Author Topic: Leather trimming knife name?  (Read 1981 times)

Offline Marcruger

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Leather trimming knife name?
« on: March 31, 2021, 01:41:56 AM »
I saw Susie on the BBC show "The Repair Shop" using this handy knife for trimming the back side of a rolled edge. 
Does anyone know what it is called and/or where to get one?  The blade is shaped like an I-Beam in cross section. 
Many thanks in advance.  God Bless,   Marc







Offline Jim Spray

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Re: Leather trimming knife name?
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2021, 02:22:58 AM »
I believe that is a French edge skiving tool. Tandy Leather should have them.

Jim

Offline Marcruger

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Re: Leather trimming knife name?
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2021, 02:44:50 AM »
That's it Jim.  Many thanks,   Marc

Offline thecapgunkid

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Re: Leather trimming knife name?
« Reply #3 on: April 07, 2021, 01:32:26 PM »
Yup.  French Skiver.
You want to keep an eye on the edge.  It has to be really sharp to work well, otherwise it bunches up and hacks the leather.

My old master used to taper the edges of the tool when he honed and sharpened it.  ON the one I use to trim the edge of the shoulder on the bottom of an insole I actually ground  down one shoulder edge of the tool.


Offline P.W.Berkuta

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Re: Leather trimming knife name?
« Reply #4 on: April 07, 2021, 06:14:29 PM »
Those are nice but expensive :o. I use one of the flat blade skiver knives that has about a 1-1/4" blade. I bought one that was made in China which had good steel in it and it holds a keen edge. I also use a Weaver head knife for big jobs.


"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it." - Chinese proverb

Offline thecapgunkid

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Re: Leather trimming knife name?
« Reply #5 on: April 19, 2021, 08:10:42 PM »
P.W. has a smart idea.  Marc's tool in question is mostly used on the inner sole of a shoe where it trims a shoulder on the edge of the sole so that the upper and welt can be attached in one shot.

The moon knife or that simple blade he crafted in his picture do a very good job of skiving an edge.

Offline Greg Pennell

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Re: Leather trimming knife name?
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2021, 03:56:44 PM »
While we’re on the subject of leather working knives, does anyone have a source for a reasonably priced saddlers half head knife?  A British gal I subscribe to on YouTube uses one, and it looks very versatile and convenient.

Greg
“Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks” Thomas Jefferson

Offline James Rogers

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Re: Leather trimming knife name?
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2021, 04:53:43 PM »
While we’re on the subject of leather working knives, does anyone have a source for a reasonably priced saddlers half head knife?  A British gal I subscribe to on YouTube uses one, and it looks very versatile and convenient.

Greg

I imported a bunch of Barnsley English tools a couple of years ago and they went almost as fast as they came..  I had a bunch of half heads but they are all sold. I have to buy about 3000.00 worth to be able to make a little on them for my business and be able to sell them at a fair price. 
I am considering doing another order and will let you know.
I use a half head EVERY day in the shop. They are wonderful for cutting out intricate pieces of thinner, bag weight leather.

Here is a sampling of some of the tools I offered for sale including plough gauges in the second photo.
The third photo is of my little pet half head by Thos. Dixon and sons.







« Last Edit: April 20, 2021, 04:57:41 PM by James Rogers »

Offline James Rogers

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Re: Leather trimming knife name?
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2021, 05:22:57 PM »
P.W. has a smart idea.  Marc's tool in question is mostly used on the inner sole of a shoe where it trims a shoulder on the edge of the sole so that the upper and welt can be attached in one shot.

The moon knife or that simple blade he crafted in his picture do a very good job of skiving an edge.

And in the saddler's work it is referred to as a skirt shave as it is used to skive the top edge of saddle skirts. Mine also get frequent use in box and case work in making the 45 joins.

Offline Greg Pennell

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Re: Leather trimming knife name?
« Reply #9 on: April 21, 2021, 06:05:49 AM »
Thanks, James...those look like some wonderful tools!  I’m trying to up my game a bit...I currently use xacto knives for just about everything. Also just got a screw crease, and have been trying to learn to use it.  One of these days I’m going to build a proper stitching horse...

Greg
“Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks” Thomas Jefferson