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c/bookbinders•robin628robin628•3mo ago

I bought a $90 leather skiving knife from a craft fair in Portland and it's already dull

The vendor swore it was 'professional grade' but the edge rolled over on my second calfskin project. I should have just ordered a known brand online for half the price. Has anyone found a good mid-range skiver that actually holds up?
4 comments

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4 Comments
mark_carr7
mark_carr71mo ago
Read somewhere that a lot of those "professional grade" knives from craft fairs are actually just rebranded cheap blanks with a fancy handle. The steel's probably too soft to hold an edge no matter how much you strop it. I'd try a basic Tandy or CS Osborne skiver, they're like $40-$50 and the steel is way better. The smooth part matters more than the brand name. You can also try putting a micro bevel on it with a ceramic rod, that helps the edge not roll over as fast.
7
wilson.joseph
Did you try stropping it before use?
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the_jana
the_jana3mo ago
Wait, you strop your knife before using it?
3
jenny47
jenny473mo ago
Actually stropping is for after sharpening, @wilson.joseph! You do it to keep the edge smooth.
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