Kovant Report post Posted March 15, 2017 (edited) Hi I'm thinking to buy a #7 or #8 vergez blanchard pricking iron to make handbags and belts with vachetta leather (cowhide). I would like to know the "perfect" size of thread for the blanchard (au chinois?, tiger?) I would like to know too if the stitch will be better than the stitch of the picture (chisel 2mm + thread 0,6mm) Thanks (and sorry for my bad english) Edited March 15, 2017 by Kovant Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mattsbagger Report post Posted March 15, 2017 You can get the angled stitch with a stitching chisel it's all in how you do it. Unless you want to awl stitch. I don't know anything about pricking irons I use chisels. Idk if this helps or not. You might want to check out the Sewing Leather section. There are a few tutorials on here as well for hand stitching. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kovant Report post Posted March 16, 2017 Thanks Mattsbagger!!! Someone else please? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndersenLeather Report post Posted March 17, 2017 15 hours ago, Kovant said: Thanks Mattsbagger!!! Someone else please? There is no perfect size. It's all a matter of personal preference. Here is an excellent comparison of spi and thread thickness. https://www.reddit.com/r/Leathercraft/comments/4vzgk4/visual_representation_of_thread_sizes_and/ Why do you want blanchard pricking irons? Compared to other brands they are expensive and poorly finished. Wuta pricking gets good reviews and cost only a fraction of blanchard: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wuta-3-38mm-Pricking-Irons-Leather-Stitching-Lacing-Hole-Punch-Chisel-/152231727460? Amy roke is at the very top with a finish that blanchard can only dream of: https://www.atelieramyroke.com/pricking-iron a hybrid between a pricking iron and stitching chisel: http://www.crimsonhides.com/craft-tools.html I'm not saying that blanchards are bad irons but I would never buy them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kovant Report post Posted March 17, 2017 Thank you very much!!! The Crimson chisels look nice, but I think maybe they make too wide holes...and I've just found few opinions of it. The Amy Roke looks nice too, but I have to wait 2 month for the production and the shipping to Spain (too much time for me) The Wuta are really cheaper and look nice, but just a few opinions again... I've been having a look at the Osborne too, but it makes too wide holes. I'm not sure about the Blanchard ones, but I think that they are the ones that make smaller holes. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Avgvstvs Report post Posted March 17, 2017 If you're thinking about getting Blanchard pricking irons, you might want to consider getting a pricking wheel instead. The one with reservoir comes with #7,8,10,12 wheels and you can get more wheel sizes for peanuts compared to iron prices. Works a treat and you get a complete tool for 4 stitch lengths for less than one set of irons. I couldn't work without mine (and I own my fair share of Blanchard irons). If you do get one, don't get one with a guide, I find it's basically useless. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kovant Report post Posted March 17, 2017 Isn't it very difficult to work with the wheel above of all to get it straight? thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Avgvstvs Report post Posted March 17, 2017 @Kovant It does need some getting used to (so do the pricking irons to be fair) but not that much. The "ball" rests in the pit under the collar bone, one hand holds the handle and your free hand is used to guide the wheel. It's fairly easy to work with really. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites