Good day All,
It's been a long time since I've posted but have been enjoying all the info being shared here!
So, I splurged and got myself a few knives from Terry Knipp. As I am a very amateur hobbyist, this was a bit of a splurge and indulgent. However I am feeling a bit deflated as I have a feeling I bought something that I can't use.
The two images showing the branding on the blade is what I take as the top side and what should face me when using but it's if one is left handed. I also included a better pic from the website. The other image is the backside with the point up to the left, which for me being right handed is how I would use it.
The website states 'Meant to be used with the bevel side against the leather when skiving.'
With all that said, am I correct that this is a left handed knife? I tried it with me holding it with the branding facing down and while I can get a cut, it's very difficult. Flipped over it cuts like a hot knife through butter.
Hope this makes sense :)
I've always been taught that the beveled side of the blade goes against the part of the leather that you are cutting away. So to me that would make this a left handed knife.
Here is an excellent video of skiving with the bevel down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKOOrCnsDlc&list=WL&index=1
Thank you ALL for the feedback and advice. Going though a very busy work period so will properly test it out and see how I get on with the bevel down method. I did try it a few times, be it rushed, and it was hard going. It is razor sharp to say the least however it feels like its working against me cutting into the leather. Thank you again, Perry
There seems to be a lot of confusion these days about skiving knives. That is a true right handed knife. Like Japanese craftsman, it is supposed to be used with the bevel down. However, many choose to use the bevel up with the false notion that it is better. It is easier to use than gaining the proper skills to use it bevel down. When skiving with the bevel up, one is always cutting downhill. That is, the knife goes deeper as you go. Whereas with bevel down and some skill, one is able to control the knife better. In wood working this is called "riding the bevel." One can achieve a much wider skive bevel down. I've used it bevel down to skive the the backs of T-pockets (rather than just the edges). In the end, I suppose, it's all about preference. If you're unhappy with that knife I'm sure you could sell it at the price you paid or even more. I often find myself using the bevel up.
Hi,
According to Al Stohlman this is a right hand knife to be used bevel down enabling a shallower angle on the skive. See image from Al Stohlman Leather Tools page 15.
thanks John
That is a blade designed for someone who is left handed. Bevel side down eh? Interesting. That would put the handle quite high during a skive which isn't ideal for consistency.
Is there any chance of sending it back at this point?