Different types of blades

[jettrash]

Hey folks.

I was wondering what the advantages and disadvantages are between the straight, the filigree and the angle blade for the swivel knife?

Which do you use most and why?

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[hidepounder]

I'll bet you get a lot of different opinions on this subject jettrash! I use a variety of different blades for different applications. The three most common being:

1) 1/4" HG angle blade (by Bob Beard), in a 3/8" Henley knife. This is the blade I probably use the most. I use it for cutting flowers and generally small Sheridan style work. I also have a Henley blade like this that I like very much.

2) 1/2" HG straight blade (by Bob Beard), in a 1/2" Beard knife. I use this for general cutting on medium to large size patterns, and for long sweeping cuts on Sheridan style patterns.

3) 5/8" HG straight blade (by Bob Beard),in a 5/8" Beard knife. I use this for cutting straight lines like borders. I also use this blade a lot on larger patterns.

I like Bob Beard blades because he uses a really hard steel and I don't have to sharpen as frequently as I do other less expensive blades. Also, I can custom order them and get exactly what I want. They are a little pricey. I also like Henley blades very much. I hear a lot of good thing things about the ceramic blades, but have never used them....and probably won't, for two reasons. First I know how to sharpen blades and secondly the ceramic blades are very fragil...if you chip a tip, the blade is history.

In addition to the three blades mentioned above, I use a 3/16" wide, angled filigree blade (by Bob Beard), that is less than 1/16" thick, for doing very small, fine cutting. I also use 1/4" Peter Main blade (manf'd by Henley) with a very slight angle that is designed for cutting in 2-3 oz leather. It really works great for finger carving in light leather. Occasionaly I will use a 3/8" HG straight blade (by Henley) for small general carving.

For me, no one blade fits the bill. I think that the more you tool, the more you begin using different knives and blades in an effort to acheive better results. However, the most important thing about a swivel knife blade is, that it is sharp...and is practiced with...a lot!

Edited November 26, 2008 by hidepounder

[carr52]

I'm extra fond of my angled 1/4" ceramic. It's like cutting through butter.

Tom