cloehorse Report post Posted August 3, 2019 Has anyone used ks blade punches? Looking for high quality punches that don't leave a tapered hole. What other brands would you recommend? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike02130 Report post Posted August 3, 2019 I have a set of 3.85 mm that I think are great. The teeth line-up well on a stitching line and they are quite comfortable to use. Eventually I will buy another set. The teeth are tapered so the width of the hole will vary by how far you punch though. With the 3.85 mm ones I do notice that when using .6 mm tiger thread that I often need to use an awl to open up the hole on the good side of the leather. In other words, when I put the first needle through the backside and pull it out of the hole, the knot sometimes sticks. I need to give it a good tug and sometimes this results in a slight blow out on the good side. Most noticeable when I'm using leather which I've dyed myself. A piece of small undyed tear out results. I only use 4 to 8 ounce veg tanned leather. When using thinner thread there is no need for tugging or using an awl. The Sinabroks look interesting. I believe the teeth are straight rather than tapered. I would guess that they may not result in the knot sticking and may eliminate the need for an awl. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisash Report post Posted August 3, 2019 Have you considered not using a knot, but just thread the needle and leave say a 6 inch tail, if after a while the tail gets shorter then just lengthen it again, makes it very easy if you don't notice you went through the other thread as you can just pull it through , re thread and on your way again Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zuludog Report post Posted August 3, 2019 A couple of years ago I changed from Tandy needles to John James size 002 needles, which have smaller eyes. I noticed that waxed thread doesn't run freely through these holes, you have to pull it through So I stopped using the traditional pierce - the - thread method of locking on the needles, and just leave the tail of the thread hanging loose, as I do when sewing fabric I've never had any problems of the needles falling off, and I can adjust the length of the tail as I need to Nigel Armitage has several You Tube videos on pricking irons & stitching chisels, just Search through to see if there are any you like Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LeatherLegion Report post Posted August 3, 2019 I tried them few weeks ago and they to the same job as most of the irons out there...punch slanted holes equally distanced from each other ...i don't think the price is justified I also used Wuta(owned the older model) , Kevin Lee and Beagle . I own 3 Beagle sets and i am extremely happy. I like the classic design , the size/weight , the very small hole and the price tag. I would like to get my hands on Crimson Hide's irons , even though the hole is a bit larger that i would want and the angle is not as steep as the other ones Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cloehorse Report post Posted August 3, 2019 (edited) I should have said the single hole punches not stitching irons. Sorry for that. I make heavy weight saddlery gear and saddles. I like the idea of the holes not being tapered when punching through several layers of heavy skirting leather. Edited August 3, 2019 by cloehorse Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
