hand tools leather2

[Leather2]

Hello, I am new to this form, and need some advise as to which brand of tools I should get.

I have never leather worked, but it is very intriguing and I want to make some knife sheaths, and maybe later some bags and wallets.

From what I read, I will want an stitching wheel, a groover, an edger, a scratch awl, needles, and a burnisher. I already have a mallet, a xacto knife, and a surface to work on.

It seems like Tandy’s hand tools are not quality anymore, and wanted advise to see if these tools are good:

kyoshin elle pro edge creaser and groover

kyoshin elle pro stitching wheel(all sizes included)

Rocky Mountain Diamond awl

 Kyoshin elle pro grooved edger #2

John James needles(I don’t know what size to get and don’t understand what thread size either, pleeeaaase help)

Tandy’s wood burnisher(seems like this tool of Tandy’s would be fine?)

Thank you in advance.

leather2

[PastorBob]

Welcome to the forum!  Leather tools are just like any other tools; you can buy cheap or you can buy top of the line.  For some non-leather projects, I buy tools from harbor freight.  For others, Craftsman (when they were decent).  Same with leatherworking tools for me.  To me, a edge slicker is an edge slicker.  I started out with a cheap tandy swivel knife, but have since upgraded to a Barry King.  I started out with Tandy edge bevelers and even tried some from Amazon, but ended up buying a set from Weaver Leather.  They work great.  Same with stitching forks.  Some folks say just buy the best up front and save yourself the trouble of having multiple buys.  I have done this too and end up with a pricey tool that I don't use very often.  Starting out, I wasn't sure if it would be something I stuck with long term.  I have been playing around with leather for 3 years now.  Still a hobby.  But I have noticed, with better tools, the craftsmanship and quality are much better.  The sad part is, I know folks who could make beautiful items with the same cheap tools where I couldn't.  

Some common names of good tools are:

Weaver Leather

Barry King

John James Needles - several articles on here for that including thread to use as well.

Makers Leather Supply - for templates, patterns, etc.

[Leather2]

Thank you PastorBob,

Thank you for your reply, would you recommend me to start out with a less expensive tool like Tandy’s?

[PastorBob]

1 minute ago, Leather2 said:

Thank you PastorBob,

Thank you for your reply, would you recommend me to start out with a less expensive tool like Tandy’s?

That is what I did.  Just to get started.  You may find that you don't care much for it, and have little invested if you decide it's not for you.

[Leather2]

Thank you.

I have heard bad things about Tandy’s new cutting tools dulling quickly, are there any Tandy tools I should avoid?

[Leather2]

Are you referring to Tandy’s tools as the Craftool brand they carry or TandyPro brand?
Thanks again 

[mike02130]

You listed a decent budget friendly starting set up for making sheaths.  You did some home work.  I suggest you eliminate the stitching wheel and get a set of Japanese style stitching chisels.  I bought the same awl and the ferrule and blade came off the first time I used it.  RML sells a Vergez Blanchard diamond awl at a good price and after polishing the blade it will work well for you.  John James 004 are small and 002 are large.  Buy some good thread and you're all set to go.  You may as well order everything from Rocky Mountain Leather.  They don't carry junk and have free shipping.

https://www.rmleathersupply.com/collections/view-all-tools/products/economy-scratch-compass-wing-divider

https://www.rmleathersupply.com/collections/view-all-tools/products/kyoshin-elle-diamond-pricking-irons-3mm-4mm-5mm?variant=9280401667

Get the 2 and 6 tooth.

[fredk]

2 hours ago, Leather2 said:

I have never leather worked, but it is very intriguing and I want to make some knife sheaths, and maybe later some bags and wallets.

From what I read, I will want an stitching wheel, a groover, an edger, a scratch awl, needles, and a burnisher. I already have a mallet, a xacto knife, and a surface to work on.

 

1. get a couple of better knives. a. minimum of a box cutter/utility type knife and a box of blades, and  b. a rotary blade knife of 45 or 60mm diameter

example of 

a 

b 

also get a set of wing dividers

 

 

[Leather2]

50 minutes ago, mike02130 said:

You listed a decent budget friendly starting set up for making sheaths.  You did some home work.  I suggest you eliminate the stitching wheel and get a set of Japanese style stitching chisels.  I bought the same awl and the ferrule and blade came off the first time I used it.  RML sells a Vergez Blanchard diamond awl at a good price and after polishing the blade it will work well for you.  John James 004 are small and 002 are large.  Buy some good thread and you're all set to go.  You may as well order everything from Rocky Mountain Leather.  They don't carry junk and have free shipping.

https://www.rmleathersupply.com/collections/view-all-tools/products/economy-scratch-compass-wing-divider

https://www.rmleathersupply.com/collections/view-all-tools/products/kyoshin-elle-diamond-pricking-irons-3mm-4mm-5mm?variant=9280401667

Get the 2 and 6 tooth.

Thank you! 
I am curious to know why you would skip a stitching wheel, and go for stitching chisels. From what I have seen stitching wheels are used for long stitch seams as well as curves, Am I missing something?

leather2

[fredk]

1 hour ago, Leather2 said:

I am curious to know why you would skip a stitching wheel, and go for stitching chisels. From what I have seen stitching wheels are used for long stitch seams as well as curves, Am I missing something?

One less step. Get stitching chisels, sharpen and polish them and they'll make your stitching holes in thinnish leather in one job, - no marking and then carefully piercing with the stitching awl. Also, in my case, I find it hard to see where the marks are, especially on dark leather