Cheap "european Style" Chinese Pricking Irons

[Booshwah]

Hi guys,

Has anyone tried these cheap European and French style pricking irons? They would fit my budget very well, but I'm not sure if they are any good.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3mm-European-Style-leather-Stitching-Lacing-Punch-Chisel-Tool-Set-2-5-9-prong-/121729924500?hash=item1c57ab3d94:g:JJ0AAOSwc3ZUm8DJ

[Martyn]

No, but i've been tempted too.

You can get em cheaper than that BTW...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/371422785434

I have tried the cheasp Chinese 'Seiwa-style' pricking chisels though. You know what? They're OK, I like em.

Front

Back

Set of 4 chisels for £15.

Edited March 18, 2016 by Martyn

[Thor]

I do have them and I'm not too happy with em. The reason being is that the aren't polished. Once they are, they are okay.

[Matt S]

I have them. This thread prompted me to try them (I have quite a few pricking irons...). No the between-prong edges aren't polished. The shafts are a bit shorter than I am used to. But the marks are regular and even. For £16-17 I can't complain. Very few things in life are perfect.

[Tugadude]

For the price, they are well worth it.

[Booshwah]

Thanks guys, most helpful! Martyn, thanks for the link, too cheap not to try. Now i need to locate a fitting awl. Perhaps I'll make on.

I have used the cheap chinese diamond shape stitching chisels, but since I bought a hide that is both thin ant tough the holes stay too round and make my stitches lose their angle. I'll try this now.

There seems to be no limit to the stuff you can buy for leatherwork even on an amateur level. Now I'm longing to try Lin Cablé thread, but that'll ruin me for sure.