Category: Tool Highlights

New Standard Line Professional Awl Hafts

Standard Line Professional Awl Hafts

New Standard Line Professional Awl Hafts

I've started a new line of standard awl hafts that will sell for $85.00. $150 with a blade. As with a my Artisan Made line, the blades are secured into the haft with two 8-32 hex drive set screws. These tools are not a cheap budget item. They are turned by me on a manual lathe and are made with the same attention to detail as all of my Red Ox brand tools. They are simply less detailed so take less time to make. I'm happy to be offering a more affordable tool that will perform at a high professional level.

Gordon Andrus

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New Flame Colored Stainless Steel Swivel Knives

How to order

-UPDATE- These are now selling for $220.00.

I’m making these new knives personally one at a time.  They will be made to order with sizing specifics determined by you the customer.  They are flame-colored stainless steel. The knurling has the best grip of any knives I’ve ever used, especially the ones with the annular rings. The yoke has two bearings for stability and is exceptionally smooth. My blades are made of D2 blade steel. To order one I just need an email address, shipping address, and phone number, to send an invoice That you will be able to securely pay online.  Email to scsaddle@yahoo.com

Please specify the barrel length and diameter that you would like for your knife. The three in these pictures are 7/16″. Other choices are, 3/8″, 1/2″, 9/16″, and 5/8″.

To determine the length of the barrel that you want, study the picture to the right.  You need to measure your current knife from the yoke saddle to the end of the barrel without a blade.  Then, decide how much adjustment you want the new knife to have beyond the top end of the barrel.  The knife can be made with the barrel top right below the yoke, or you can choose to have some adjustment room to set it shorter if needed.  All knives are able to be set longer than the chosen barrel length.

To order a knife I specifically need the barrel length that you decide upon and the barrel diameter.

The picture at the far right illustrates a method that has proven particularly good for determining a swivel knife’s length based on hand size.  It might be a good idea to try this with a knife that you currently use before measuring for your new knife.

I’m very excited about these unique knives and appreciate the opportunity to make them available to you.
Gordon

Knife length

From my book “Harmony and Life in Leather

“Understand the swivel knife and the ergo­nomics of its use.”

The knife, in the picture to the right, has been adjusted using the above method of finding the length from your hand size.  It may be longer than many folks are accustomed to. Also, note that the fingers and side of the hand are up, off of the work surface, as are the forearm and elbow, freeing up the joints of the arm to move. The length of the knife is such that a natural stress is set up, in the index finger, which automatically pushes the knife downward into the leather. If you have always adjusted your knife to be shorter than this, you may think that this feels awkward. In fact, people who make this adjustment gain a great deal more control. With your hand and arm free of the bench top, you are free to move all of the linkages in your arm, to make long, flowing cuts that taper over their entire length.

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A Source for Nice Pricking Irons

In Prescott last week I was able to have students at my stitching workshop try out the new Horseshoe Brand pricking irons.  I’ll tell you, they perform admirably.  The are sized stitches per inch (spi) like we in the U.S. are accustomed too.  They are also narrow enough to fit right in a stitch groove.  Collen also set me up with a new awl that they are carrying that matches the pricking irons in the profile of the blade.  It also fits sweetly in your palm.  Nice work Jeremiah, and Colleen.  #horseshoebrandtools

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Drawing Patterns

Drawing Patterns

What I've put together in this book is a good description of how patterns get put together.  I have students come to study with me that don't think they can draw.  They leave though, with a better understanding of the layers in a pattern, and the skeleton in the pattern that lets it flow, or keeps it from flowing.  They then feel confident in starting to alter the pre-drawn patterns that they use to make them better. Eventually, they start drawing some of their own.  The book teaches how to layout floral patterns, and then the important part, how to use elements and principles of design to be able to evaluate the drawings that a person makes, and then more successfully critique and edit them.

This book is truly a work dedicated to building your abilities and your passion for your work.  Dig in and really apply yourself and you will be more excited each day.

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