grommit Report post Posted March 3, 2016 Hello all, I tried today using a swivel knife for the first time. I was left handed, but since the strokes I adapted to use my right hand. All I can say is it is not as people seem. Apart from my shaking hand I had few good part...but more bad ones. I admit my swivel knife I not expensive, and I think the blade is sub standard. Stopped with jewels rouge, but the edge went dull quickly. Cased the leather like I read on this forum. I must admit, it was very relaxing. Any hints tips etc. I appreciate them all...even if it look bad to you...I can take lol Thank for viewing. Btw the work was sponged after, just incase you wondered. ATB Brian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King's X Report post Posted March 3, 2016 I believe you might need to sharpen your blade before you strop for use. The depth of your cuts look better than my first cuts. I would suggest some practice before you start putting pen to paper. This will help you control the shaking (nerves) and cut depth and length. Try to remember that your cuts should start out deep and fade to barely cutting ......It will will give it more of a transition look. I have attached an easy pattern for practice from a previous Leather Crafters & Saddler's Journal. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grommit Report post Posted March 3, 2016 Thank you so much. I did sloped the knife before and after. But like Said I think the blade is sub standard.. You know stray away when blades are not right.. The heat treatment is sub standard, let alone the what it's made of. Your advice is spot on and I'll get onto now! Thanks again for your advice ATB Brian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted March 3, 2016 Sharpen your knife. Look closely at the very tip, it should be very pointed and not blunt. Let your leather dry just a little more, it was likely a little damp. Your depth of cuts looks good, rule of thumb is the deepest cuts are half the depth of the leather. Do not tip your knife left or right when turning, that is what causes the feathered areas on the corners. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grommit Report post Posted March 3, 2016 thank you for you advice. I'm going to get a better blade,if I cant sort the blade out by re grinding in the workshop. I've stopped properly, but doesn't keep the blade. Years of being a custom knife maker, ill not go into sharpening a knife blade or the type of metal it is.....a 'Heated subject' as I found out over the years lol. great advice, as read I can put into action, then see how I progress. love learning. ATB Brian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King's X Report post Posted March 3, 2016 I think Barry King has the best blade for the price. About $15 USD. Cannot beat the quality and price. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt W Knight Report post Posted March 4, 2016 In addition to the good comments above, I would say work on keeping your knife straight and not leaning. I can see some cuts that were cut at an angle and not square with the leather. Those slanted cuts will not look nearly as good as straight cuts when beveled. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grommit Report post Posted March 4, 2016 Hello from a miserable Friday in the UK, King's X, I forgot to mention your great advice and the picture, I will do that design today and use for my practice forever on. Barry King, ive heard of his tools, so I might invest in a blade. One thing King's X, the description on my cheap swivel knife I bought was: blade material: metal construction ha ha ha! 'Nuff said!!! Colt W Knight, thank you for your advise, I will put in action today....fingers x'd do mean cut flat with the blade?, I was using the edge of the blade, not flat!! Thank you all again for helping me out. ATB Brian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grommit Report post Posted March 4, 2016 Hello all,well I tried king's x design..bad enough using my new stylus today...shakes all over lol.I think apart getting the leather wet enough...the crap blade, my lack of experience, using my wrong hand...(excuses excuses!)Back on it again in a few moments.ATBBrian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverwingit Report post Posted March 5, 2016 Sharpening a swivel knife blade is an art. I wouldn't try to grind it. You should invest in some sharpening equipment. On your list should be some sharpening stones (preferably diamond) and a Keen swivel knife sharpening jig.http://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/craftool-keen-edge-sharpener?sSearch=keen%20swivel%20knifeHere is a video on how to use them.https://youtu.be/OiuebQtqTsk Good luck, Michelle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grommit Report post Posted March 5, 2016 Hello Michelle, i thank you for your links for sharpening. I know how sharpening blades. Leaning my 'trade' being a custom knife maker, and producing a fare ammout of leather strops to use, either with my cut throat razors or over knives. Unfortunately the blade in question is sub standard..and I need a quality blade. I toyed with making a double grind blade but getting the heat treatment spot on was too time consuming. I thank u again for time and input. If I'd just got a quality swivel knife instead of waiting it would ok now!! Typical me I'm afraid lol. Take care, ATB Brian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grommit Report post Posted March 5, 2016 I meant a hollow grind.. My brain is not working properly lol ATB Brian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
