Strap end/English points

[Omega Leather Works]

Since day one I've cut my own strap ends. In fact, I've made a few templates in different widths, rounds and English.

I've been thinking about a punch. Looks like SLC is now stocking some incredibly cheap punches, but I have to assume (at like $5) that they are terrible quality. My curiosity was sparked so I looked at the river and the bay to see what they had to offer. Of course they have the highly overpriced Tandy tools, as well as the Osborne punches, which cost around $40-70. I'm really not interested in either.

Anyone own ( even tried) another punch? There are three that I'm very interested in.

The first and second are the Japanese Kyoshin Elle and Seiwa (maybe Craft Sha?). I'm a big fan of their tools and distributor (GoodsJapan). Price is fairly reasonable, around $30-40. Great quality, prices competitive with other high quality tool brands.

The third is Leather Unlimited. Their tool looks as nice as any and sells for around $25. They are supposed to be high quality, and they are made in the USA.

All of the tools above get good reviews.

I'd love to hear from anyone that has any of the above 3, or something else you'd recommend, or recommend I avoid.

 

[leatherman]

I have an Osborn for my keeper straps and have been very happy with it, way over built, but I like that.

The other is a 1" Stohlman brand that I got on sale on year and its performance has been phenomenal.

My slot punch is an Osborn as well. Stay clear of those tubular punches, sheet metal and will bend on first use. Personal experience. Pay a bit more but curse a lot less.

 

[Horsewright]

I've got Osbornes and Weavers. I've had some of the sheet metal ones that Dwayne is talking about years back. They are bad. Osbornes are good. Weaver are better by quite a bit. They come sharp and stay sharp. A very well built tool. I've got bag punches, Eanglish strap ends and half round punches in various sizes. All my drive punches are Osborne.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Thanks guys. Maybe I'll find one used one day.

True story... I got up this morning and looked at the email SLC had sent me detailing my order for supplies. The weird thing is that I ordered one of those $5 punches. I really don't remember putting that in the basket. Maybe I'm getting senile in my old age.

I guess I'll tell ya how much I hate it when it arrives.

 

[leatherman]

Old Age, he says, In Trouble He Is!

 

[bigun73]

For a cheep half round I got a hole saw and a bolt. Measure inside of hole saw for size, Welded bolt on, chucked into drill, ground teeth off on bench grinder, sanded bevel onto edge till sharp, cut off half with cutoff tool, sanded to finish. Works like a champ.

 

[sheathmaker]

I have had Osborne and Weaver "Master" line of English points and half rounds. Osborne is good but I prefer the finish and quality of the Weaver product by a wide margin.

Paul

 

[Omega Leather Works]

For a cheep half round I got a hole saw and a bolt. Measure inside of hole saw for size, Welded bolt on, chucked into drill, ground teeth off on bench grinder, sanded bevel onto edge till sharp, cut off half with cutoff tool, sanded to finish. Works like a champ.

That's funny. I bought a steel nipple that that I was gonna grind a bevel into for punching leather washers. Never got around to it and I was thinking about doing exactly as you describe. A hole saw might be better though. Points for creativity.

I'd like to order a few things from Weaver but that initial order requirement has kept me from buying anything. I don't need a few hundred dollars worth of stuff right now.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Well, I said I'd give my thoughts on the punch when it arrived. It arrived.

Observations.

The handle is much shorter than I thought it would be, but having never seen another in person, it may be the same with many of them. Anyway, the length of the handle is fine with my mallet and even my huge hands don't get in the way.

The width is correct. I don't care for the arc in terms of what I usually make a round cut for, but it's ideal for belts and is well represented in the pics.

I can't really imagine what type of steel this is, but it certainly doesn't look high end. The bevel is somewhat sharp.

In use it's pretty bleh... I literally had to hit it a dozen times on a poly board to get through 7/8oz. Not something I'd want to do very often.

Let's be real though, the thing was like 5-6 bucks, and (when it finally does cut) it cuts a very nice and clean line.

One thing I forgot to do was look at the bevel against something flat to see if the edge is straight. I imagine I can get this in much better shape with all of the sharpening equipment I have. Don't know how often it'd need touched up, but I'd guess fairly frequently.

If the arc (or I think they also sell a "v") looks good to you and you don't plan on using it super often, you might give one a try. Again, you can't beat the price. On the other hand, I usually recommend buying the best you can afford from the get go.