Need help choosing first swivel knife by mail order please.

[Tallbald]

In the past I've worked to choose tools I buy via mail order based on reviews, pictures, manufacturer descriptions, etc. Sometimes I've not been too successful. I want to get my first swivel knife but the choice is broad, with ball bearings, hollow grinds and other features sort of confusing to me. I can spend up to about $30. Guidance would be appreciated. Thanks, Don.

[TwoWalks Baldridge]

Tallbald, I started out with the el cheepo from Tandy and struggled beyond words.  No ball bearings, non adjustable.  Last week I ordered a Lancer swivel knife - 3/8" and I love it.  The cost was 55.95 a little more than you have listed.  This is only my second knife but it was recommended by Chan Geer so I gave it a shot. 

[knucklehead]

my first swivel knife was the one that tandy leather sells like twowallks says no ball bearings.
upgraded to the heavy brass swivel knife because it was heavier, required less pressure to cut to right depth in leather but still no ball bearings. next swivel knife i purchased was the al stohlman knife at tandy leather factory cause it was on sale for 60 bucks(normal price 100 bucks) this one has ball bearings. i like this one.
but i changed to a barry king swivel knife with ball bearings after using one at chan geer's class. used it for awhile but upgraded to a henley swivel knife with ball bearings. ordered it from henley with 2 bades angle and straight, took 2 monthes to get. cost was $125.00 shipped to my door. its the cream of the crop for me. this is the swivel knife i will go back to. will use my al stohman and the barry king swivel knife also but will be limited use. i setup the al stohlman knife with a double line cutter blade. it does borders now and only that.

a lot of people will tell you that the chuck smith swivel knifes are sweet to use. i havent tried one yet. good luck in your search

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

my first swivel knife was the one that tandy leather sells like twowallks says no ball bearings.
upgraded to the heavy brass swivel knife because it was heavier, required less pressure to cut to right depth in leather but still no ball bearings. next swivel knife i purchased was the al stohlman knife at tandy leather factory cause it was on sale for 60 bucks(normal price 100 bucks) this one has ball bearings. i like this one.
but i changed to a barry king swivel knife with ball bearings after using one at chan geer's class. used it for awhile but upgraded to a henley swivel knife with ball bearings. ordered it from henley with 2 bades angle and straight, took 2 monthes to get. cost was $125.00 shipped to my door. its the cream of the crop for me. this is the swivel knife i will go back to. will use my al stohman and the barry king swivel knife also but will be limited use. i setup the al stohlman knife with a double line cutter blade. it does borders now and only that.

a lot of people will tell you that the chuck smith swivel knifes are sweet to use. i havent tried one yet. good luck in your search

    I have to agree with Knucklehead, and have done the same things, my Henley is my favorite, but I like my Barry King to, I say don't skimp on your swivel knife, buy a good one and you'll be happy you did. IMHO, I think for the most part though we all started on the cheaper Tandy knife, at least until we knew we were going to like and stay in this craft. And Don you being a big guy, I'm sure you have big hands like me, try to get a large barrel Henley if you can swing it, it will be less stressing on your fingers and hand, and there blades are tops. The saddle I asked them for was the laid over saddle style, which I think would be great for you too with your trouble with your hand. the knife in the center is the laid over saddle style I have, it just feels great when using, and there are no corners to bother your fingers, and the body is adjustable for length, here is there link.    http://gemosphere.tripod.com/GEMOSPHERE/Swivel_Knivesx.html

      tEN wOLVES  

[Dalton Masterson]

Good advice!
If you decide on the Tandy Al Stohlman knife, they are going to have a 1/2 off 1 item coupon as part of their sale next week. It might just be my store, as I havent gotten an email on it. I will try to look at my coupon tonite and see. If it is just my store, you can call the Omaha store, and place an order for it.

I use the ASB leather handled one for the hollow ground straight blade, and also have 2 steel ASB knives with bearings using B. King angled and filigree blades.
The steel ones are pretty good in my opinion. I see that Cowboy WC has them on his store site.
DM

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I have two Henleys. One is 1/2" diameter and the other is 3/8". They're both outstanding and out perform my other ones (no ball bearings) hands-down. I'd never buy another one without bearings. Both have the conventional saddles but I've never tried the other style. It's probably better, like TW says.

[bedbugbilly]

Dalton - I rec'd the same flier you are talking about from Tandy out here in AZ.  The sale is April 8 & 9 - two days only.  It has the 50% off coupon on it for one item.  I don't see anything on the flier that limits the stores so I have to assume that it applies at every Tandy.  They also have "Craftsman Oak Tooling Sides" - average 25 - 26 square feet in 3 to 4 ounce weight on sale for $39.99.  I thought I'd mention that in case anyone is looking for leather for cartridge loops.  I bought one of these sides a while back and have used it for my cartridge loop leather as well as a lot of other applications. 

[Dalton Masterson]

BedbugBilly, thanks for checking on that. I figured it was a Tandy wide sale as it was on better paper than I usually get for the local sales.
+1 on the 40 sides too. Good for loops for a lot of projects.
DM

[Biscuit Joe]

you might want to take a look at  Chuck Smith's 'old smoothly'. I love mine and it is adjustable in length. I have his beading blade and it is very nice also.
But they cost a bit more than $30.00.
But for $30.00 look at Tandy. Then save up for a better knife as you improve. Believe me there will be a big light go on after struggling with an inexpensive swivel knife and having a quality one.

[Tallbald]

Thank you all for the guidance. This is just the sort of info I was hoping for. How would I get a 50% Tandy off coupon? I'm on their mailing list, but have not received one? Don

[Dalton Masterson]

Just call your store April 8 or 9th, and tell them you have the 50% off coupon to use. That or call your store and have them send you a flyer.
Good luck!
DM