What size edge beveler?

C

Chris 54326

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Sep 13, 2017
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I went to Tandy's when I was first gathering tools I needed for leather working. (if only I knew there were so many more than just those I initially bought!!!) Was standing at the display where all the hand tools were hung. The manager came up to me and asked if she could help. I asked her what size edge beveler she recommended for projects like a knife sheath. She said "a #2" and reached down and grabbed one off the hook and handed it to me. I've used it in my work since then but have been disappointed with how large a bevel it makes. I was watching Youtube videos yesterday and realized the tiny little offcut from the beveler being used was tiny. Aimed a bright light at mine and the number on the shank is a #3. :( The beveler she handed me had obviously been hung on the wrong hook. So what size beveler do you use for knife sheaths and projects of that size?
 
I use an Osborne Western Bent Shank #4 almost exclusively for sheaths, holsters, etc really just about everything that has two or more layers put together. Single layer of 7/8 oz I use a Weaver #1 and a single layer of 8/10 oz I use an Osborne #2. I have a Horseshoe Brand turn back #2 that I use for the inside of slots and tight curves. I've got #3s and #5s that I never use and a Weaver #0 that I use only for horizontal sheaths, (after sanding the edge I use the #0 to take the little leather burr off the back side so the belt loop will glue down flush). I've found that the #4 gives me a rounder edge. I've found that this rounder edge, properly rubbed and burnished will last and last and last. I have on the desk right next to me as I type two sheaths. A pancake sheath that I made 15-20 years ago and a new pouch sheath I didn't make that is almost new. My pancake is literally worn through the leather from hard use. Retention is still great, the sheath has conformed to the owners' body. Stitching is frayed a little near one belt slot. Lots and lots of use on this sheath. Yet the edges are better than the new sheath. In fact the edges on this pancake are better than the vast majority of new sheaths that I see. Why? Cause round don't catch on stuff as much as squarer and so leaves the edge intact.
 
Thanks, Dave. You sure do use a lot of different bevel tools.

Here's what I end up with when using the Craftool #3.

p4095208682-4.jpg


Is that too much.........or too little of a bevel? (it's on 3 layers, so you can see it pretty much puts a 45 degree angle across the entire single layer)
 
For me it's closer to too little than too much. Can ya sharpen the beveler? It should't give that rough a cut. Some of that can be the leather though. Really like the depth ya got on that stamping.
 
"Too Little"????? WOW! Yes, I'm aware of how rough it is. I've sharpened the beveler. When I got it, it wouldn't cut at all. I believe it's as sharp as I can make it..........but I'll take another stab at it. It's Tandy's Veg-tan..............and from what I'm hearing from folks, it well could be the leather. I know it'll be the last piece I buy from them. As far as the depth of my stamping................I'm really enjoying my 2 lb Barry King maul. I've been getting much more consistent strikes with it.
 
Chris 54326 said:
"Too Little"????? WOW! Yes, I'm aware of how rough it is. I've sharpened the beveler. When I got it, it wouldn't cut at all. I believe it's as sharp as I can make it..........but I'll take another stab at it. It's Tandy's Veg-tan..............and from what I'm hearing from folks, it well could be the leather. I know it'll be the last piece I buy from them. As far as the depth of my stamping................I'm really enjoying my 2 lb Barry King maul. I've been getting much more consistent strikes with it.
Click to expand...

I use the edge of a buffing wheel on my Osbornes, with a green scratch remover compound to sharpen. Lots of different bevelers for lots of different jobs. I would like and haven't got around to it a Weaver #2 and I'm getting to the place where I need another Osborne #4. The one I've got is about wore out. Interestingly I'm not a fan of the BK bevelers. Had several and several other premium brands too. The Osbornes are kinda middle of the road and I keep coming back to them.

James mentioned in another post about squaring off the the rounded strike face of his stamps to get more consistent strikes. This is an old time trick and really works. I also grind flats into the handle of lots of my bevelers and other tools. I've had several bevelers and a straight line groover roll off the bench and break when hitting the floor. The flats on the handles prevent them from rolling around. I'll mark the size of the beveler on the flat of the handle with a Sharpie so I can see it easier.
 
You are a "bucket" full of knowledge, Dave. Wish I could spend a few weeks just lookin' over your shoulder while you work at your bench. I've so much to learn and not a lot of years left to absorb it all. Wish I'd started this "journey" 40 years ago! :D
 
Tandy sells two kinds of craft tool edge bevelers (wood handles). The cheaper one makes a flat cut. The one that cost a couple dollors more makes a rounded cut. Then they sell the craft tool pro bevelers (black rubberized handles). The sizes of the craft tool line and the craft tool pro line is not the same. A #1 craft tool pro is about the same size as a #3 craft tool. I have no idea how either line compares in size to the Osborn and Weaver bevelers that Horsewright uses.

O.B.
 
Thanks for the info, OB. I'll take a piece of leather with me next time I go to Tandy's and check'em out.
 
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