What swivel knife to buy?

[Goblin210]

So ive been playing with leather carving and I am currently borrowing a swivel knife from a friend that is from an old Tandy kit. I am not happy with it and it cramps my hand, I dont know if its just the knife or my lack of experience(which im sure has alot to do with it). I was looking at buying my own swivel knife and was looking at the Ergo handle knife from Tandy or something else. I am going to buy a stamp from Pro Leather Carvers and was thinking about throwing in a swivel knife they carry but the large one that is 1/2 diameter. I dont know anything about this tool and I am very interested. A problem that I have and im assuming is very common is that my curves are very choppy. Can someone help me with this before I order from the website. Thanks again

[Rockoboy]

I think the biggest asset to a carver/sk user is practice practice and more practice. I have seen on here somewhere, a practice sheet with lots of right and left cuts of different sizes. Some are half round, some 'S' curves, some 'Nike' swipes and other often used cuts.

Get some scrap leather and make 10 cuts of each shape, each day and you will start to find some smooth consistency to your swivel knife work.

Oh yeah, one last thing ... make sure you know how to sharpen and keep your knife sharp. It is so much more difficult to do consistently good work with a blunt swivel knife.

[immiketoo]

The biggest issue with swivel knives is a crappy blade.  If its not a mirror polish, it will be sticky and choppy as you describe.  I like a lot of different knives.  One of the best blades on the market is made by Leather Wranglers.  Their steel is the most resistant to the crud that builds up on the blade as you carve.  My personal favorite is the Peter Main low angle blade.  It suits my style of carving.  Barry King also makes a great blade.  If you're on a budget, take a look at Rickert Werkzeuge.  They have a very reasonably priced knife thats really good.  The blades need a little work, but they aren't bad once you polish them.
 

 

[immiketoo]

Just a few of the knives I've tried.

[bikermutt07]

6 hours ago, immiketoo said:

Just a few of the knives I've tried.

Great video, Mike. I think at the low price point one can expect to do a little work on the blade.

I'm sure on the 79 dollar Tandy needed some work as well.

I know in the wood working world, the smaller the cost the more work on the blade is needed. 

Just what I have seen.

[ScoobyNewbie]

What’s the circle all by itself for? Why is that one so tiny? How do you use the bottom one? 

‘Some of those are really cool handles.

[immiketoo]

The circle is an additional yoke for one of the knives,  the tiny one is a pendant, although its functional and the bottom one was a joke from some friends of mine.

2 hours ago, bikermutt07 said:

Great video, Mike. I think at the low price point one can expect to do a little work on the blade.

I'm sure on the 79 dollar Tandy needed some work as well.

I know in the wood working world, the smaller the cost the more work on the blade is needed. 

Just what I have seen.

You are correct.  If you don't know how, best to spend on a finished blade, but if you do, you can make these (Or nearly any blade) work just fine.

[bikermutt07]

@immiketoo 

[Goblin210]

Thanks for all the tips and places to look for knew knifes. I see some very impressive collections so it doesn't hurt to have more. Question on this, is having a lot just for collecting? Or do some people have different knifes for specific purposes?

[JLSleather]

hand cramps sounds like a knife that is either too short or too small in diameter.  If cramps in your hand aren't normal for you, try adjusting the knife longer, or either increase the diameter of your knife or try one larger in diameter.

Because some smart mouth more interested in arguing than knowing will be here in a minute to say HOW THE !@!# do you make the diameter bigger?@#!! ---- it's called a SLEEVE

 

[immiketoo]

45 minutes ago, JLSleather said:

hand cramps sounds like a knife that is either too short or too small in diameter.  If cramps in your hand aren't normal for you, try adjusting the knife longer, or either increase the diameter of your knife or try one larger in diameter.

Because some smart mouth more interested in arguing than knowing will be here in a minute to say HOW THE !@!# do you make the diameter bigger?@#!! ---- it's called a SLEEVE

 

Some people use athletic tape.  It's ugly but it works.

 

[Goblin210]

7 hours ago, JLSleather said:

hand cramps sounds like a knife that is either too short or too small in diameter.  If cramps in your hand aren't normal for you, try adjusting the knife longer, or either increase the diameter of your knife or try one larger in diameter.

Because some smart mouth more interested in arguing than knowing will be here in a minute to say HOW THE !@!# do you make the diameter bigger?@#!! ---- it's called a SLEEVE

 

I didn't know they make sleeves. That would help tremendously.

6 hours ago, immiketoo said:

Some people use athletic tape.  It's ugly but it works.

 

Yeah I use masking tape it is ugly but it helped a little. I may have to do this on my stamps. I was working on a small sheath this morning and had to stop because my hands were killing me.

[immiketoo]

Most people put those foam pencil cushions on their tools/knives.  For me, its all about the height of the knife.  I like mine at 71mm tall.  That way my hand doesn't cramp and i have the most control.  However, no knife will be comfortable as long as you're fighting a chattering, sticky blade.  A new knife from a reputable maker will solve all of those problems, and it can be done relatively cheaply.  If you're into carving, this is the best upgrade you can do in my opinion.

[Goblin210]

I get it. I'll try raising mine but I will definitely be looking for a better one asap. I just started carving and I love it. Thanks for the advice from everyone.