Cutting straps in thick leather

[Jason046]

Lately I am having trouble cutting through 10-12 oz harness leather from Tandy. I am cutting long 1 3/4" straps and lately it has been breaking my razor in my strap cutter. Has anyone had success cutting this leather with a strap cutter and any techniques would help. Thanks

[TomG]

I have had 1 or 2 sides from them that had a core which was hard as fiberglass and even looked like it.

I could barely cut one of them with a saw 

Try it with a box knife and new blade. If that has a problem take it back. 

 

[Jason046]

Sounds good, thanks. Im making heavy duty leather suspenders with them and they turn out nice but the leather has had more and more nicks lately. Do you know of a good alternative to Tandy harness leather. Was thinking about trying hermann oak but wasn' sure if it would be worth the price 

[garypl]

5 hours ago, Jason046 said:

Sounds good, thanks. Im making heavy duty leather suspenders with them and they turn out nice but the leather has had more and more nicks lately. Do you know of a good alternative to Tandy harness leather. Was thinking about trying hermann oak but wasn' sure if it would be worth the price 

Call Wickett and Craig - you may find that  their leather is less expensive than Tandy leather and in most cases the quality is better.

Gary

[JerseyFirefighter]

Harness Leather is truly a bear on the standard strap cutter. Ive found the same issue with 14-16 skirting. Razor blade would be the only other alternative save from a motorized strap cutter. 

[Silverd]

I have just aquired and have started using a Weaver leather stripper machine.  By the results I've seen so far I'd say it will cut thru most any leather one can throw at it.  My version is hand powered...so I seek the assistance of my beautiful Wife to do the cranking while I ensure the hide moves correctly through the roller knives.  It requires a straight edge so at least one hand knife full length cut is still needed. For that we clear our kitchen butcher block island, clamp down a sturdy straight edge and work away at the 12oz skin belly side.

I call that an "Any port in a storm" solution!

Silverd 

[Matt S]

One of the several issues with the wooden strap cutters (of various qualities and provenances) is that the blade is offset the width of the strap from the line of the handle. The wider the strap being cut the greater the turning force this applies to the blade, which can twist and snap -- especially on heavier and harder leathers. Two alternatives, short of strap cutting machines, are the draw gauge and the plough (plow) gauge. The draw gauge, such as the Osborne, is of metal construction and can take a much thicker blade than the wooden strap cutter. I've never used one of these but the stronger blade should help when cutting wide and/or heavy straps. Plough gauges, such as those made by Dixon, Blanchard or Barnseley, work with a push rather than a pull. The blade is inline with the handle so there is no turning effect at any width or weight of strap. All that is needed to cut even a 4" wide strip of heavy bridle or harness leather is a stropped blade, a good grip with the left hand on the strap, and a bit of grunt. They are, however, not cheap.

[Outfitr]

I had some tandy leather sides that had some real thick and hard areas near the ends. It helped to start the cut at desired width with a knife then insert the strap cutter.