Round/Head knife

[wlg190861]

I've been thinking of buying a good quality head knife an was hoping to hear your input. I don't want to say money is no object but, I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for. So give me you advice and why.

[MADMAX22]

What kind of work are you doing?

There are two paths I personally would go down. 

1- Buy from a custom maker. I am not in the know on good ones but there are a few makers of leatherworking knives. 

2-Buy old stock knives like Gomph, Rose, Old Osbournes (some others). I have a Gomph like the one here item 6531 http://brucejohnsonleather.com/leather-tools-sale/knives-and-handled-cutting-tools-sale that is very sharp and I really like it plus its a smaller but not too small so works for a lot of different projects.

Now the why, the old knives were made usually with "high carbon" steel (calm down knife guru's) and was generally good high quality steel. They had good heatreat, held an edge, and if maintained properly only require stropping to stay sharp. 

The new "custom" makers now a days use a wide range of high quality steels and generally have the heat treat dialed in. They can get you the shape you want, usually have a few different steels to choose from if you have a preference. 

The mass produced knives today are just not worth your money assuming you work for it. 

Atleast thats IMHO. 

 

Wanted to add, there are some differences with the thickness of the blade as well. I have a rose blade also which is somewhat thick comparatively to some of my other knives, it works great for cutting true english bridle and thicker veg hide. The thinner gomph and a couple others I have still perform great but do thinner leathers a little better. Atleast that has been my experience. I think the thicker blade pushes out the thicker leather a tad more opening up the cut.  

Edited December 11, 2016 by MADMAX22

[bikermutt07]

I am looking very hard at knipschield knives. I don't own a quality head or round knife yet, but I will own one of his sooner or later.

http://www.knipknives.com/leather.php

[Thor]

I'm loving the knife @Rossr made for me. It really holds an edge. Actually I haven't sharpened it since I got it, but stropped it only. Only got it blunt on a side of stingray leather.
Contact him, he's a really nice guy and I'm sure you'll be happy with his service as well as his knife.

[HBAR]

I love this style or a slight variation. The shape and handle angle make it wonderful to use.

http://www.shop.leatherwranglers.com/product.sc?productId=37

Edited December 11, 2016 by HBAR

[TonyRV2]

56 minutes ago, HBAR said:

I love this style or a slight variation. The shape and handle angle make it wonderful to use.

http://www.shop.leatherwranglers.com/product.sc?productId=37

 

And for 275 bucks it should also cut the leather for you by itself as well.  Who needs the mosaic pins or the fancy handle material....I just want to cut leather with a sharp blade.

[HBAR]

2 hours ago, TonyRV2 said:

 

And for 275 bucks it should also cut the leather for you by itself as well.  Who needs the mosaic pins or the fancy handle material....I just want to cut leather with a sharp blade.

I personally dont need the fanciness of it either.  I like the design of the blade, the angle of the handle, the good steel.

However I find it strange that a craftsman who probably makes decorative items for money would begrudge another craftsman for doing the same thing.

I mean I can buy a $5 nylon guitar strap that holds up my Martin, but its nice to have a custom leather guitar strap made by a skilled craftsman.

Also, I dont own the knife pictured or know the people who sell it.  I did use  one of their knives like this one at a class I took.  It was  fantastic.

Edited December 11, 2016 by HBAR

[wlg190861]

14 hours ago, MADMAX22 said:

What kind of work are you doing?

There are two paths I personally would go down. 

1- Buy from a custom maker. I am not in the know on good ones but there are a few makers of leatherworking knives. 

2-Buy old stock knives like Gomph, Rose, Old Osbournes (some others). I have a Gomph like the one here item 6531 http://brucejohnsonleather.com/leather-tools-sale/knives-and-handled-cutting-tools-sale that is very sharp and I really like it plus its a smaller but not too small so works for a lot of different projects.

Now the why, the old knives were made usually with "high carbon" steel (calm down knife guru's) and was generally good high quality steel. They had good heatreat, held an edge, and if maintained properly only require stropping to stay sharp. 

The new "custom" makers now a days use a wide range of high quality steels and generally have the heat treat dialed in. They can get you the shape you want, usually have a few different steels to choose from if you have a preference. 

The mass produced knives today are just not worth your money assuming you work for it. 

Atleast thats IMHO. 

 

Wanted to add, there are some differences with the thickness of the blade as well. I have a rose blade also which is somewhat thick comparatively to some of my other knives, it works great for cutting true english bridle and thicker veg hide. The thinner gomph and a couple others I have still perform great but do thinner leathers a little better. Atleast that has been my experience. I think the thicker blade pushes out the thicker leather a tad more opening up the cut.  

Leatherwork is  just a hobby now an I dabble into everything from 14oz to 1 1/2 oz. Been messing with furs lately.

[MADMAX22]

6 minutes ago, wlg190861 said:

Leatherwork is  just a hobby now an I dabble into everything from 14oz to 1 1/2 oz. Been messing with furs lately.

I would recommend personally a medium to smaller sized one like that gomph on Bruce's website. It will handle a range of items. 

One thing to remember also is that if you take care of your knife and 10 years from now (assuming were all still around) that knife will probably get you your money back or close to it. 

Same goes for the custom made ones, although generally more expensive, take care of it and you can always sell em and recoupe most of your cost and in some cases more than what ya paid for it. 

[MADMAX22]

3 hours ago, TonyRV2 said:

 

And for 275 bucks it should also cut the leather for you by itself as well.  Who needs the mosaic pins or the fancy handle material....I just want to cut leather with a sharp blade.

For someone who is interested in knife making ya have a odd outlook on other knife makers work. 

Ya think that is bad, price some blanchard pricking irons without fancy wood or mosaic pins or honestly much finish work at all. 

I guess I am kind of bias because I like good craftsmanship with some artistic talent thrown in, hence why I picked up a couple sets of bearman mauls vs just getting a rawhide mallet. Sure I could accomplish similar work but the feel of them are so much nice, the rebound is nicer, the sound much more pleasant, and they look good. Not to mention when I am on my way out I can give em to my kids if they are interested or sell them to another leather worker for a decent price and still not be out much.