Brown64 Report post Posted October 14, 2016 (edited) I hope this is the right forum. If not I apologize new, and just now trying to find my way around. I just started this whole leather carving thing just recently, and love it. However the cheap tool set I bought worked fine except the swivel knife. I mean it worked okay after a lot of stropping, but just never seamed up to par for me. For one thing it was too small, and couldn't be adjusted. So I knew I was going to need an upgrade, and seeing how much I love this craft I knew I would be doing it for a wile. So I decided to go with a high end knife, as cheap as I could go. So it ended up being between a Berry King, and a Craftool Pro series. Well I picked the Craftool Pro do to it being made from stainless steel, and wouldn't tarnish like the Berry King. Now this knife is miles apart from the cheap swivel knife that came with my set, and as nice as it is I must confess myself a little disappointed with the slop in the yoke. I don't think It's so bad that it would effect it's performance, however I would expect a knife in this price range ($78) to be ridged, but spin freely. Has anyone here had this same experience, or did I just get one that was a little defective? Edited October 14, 2016 by Brown64 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brown64 Report post Posted October 16, 2016 So nobody owns a Craftool Pro? I guess that answers my question right there. I should have done more research before I bought. Would anyone have a suggestion on what one is a good knife that don't cost an arm, and a leg, or is this one of those you get what you pay for deals? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billybopp Report post Posted October 16, 2016 The yoke on mine has a slight amount of play, but it's not enough to cause any problems, and isn't a factor at all when there is a little pressure on it, as when it's in use. Bill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted October 16, 2016 Has a nicely shaped yoke, so is easier on your fingers. Barrel diameter appears small, but some like the smaller diameter. I like 5/8" diameter. Just feels better. Adjusable height would be nice too. If you can, depending on location, ask to try them out before purchase. But since Tandy has a good guarantee, you should be able to take it back if it doesn't suit you. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brown64 Report post Posted October 17, 2016 4 hours ago, billybopp said: The yoke on mine has a slight amount of play, but it's not enough to cause any problems, and isn't a factor at all when there is a little pressure on it, as when it's in use. Bill Thanks for the reply. I guess it's just the nature on this knife. I suspect there isn't enough bearings to make it rigged just enough to make it spin freely. I'm glad it's not going to effect the performance of it though because I really like the knife, and the feel of the yoke. Can't wait on for my leather to get here so I can give it a whirl. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brown64 Report post Posted October 17, 2016 3 hours ago, northmount said: Has a nicely shaped yoke, so is easier on your fingers. Barrel diameter appears small, but some like the smaller diameter. I like 5/8" diameter. Just feels better. Adjusable height would be nice too. If you can, depending on location, ask to try them out before purchase. But since Tandy has a good guarantee, you should be able to take it back if it doesn't suit you. Tom Yeah I like the feel of the yoke real well though it does make it feel a little top heave while holding it. I suspect that won't be noticeable after it's put to leather, and the leather is supporting the weight. I got the small barrel because I plan to do a lot of figure carving that requires a lot of tight turns, so I figured this one would be best. I plan on getting the 1/2 inch barrel as well for the times when the cuts are longer, and straighter. Who knows once I get it I might like the feel so much I'll never use the 3/8 one at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rlbuckers15 Report post Posted November 7, 2016 I have one, I like the knife itself. However I did not like the blade that came with it or the angle on the blade,. Too steep. I ended up buying a leather wranglers sky and havnt put it down since. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted November 7, 2016 Compared to the basic Tandy knife the pro one is awesome, but it does not meet the quality of a Barry King (or other makers ) quality. They do work, just far from the best. The blades are pretty bad, really recommend buying a better one. Barry does make one that fits Tandy knives, you will be amazed at the amount of better once you change. Both sharper and the big deal is it will stay sharper longer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt W Knight Report post Posted November 7, 2016 I have the large and small barrel Craftool Pro swivel knives. Both of mine swivel freely, and have no play in the bearings. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brown64 Report post Posted November 11, 2016 On 11/7/2016 at 11:02 AM, Rlbuckers15 said: I have one, I like the knife itself. However I did not like the blade that came with it or the angle on the blade,. Too steep. I ended up buying a leather wranglers sky and havnt put it down since. I have sense used it, and I personally like the angle of the knife, but thin I like to do a lot of intricate cuts and haven't ben doing this long enough to get more used to the straighter blades. I really like the Leather Wranglers SK, but thought they were a bit too pricy. However now I see they came out with a brass version that is very reasonably priced for the quality at around $90.00 it will most likely be my next swivel knife purchase. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brown64 Report post Posted November 11, 2016 (edited) On 11/7/2016 at 2:20 PM, electrathon said: Compared to the basic Tandy knife the pro one is awesome, but it does not meet the quality of a Barry King (or other makers ) quality. They do work, just far from the best. The blades are pretty bad, really recommend buying a better one. Barry does make one that fits Tandy knives, you will be amazed at the amount of better once you change. Both sharper and the big deal is it will stay sharper longer. Thanks for the advice. I will look into getting one of those blades from Barry. Even though I found the knife to be way superior to the cheap one I did notice that it took almost as much stropping as the cheaper knife just to keep it from dragging. It looks like I should have went with the Barry King the prices were about the same. Edited November 11, 2016 by Brown64 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brown64 Report post Posted November 11, 2016 On 11/7/2016 at 2:58 PM, Colt W Knight said: I have the large and small barrel Craftool Pro swivel knives. Both of mine swivel freely, and have no play in the bearings. Thanks for the reply. I guess I just got a defective one. It's a good thing it doesn't effect the performance I really like the yoke. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MADMAX22 Report post Posted November 11, 2016 Just get a barry king for $50. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
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