Stitching Groover problem

[Stitchaholic]

I just got started in doing things with leather. I bought a piece of leather from Hobby Lobby and a small set of tools from Amazon.

My problem is, when I watch the leather working videos on youtube, and someone is using there stitching groover. The small hole

has a thin strip of leather coming out of it. When I do the same, the hole fills up, but nothing comes out and yes I cleaned it out with

a needle, but still nothing. Anyone have this problem and what can I do?

[Tugadude]

I wouldn't stick a needle into the hole.  It has a very sharp edge to it and messing with it might dull it.  The trouble could be the tool or it could be the leather.  What specific leather did you purchase?

 

[Hildebrand]

@Stitchaholic have you tried turning it over and running it the other direction?  They are only sharp on one edge and will only cut going one direction.

Todd

[LiftPig]

Generally speaking the groovers you get from amazon are dull.  I had this same issue and never could get it to work, the leather just gummed up and my groove lines were terrible.  I spent a little extra money and got a good groover from Weaver and haven't had a problem since.  

If your groover is the kind I'm thinking of it has a replaceable blade.  You might be able to get a better replacement blade for it and make it work better rather than have to purchase an entire tool.

[battlemunky]

Pics will help us help you.

I'm guessing it is dull or the leather.

[billybopp]

I do not cut a groove and only use mine anymore as a creaser, but grooved can be sharpened by putting some polishing compound on a toothpick and twirling it in the hole, and also working the outside of the cutting edge on a stone or strop.

- Bill