Osborne 127 edger... What size do you like?

[SCOUTER]

The Osborne 127 edger comes in 4 sizes... I was going to order the number 1 size just to clean up the edges on my sheaths. Does anyone have thoughts on what size they prefer? Thanks!

http://www.csosborne.com/NO127.HTM

[Luke Hatley]

The Osborne 127 edger comes in 4 sizes... I was going to order the number 1 size just to clean up the edges on my sheaths. Does anyone have thoughts on what size they prefer? Thanks!

http://www.csosborne.com/NO127.HTM

scouter, i use a #2 or #4 most of the time for my

sheaths . they are from 5-6 oz to 7-8oz

[indypbear]

Scouter,

It's relative to a couple of things IMO. The radius you want the edge to have and the weight of the leather or project you're edging. I use all 4 sizes in various situations. You'll get many different opinions but try them out and see which one gives you the best edge for the majority your projects.

Indy

[SCOUTER]

Indy, I should be so lucky to be able to try ANYTHING... I would have to travel a couple of hours just to get to a distributor that has a store front. I envy you guys who have a leatherworkers supply. I have to do everything mail order.

BTW- I would love to get all 4 sizes but Osborne edgers run $35 a piece!

Edited February 1, 2008 by SCOUTER

[Randy Cornelius]

I bought a Ron's round edger several years ago and I have never used another Osborne again. Sold all of them on Ebay a couple years ago. When you use a GOOD SHARP edger you will never use another one of those again. They are hard to sharpen and more hard to keep sharp. A dull edger is hardest tool to use with good results. I really had a hard time spending 70.00 for one edger but now I have a whole set. I wasted so much money over the years buying cheep tools, I wish I had spent it on good tools. Ron mades round edgers in several different sizes. I use a #3 the most and works well for 5-10 leather. I have a #4 that I used for heavy skirting. He also has a line of Montana edgers that are made for thin leathers under 3 oz.

If you are just starting out you have to buy what you can afford but I would suggest buying the best you can afford.

A good swivel knife, a good round knife and a good edger are the most used tools, why not buy the best.

I have no connection with Ron's tools. I just have an oponion of what works and this is one line of tools that are worth what they charge.

Along thoes lines there are a lot of hand made tools out there that are way over priced that are made to do one job and that job can be done with some other cheeper tool.

I know I got off topic.

Randy

[bruce johnson]

Scouter,

For general work and limited funds, buy every other size like a 1/3/5. Then if you find you need an inbetweener later, you will know. The numbers generally don't translate from one maker to another. I used to use the 127s. Randy is right about them. First, like most Osbornes, they are the makings a pretty decent tool. You will have to finish the edge when you get them. They are harder to sharpen than the more open designs. If you are not careful, each sharpening will make the blade angle higher and higher until they get pretty pushy. You need to take a fair amount of metal back on the bottom when you resharpen them to prevent this. Stropping down in that slot is best done with rouge on the edge of some hard carboard or leather. They are a step up from some other edgers for sure, but not an easy design to maintain.

I had a set from Ron, and they were good. I have a couple sets of different patterns now from Jeremiah Watt. I have a couple bisonettes from Bob Douglas. I use them all for different needs. My wife does some of my edging. After using the 127s, she has never begrudged me trading up in edgers.