Swivel knives

[Johnny Dollar]

So after many years I've decided to treat myself to a new swivel knife.  I'm still using the one my Dad used when he was in the Navy just after WWII.    Still nothing wrong with it. 

I'd just like to get a nicer one and retire it. So I've been looking at the typical places... Tandy etc.  But I see lots of barrels. Steel, stainless, brass.  So I suppose my question is one type better than the other?  Which ones are you guys using?   I'll say that my leather work is strictly a hobby mostly for me and some family. So its not a job like some.  That being said, I still would like to get a quality knife.

Thanks much for your time!

[Marshal Will Wingam]

There's nothing better than a good swivel knife. I've had good ones and bad ones. They make a difference in the quality and ease of your tooling. We have a thread just on swivel knives in the FAQ thread. Here's a link to it. About Swivel Knives

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Like Will said our FAQ thread is full of great info you can use now and as you go along...

tEN wOLVES

[Marshal Will Wingam]

It took me a while to find where you can get a good quality one at a fairly reasonable price. I have two of the Barry King ones. One 3/8" diameter and one 1/2" diameter. I use the 1/2" one with a 1/2" straight blade for most tooling and the 3/8" one with a 1/4" angled blade for tight curves and small detail work. Here's a link to them Barry King Swivel Knives.

My hands are about average in size but if you have big hands, you may prefer a larger one than 1/2".

If I had to use just one, I'd choose the 1/2" with a 1/2" straight blade. You can always buy a second blade and switch them when you do the details. That's what I did for years.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks so much! Marshal, I looked at Barry Kings web site..  great knives.   Also, sorry about not checking the FAQ first.  Great info there!

Thanks again!

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Glad to help, Johnny. When you get one, show us what you do with it.