information the die is a 2 inch length by 1/2 wide cross and I am using it on 5/6 oz. leather. After several attempts to sharpen I was finally able to get a clean cut by using a small sledge hammer, is this normal with custom ordered dies? I have purchased belt end dies and have had no problem using a cheap polymer mallet with great results. I expected to have to sharpen the edges after a few cuts just like you strop a swivel knife but this seems rediculus.

Anyway, I would appreciate some input from others that have purchased custom dies, is this normal? I don't want to mention the company until I know more but at this point I will never do business with them again.

[Pounder]

Hate to bump my own post but I really would appreciate some input from people who have purchased mallet dies.