New here..........first post............first of many questions, probably!

[Chris623]

I'm a bladesmith.  Have been delivering my knives to customers in zip-closed Cordura bags because I've never made a leather sheath.  My fellow blade makers have been goading me into delivering my knives in "proper" leather sheaths.  At this point in time, I plan on making very simple fold-over sheaths with just a tasteful minimalist running edge.  Bought a simple set of 6 stamps from Tandy and am not satisfied with the sharpness of the details on them.  Just looking at them makes me wish for much sharper tools.  Since I have no desire at this point to really get into extensive tooling of leather, I think I can afford a very small assortment of high quality, sharp stamping tools.  But I don't know where to find them.  Any suggestions for a newbie???

Edited September 5, 2020 by Chris623

[fredk]

1. Barry King ~ https://www.barrykingtools.com/

[Chris623]

Thanks, fredk.  I've looked at that site before and the pictures of the imprints don't look all that sharp.  Is that just poor photography, or are their tools not sharp?  I've seen brass stamp sites and their stamps make incredibly sharp impressions.

[fredk]

Probably bad photos as BK has a very high reputation on this forum for extremely good tools

edit; I'm hoping others on here will see this and have some input

 

Edited September 5, 2020 by fredk

[Chris623]

Okay, thanks.

[terrymac]

Don't know what you are expecting, but as a user of many of Barry's tools, they make sharp and distinct impressions

Terry

Edited September 5, 2020 by terrymac

[Chris623]

I've no experience with these tools to really know WHAT is reasonable to expect, Terry.  But just looking at the business end of Tandy's, I can tell I want something sharper.  I've seen pictures on the Internet of the business end of some steel (and brass)  tools that are nice, sharp and very crisp.  First impression was "Now THAT's what I'm after!"  Just trying to gather some recommended names so I can try some of their tools.

[stelmackr]

The best, in my opinion, currently made tools that I buy are either Barry King, Robert Beard or Wayne Jueschke

https://www.barrykingtools.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ProSeriesTools/

 

[fredk]

Depending on just what leather stamping tools you have, you can take a pippin Swiss or jewellers needle file or a cutter in a dremel type motor tool and improve them. The state of your leather at the time of stamping also plays a part. The leather needs to be 'cased' just right. Too wet and the impression will be a smudge, too dry and it wont be deep enough to be sharp. Try some recutting of the tool face first before investing in the more expensive and better tools

[Chris623]

WOW, Bob, those Robert Beard tools look nice.  Can't seem to find prices anywhere.  Does he only sell through Facebook?

Thanks for the recommendation, fredk.  Lot's to learn, for sure.

Edited September 6, 2020 by Chris623