Beginner Wondering If Round Head Knife For Skiving Or Cutting?

[DavidL]

I personally haven't had an olfa blade bend out of shape - I have the 8mm 30 degree angle blade, roughly the same angle as above pic. The blade will flex slightly left or right (only in curves or if you push down hard) because of how thin the metal is and I find I prefer it to flex during tight curves instead of have it rigid although it will work either way. I think they also sell a 18mm carbon steel knife thats sharper, more rigid and more suitable for heavier leathers.

I believe olfa knives in 8mm are as thin as scalpel knives and will outcut a thicker knife. I always compare to what hermes uses because they always have the best tools and i seen a worker use a yellow snap off knife that looks like its most likely an olfa as yellow is a common colour they use. With the 8mm you can't put down heavy pressure like a round knife, japanese utility knife, or a thicker olfa knife. It can comfortably cut thin leathers like upholstery or 3-6 ounce veg in one pass.

One knife I been looking at is the tina shoe makers knife or kiridashi japanese wood knife they both have a single bevel and flat back and is very popular style of tool for pattern clickers.

[yoji]

DavidL: the svig type blades are nowhere near 30 degree. maybe craft type olfa blades can be closer to the svig type blades but still they are not optimal. i do own all these blades so i feel comfortable saying this. if the fact that the blade bends is what you prefer so you are happy with what you have. me, i am not happy with a blade that bends and cuts in a slight angle where i am joining two pieces together and need the to match perfectly without gaps in the edges.

i cried a lot after cutting with knifes which bent to me as you say in curves and learnt my costly lesson. well but at least i have some nice display products willed with leather filler paste and 10 coats of edge paint to hide that mistake