Need to pull trigger on Swivel Knife Opinion plz

[JustinPierce]

11 hours ago, Rlaing said:

Hmmm, that surprises me. One of the reasons I would consider BK is that I would expect all required was stropping. How did you sharpen, isn't the blade shank nonstandard? Will it fit the typical swivel blade fixture?

 

I don't use a swivel blade fixture. I pinch the blades between my fingers and use my finger tips as a sort of guide against the stone. But yes, I believe the BK blade shank is different than say a Tandy for example, I'm not sure what some of the other custom or cottage industry makers use for a shank diameter. 

My blade was dull enough to easily see the light reflecting off the apex or the edge. I started on a 600 grit stone, but quickly dropped down to a 220 when I realized it was going to take forever on the 600.

I then progressed up to 8000, and stropped it, I made a couple quick cuts on a scrap of leather, and went to bed. I haven't had a chance to use it since then.

I think I will be very happy with the knife now, I just mentioned it because not everyone will be willing or able to touch up a new knife. And it could very well be that I got a blade that slipped through the cracks, and all the other ones are much sharper out of the box. I'm not complaining, or unhappy, at this point I would say that I would order one again.

Like I said, I haven't had a chance to really use it long term, but from sharpening it I can tell that the steel is good enough to last awhile between stropping sessions. I have hand sharpened a lot of other knives and tools, so in comparison I'm confident that the blade steel is decent enough.

[MendellLeatherOK]

I've been using my BK for about 3 years now and honestly I love it. I started with a Tandy CraftTool then upgraded after a few years. I have small hands and I use the 3/8" comfortably. I do have to sharpen and strop quite a bit, but usually a few passes on my block and its good to go. I use it daily for at least a few hours at a time, the checking on the barrel sometime chews my fingers but I put some med tape around it and it's good to go. I haven't had any problems with it and honestly would recommend it to anyone wanting to transition!

[company6leather]

I just recently went from the " el cheapo " hobby lobby kit swivel knife to one of the craftool ergo grip knives, while a significant improvement it still wasn't what I was looking for. I then upgraded to the craftool pro swivel knife with a 1/2 inch barrel and wow at the difference. It is built with all bearing construction and it is super smooth. I have not used the higher end but I have a bob beard knife in the plans for the future. But I am very pleased with the craftool pro.

[justin131]

Does anyone on this thread reccomend a leatherwrangler knife?

[terrymac]

IMHO, finest knife on the market.

[OldNews]

I have several different swivel knives from most of the prominent makers. It's all about what feels right to you and what works for you. Everyone is going to think I'm crazy, but my favorite knife is an old Tandy that came in a kit purchased when I was a kid. That knife is 30 years old, and still my favorite one. I guess I told you that to explain that buying only one swivel knife probably isn't realistic. Try some different knives and see what fits your hand and your style. If you get one you don't like, give it to a 4H kid who is learning the craft!

[ChasCS]

Yes, my old Tandy swivel knife has done me very well,  considering, I've had it since the mid seventies. ;-)

 

 

Chas

[tntsl]

I have two Leather Wrangler knives and they are great - in my opinion they are among the best available.