I found these pricking irons on Aliexpress today.
As I rolled my eyes into the apex of their ark, I thought to myself 'is this genius?
Let's look at the benefits:
1) Replaceable prongs.
2) Buy spare prongs for $2.40.
3) Reverse prongs from obverse, to inverse.
4) Place wider or smaller prongs into a given size.
5) Change out an entire set from say 3mm, to 3.85 in seconds using the same handle.
6) Have a prong holder with prongs set with reverse, and one with obverse for a faster change over. Slide one out, slide the other in.
7) Have a set of 3mm, 3,38mm, 3.85mm and 4mm using one handle. Much more cost effective than 4 sets from almost any other brand.
An 8 prong holder, with 8 prongs and one handle costs $56.64, much cheaper than any replaceable prong alternatives.
Now this looks like a Mk1 product if ever I've seen one, but I like how the Chinese are starting to innovate based on consumer problems. They haven't just faked a Blanchard iron (the Japanese have strangely).
One to watch I think.
What are your thoughts?
Got one as well from taobao link above. Took the olive teeth, as i prefer it this way.
It arrived yesterday, and i have to say it is a really cool tool for the money.
According to my calculations getting it from there would cost around 120USD for the entire set (8+2) of 3mm, 3.38mm, 3.85mm, 4mm including full set of teeth. Which is a cost of one 5+2 set of high quality irons Im currently using. And it would be an absolute winner. BUT the teeth, even though are nicely finished and smooth, are absolutely dull. Im using a small 250g rubber mallet, and it works absolutely fine with my current sharp irons. 5 teeth requires me 1 moderately hard blow. With these ones i was not able to pierce 3mm relatively soft veg tan leather no matter how many times i hit.
I have spent half a day trying different ways to sharpen them. I was working very carefully not to ruin the geometry. I used few fine grit sand papers, strop and felt disk on a rotary tool. The only thing i was able to achieve is 2 more of less sharp teeth which still requires same strength blow as my old 5 teeth one.
Is there any way to sharpen those teeth faster without ruining? Please advise if anyone have some tips.