Getting good straight cuts and issues with stitching.

[Rahere]

In any craft, practice and experience are irreplacable. Practice until you've made all the mistakes known to man, and then some.

[zuludog]

Ah!! It never occurred to me!

Yes, I saw that you wrote you were using a fork, but I just assumed you meant a stitching chisel because you didn't know the correct name....are you actually using a fork, as in cutlery, for eating?!

If you are, no wonder you're getting poor results....yes, you could flatten the fork and use it as a pricking iron, but you would still have to make the holes with an awl, which takes a while to learn to get good consistent results, so get a stitching chisel!

There are loads to choose from, and lots of advice on this forum and videos on YT

Diamond prongs with points, sometimes called Japanese style, are easier to use than those with flat prongs & flat tips, sometimes called the French or European style. For thicker leather such as knife sheaths get 4mm spacing; for thinner leather such as wallets get 3 to 3,5mm spacing. A 2 & 4 prong will get you started, or you can get chisels with more prongs, or sets 

In the Sewing Leather section of this forum there is a Pinned Thread - Stitching Chisels/Irons and Pricking Irons and Information by Dangerous Beans, who is Nigel Armitage. Reading that will give you a good start.

Edited May 3, 2021 by zuludog

[Tugadude]

Answering questions like this is always like trying to hit a target blindfolded.  We really don't have enough information.  The type of tools matter, the type of leather matters and we really don't know exactly what the issues are.  You have gotten lots of advice, good advice and I hope there are answers in there.

All I can tell you is that when it comes to making cuts, I found that thinner leather is more difficult because it can tend to stretch when you apply pressure with a knife.  So the knife needs to be very sharp, or, you need to learn how to use the rotary knife that I believe you have.  But again, even the rotary knife needs a sharp blade.  And you need to hold it at a consistent 90 degree angle to the leather.  And hold down tight on the straight edge too.  

Regarding the stitching, following along with the Nigel Armitage videos will help.  You can get some decent diamond stitching chisels for very little money.  I recommend Springfield Leather for that.  Weaver is another good source.

 

[Dwight]

6 hours ago, Frodo said:

push THE BLADE. DO NOT BULL THE BLADE

CUTTING HIS ON HANDED AND HOLDING THE CAMERA WA NOT EASY !!!!

CUTTING LEATHER. PUSH, NOT PULL - YouTube

opps. cap lock stuck   

That video and that visual advice was almost as dumb as the music.  

Pull the blade  . .  . you push buttons.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Frodo]

WOW,  A personal attack.  

Do you feel better now?  

Instead of being negative and thinking your way is the holy grail  

try it. you might learn something.  

The music is Mongolian Throat singing  done by a group of musicians called the HU

Very interesting culture.  you need an open mind to appreciate the music 

 

[chuck123wapati]

On 5/2/2021 at 11:28 AM, rckt1rcn said:

I am relatively new to leather work and so far two of my biggest hang ups have been getting decent looking straight cuts and my laughable attempts at stitching. I have invested in an Al Stohlman half moon knife, some break off type hobby knives, and the roller type. I understand the equipment is only a part of the success and that’s what bothers me because I know its something I am doing wrong. I would greatly appreciate any advice I could get on this subject. My next issue is stitching. I use a groover and forks to get the holes but, once again, they always seem to come out crooked and look like a pre-school project. Once again I would love some advice. Thank you in advance and thank you for creating a community where people like my self can come to learn and be encouraged. 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Josh

 

 

go to the tandy website , they have a ton of Stohlman ebooks free, I have found these books may be dated but will answer every question you have on the craft cutting ,stitching etc hasn't changed a bit . https://www.leathercraftlibrary.com/category/79/ebooks?pagenum=1  

[sbrownn]

1 hour ago, Dwight said:

That video and that visual advice was almost as dumb as the music.  

Pull the blade  . .  . you push buttons.

May God bless,

Dwight

Unless it's a round knife...ever try pulling a round knife?

[sbrownn]

1 hour ago, Frodo said:

WOW,  A personal attack.  

Do you feel better now?  

Instead of being negative and thinking your way is the holy grail  

try it. you might learn something.  

The music is Mongolian Throat singing  done by a group of musicians called the HU

Very interesting culture.  you need an open mind to appreciate the music 

 

[sbrownn]

rckt1rcn was using a "round knife" or somethin similar which indeed would probably work better pushed...I'm not so sure I would push a sharp pointed X-Acto knife though; it's geometry is designed for pulling. 

[TonyV]

to cut straight keep the knife ange low

The Leather Element: Cutting Clean Edges - YouTube

 

I used a modified old dinner fork to chisel my first slim Jim holster.  Still have it!

Edited May 4, 2021 by TonyV