Band Knife vs Blade/Handcrank Splitters

[howlback]

I want to run my cut patterns and straps through a splitter. Assuming the pieces aren’t too wide, will a cobra 14/artisan do this or will I need a Band Knife? I use Veg Tan only.

Edited April 5, 2018 by howlback

[Matt S]

Depends on the leather, mainly in terms of temper (firmness) and thickness, as well as the amount your want to split off the piece.

Fixed-knife splitters work best with thicker, firmer leathers. I also find they work best when you're trying to take at least 1mm off the piece, and are most reliable when removing around half the thickness of the leather.

Band-knife splitters will cope with a wide range of tempers and thicknesses of leather. They can also remove large or tiny amounts of leather at a time, allowing you to walk down to the thickness you need.

[howlback]

1 hour ago, Matt S said:

Depends on the leather, mainly in terms of temper (firmness) and thickness, as well as the amount your want to split off the piece.

Fixed-knife splitters work best with thicker, firmer leathers. I also find they work best when you're trying to take at least 1mm off the piece, and are most reliable when removing around half the thickness of the leather.

Band-knife splitters will cope with a wide range of tempers and thicknesses of leather. They can also remove large or tiny amounts of leather at a time, allowing you to walk down to the thickness you need.

Something with the ability to recall a specific thickness would be ideal (Landis 30 style). I’d want it mainly for leveling out the thickness of my pieces. However, I do buy 5/6, 6/7 and 8/9 oz hides. It would Be a blessing to be able to purchase only 8/9 oz and split the piece down depending on the application. Lots of factors here but where I buy leather, the heavier weight hides get picked through a lot less (better hides to choose from) and they’re not that much more expensive.