Splitter/skiver Comparison - Heritage Vs Campbell Randall Vs ?

[simontuntelder]

I've decided that this year's Christmas present for myself is going to be a skiver/splitter. Mainly if not only to speed up the lap skiving process.

Therefore I think I've found two good alternatives in two different price ranges. So basically I'm looking for opinions, experiences on either machine or other alternatives to them both (not Tandy or in this case a used machine)

1. Heritage Leather Splitter (weaver economy)

http://www.sdtradingco.com/Splitters.htm

2. Campbell Randall Keystone copy

http://www.campbell-randall.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&filter_name=splitter&product_id=13842

There's a big price difference, but I don't mind paying for quality, but I just want to know, if I can justify the price difference. So help break it down for me.

Thanks

[Itch]

We have one of the Heritage Professional #65-6100 Leather Splitter/Skiver It is a solid machine and get's used a lot .. We thin a lot of belt ends down with it..

[simontuntelder]

Hi Itch, thanks for responding.

I thought about that one as well, however I believe it's even more expensive than the CR, but not that it's a problem.

I'll throw that one into the mix.

[Itch]

I would add that I know of 3 or 4 Amish shops that use the one that I mentioned , they pull some very Dry Harness and Bridle through theirs and that is why we purchased this one..

[oltoot]

If the price really doesn't determine then I would go for the Campbell. Or find another copy of the Osborne #84. They are multiple lifetime investments. Mine began life in Miles City, Montana in the 1910's and is still suitable to pass on to somebody else. And bigger blades are always easier to sharpen/strop than smaller ones. IMHO

[bruce johnson]

Another vote with OlToot. I've had one of the new Randall Keystones here that was good and wouldn't hesitate on recommending it. Blade is sharpened to better angle than the imports. I wouldn't look past a good old Osborne #84 either. An older one with a good blade is just what he said. If you are determined to buy new, look at the new Osborne #84s. I have now bought two 84 replacement blades to go on older 84s I have refurbished. I don't know what happened with Osborne but the quality decline on some of their other tools has NOT transferred over to the new #84 blades. They are bimetal blades that are really good and finished well. The only difference between new and older CSO #84 frames is they went with a smaller thread on the handle.

[simontuntelder]

Thanks for your valuable input. I sort of already knew that the Campbell Randall was the one to put my money on. I was just hoping for some extremely good feedback on the Weaver economy splitter (which I thought was US-made according to a seller) and would have saved me some money to put into other tools. However I'll contact Campbell Randall and get a quote.

AT Bruce, I went to see an older leatherworker who offered to sell me his Blanchard skiver, however the blade was dull at some areas and sharp at others and basically just warped. And that has also been my experience in the past, so I've decided to go with a new one in this case, though I wouldn't have hesitated buying one from you.

Are there any other good Keystone copies around?

[silverwingit]

Simon, I have the Heritage #65-6100 (Pro) splitter/skiver and am very happy with it. I think it compares nicely with my Saddle Maker mentor's vintage Osborne in its use and effectiveness. With any splitter you have some work to do on the blade to get it really sharp, but after that the mechanics of the different hand splitters are similar, with one key exception that I will get into. Splitting with a good one once the blade is sharp and adjusted properly is pretty straight forward. Be advised, though, that there is a fairly steep learning curve figuring out how to skive with one, but like anything else, practice makes perfect. Skiving with a hand splitter/skiver is like rubbing your tummy and scratching your head at the same time. Maybe you are more coordinated than I.

I can tell you one key thing about the economy Heritage model, and it's the reason I saved up for the pro model. The economy model lacks the pro model's locking stop feature. That makes it at least 10 times more difficult to use! With the locking stop, you can set the minimum thickness to be split to. This way you can start your split and use progressive pressure on the twist handle to split down to that minimum thickness as you pull the sample through. Then if you keep slight pressure on the handle the remainder of your split will be of uniform thickness thanks to that locking stop. Lacking this important feature means that you cannot mechanically set the minimum thickness; you must control it through the sureness of your hand. That makes it nearly impossible to split to a set thickness and it makes it so, so, so incredibly easy to just cut right on through and ruin your project.

My advise is to avoid the economy Heritage model. I think you would not be happy with it. I might also mention that the Tandy "Deluxe" Leather Splitter is roughly equivalent to the Heritage Economy Splitter in that it also lacks a locking stop. I'm afraid that, for me, it is worth paying extra for that one feature. You would ruin a lot of leather without it. If you look closely, That Campbell-Randall splitter also has a locking stop. I think you would do well with either the Pro Heritage or the CR splitter.

Michelle

Edited December 7, 2014 by silverwingit

[simontuntelder]

December got busy, and I still haven't ordered a splitter, but as I was browsing around, looking for one, I came across this auction.

Would this be considered a good deal?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heritage-Leather-Skiver-Splitter-/251777581359


I really appreciate everybody's input.

[oltoot]

Hard to tell, 12" claim is suspect but looks to be in great shape. I would try to find info on the new like this and decice from there

Edited January 6, 2015 by oltoot