What Is The Point Of A Head/round Knife?

[zuludog]

Well. DoubleC, I hope I'm not guilty of your criticism

I tried to point out in my post that I haven't had the time or experience to learn how to use a round knife, nor the money to buy one, so for the work that I do a Stanley knife is good enough; though I try to use it as well as I can

A round knife is a better all-round tool, but trickier to use, and I respect anyone who can master it, or is trying to.

If that didn't come across very well, and if I've offended anyone, I apologise

I try to help anyone with what knowledge and experience I've picked up, but I admit that I tend to drone on a bit.

[JLSleather]

If someone can find where I said the OTHER guy shouldn't get a round knife.. I'll kiss yer... uhh.. nevermind. I did make light (twice) of the idea of a video about having a round knife (which it turns out is exactly correct). SO, IF someone was to want to go back and find where I said --- whatever they thought they heard -- here's what I said.. save ya some time. My mistake for getting anywhere near a conversation that doesn't concern me anyway.

________________

Post 2

Actually, I'm sure you'll have some folks liniin' up here to tell you all about so many wonderful needs for the things, but I've never owned one.

Sept 7

There's nothing wrong with tradition -- each his own. But I'm not getting a round knife to do what I already do without one.

Post 15

But if the original question wasn't what I thought, then I'll ask it myself .. what can you do with a round knife that you couldn't do with something else?

Post 22

Everything on my site -- and 100 times more --- all done without a round blade, or head knife, whatchacallit. Good news... those who like 'em, can take the last one on the shelf.. don't wait for me!

Post 24

What is important is the finished appearance of the wall.

Post 26

I don't see anybody "anti- round knife. In fact, I view them like golf... no problem if the OTHER guy does it..

Post 30

The guy's question (in case it got lost)... was IF there was a significant advantage over other types of blades. For me, there is not.

Post 33

What exactly DID they say it will do, that something else wouldn't?

Post 48

So, IF I ever have any reason at all to cut an inch of leather, I'll certainly be back to ask if anyone recommends a good one.

Post 49

I think you have hit SMACK on the issue here, Art

Post 55

But,,.. But.... but chrome is SHINY #$!@#!@$!~!!!

Post 59

A video? Of course there is

[DoubleC]

Zulu you didn't say anything. And I shouldn't have either. If people want to think theey know everything there is to know, it's none of my business.

[Art]

You ask a question on here and you get mostly help and then a joker (sometimes more) that tells you, 'I taint never needed no rounded knife so taint no one needs no rounded knife. ' and scoffs at you for even asking. I remember when this use to happen to me when I was new and I wonder why some people are allowed to continually scoff at questions and treat real answers with disdain. I hope you found your answer in among all the noise and cruel jokes. Cheryl

Cheryl,

I didn't see a lot of that here. The gist of most of the content is you don't NEED a head knife or round knife if you can't afford it. Some who CAN afford one simply got used to using a utility knife or a clicker knife, and basically do excellent work with them. If anyone can afford a head knife, I can; I've got a whole drawer full of them, well two or three drawers actually. Still, most of my work (at least small or thin stuff) is done with a clicker knife or a scalpel, and I will admit two very small head knives that were experimental ones by Bill are used a lot. I haven't seen many jokers here, except maybe a humorous story that has some final point. I do remember stories of Someone who talked in parables quite often. I read back looking for someone scoffing at questions and treating real answers with disdain, but reading with a critical eye, couldn't find any. I did find acceptable answers among the songs of praise for everyone's favorite knife, although it was a loooong read. If the OP stuck with the thread, the answer is there, but please remember that this IS a somewhat social network, and personalities are like night and day, serious, not so serious, serious as a heart attack, and one flew over the cuckoo's nest. Try to remember that if you really need an answer, say "guys, I really need an answer", and usually someone who gave a lighthearted reply will come back with a serious answer or solution. If one of the mods see this happening, they will answer if nobody else does, or find someone who knows but might not have been listening. Leatherworker.net is a community, we all try to help.

Art

[seabee]

JLSLeather, I use both. The Stanley and a small round knife. You either like a round knife, or you don't. So, go kick the can down the road.

Howard

God Be With You

[Windrider30]

Yep Cheryl I did get the info I was looking for, learned about a few things and even learned about a new knife (the Japenese leather knife) that I had not even thought of or heard of, there is a bit of a pissing contest on what is the " better" knife which I did not ask but it is good to know what the whole point behind the head knife is other then to scare the ever liveing crap out of people lol.

[Thor]

... but it is good to know what the whole point behind the head knife is other then to scare the ever liveing crap out of people lol.

Head knife and round knife are two different knifes. A round knife looks more like a half-moon and a head knife like a quarter of a circle kinda...

[DoubleC]

Windrider I'm glad you got an answer. Cheryl

[Trox]

A head knife is 180 degrees from tip to tip or less. A round knife is larger than 180 degrees.

I do not see the point of wasting more time answering this topic, when JLSLeather have already decided his mind that the tool can be replaced by a utility knife. I will turn the question around and ask: what knife can to the same as a round knife? Referring to post # 15. He is not talking about "without one" he is talking about "something else". I understand that to be another knife and not several other tools. I know you will have a hard time doing all those different cuts with another type of knife. Unless it's not a type of Swiss pocket knife with hundred different blades, included a roller blade.

Tor

[Tannin]

I'm still a relative beginner myself but I enjoy the challenge of using my large NOS George Barnsley "round knife". I use mine mainly for cutting out larger pieces of leather currently & I have tried skiving with it. I strongly recommend that you read Al Stohlman's book Leathercraft Tools first, it has a lot of safety/technique info. that may save your finger tips. It also provides sharpening advice.

... The other reason I really do like the Stanley as mentioned, no sharpening needed.

Using a round knife and blade sharpening both require skills/experience, which no doubt presents yet another hurdle to beginners. But once beyond the basics, learning news skills like this could be looked on as a welcome challenge - an opportunity to improve & grow. And sharpening especially is such a useful skill: Embrace blade sharpening

[Of course, for professionals, time is money, so whatever makes most effective use of your time. Don't let tradition hold you back.]

Edited October 8, 2015 by Tannin