Leathercraft Tool

Hello Tim,

 

...you ask if I use an angle blade....yes, I use an angle blade a lot. The size of work governs which blade I use. The photo below shows my knives:

 

...the top knife/blade was made by Don King...this I use only for decorative cuts and the cutting of larger designs. A straight blade will flow a lot better than an angle blade...see Bob Park's flowing designs for the finest example.

 

Next down is a Henley with a fine hollow-ground (Henley) angle blade...I use this only for signing my name on work...and, tiny designs.

 

Next is another Henley with an angle blade...this blade is a little thicker for medium size designs.

 

The bottom knife was made by Don King...it has a 'low-angle' blade. I have Henley make these blades for me...they are a very low angle in both directions...reason being for cutting the very lightweight leathers I use a lot (2-3oz). A normal blade can easily cut through light leathers, and the cut will not be open enough to fit a beveler to, without resulting in a choppy edge.

 

And, don't believe it when you hear that a hollow-ground blade cuts better than a normal one. It is only the very tip that is in contact with the leather...the contact is the same on both. The reason for a 'hollow grind' is to make it easier to sharpen...with less metal to remove (sharpen, hone).

 

Peter