Are Barry King Tools Worth The Cost? - What Is The Best Leather Stamping Tool?

Today we are going to unbox a selection of Barry King leather stamping tools. I purchased these tools in advance of a leather stamping class that I signed up for next month. I thought I would share the experience with you so you can decide for yourself if the Barry King tools are worth the price. I will share this journey of learning and hopefully improving my skills with you.
I am open and transparent on each tool that I have purchased and use on my channel. These are not sponsored videos. I have purchased each of these tools with my own money. I am happy to answer any questions in regards to my craft. Your support of my channel helps me to continue to create videos on a regular basis.
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‪@InMyBusyLittleShop‬
#leather #leathercraft #howto #tandyleather #leatherproject #barryking #leathercarving

[@georgemurphy8338]

I have never regretted my purchases from barry king

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I have been happy with Barry King as well.

[@timtrax918artisan8]

I have not watched yet but YES they are, getting the best tool will illiminate that veribel . now i will watch

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I sure am enjoying the tools. When I received and made the video I had yet to get some instruction on flowers. Don Gonzales class was very helpful

[@timtrax918artisan8]

@@InMyBusyLittleShop absolutely watch DG he is the best. He can also make a craft tool work but he's a freak lol . Seriously though when you get the best tool you have elimated a varible. In the end if its not for you those BK tools hold value, so you can sell them for like 5% off new

[@kboleather]

I have really old Tandy Stamping tools and their modern day cut costs stamping tools. Then I bought some BK tools. Barry's tools are incredible. But if someone is just starting out Tandy is the way to go. As your skill level improves and you enjoy the stamping aspect then for sure go out and buy Barry's tool. One tool I highly recommend is Barry's Line 20 & 24 snap setter. Holy Cow! What a great idea. A couple of taps and the snap is set. No more running ring around the posy setting a snap. It is easy peasy with little to no effort. I live up in Canada. With our dollar worth a little more then a peso plus duty and other taxes, and freight it gets pretty expensive to bring supplies up from down South.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

That is great advice. It’s what I would recommend as well. I hear from other Canadians the challenges of tool and supply options. Maybe one day things will improve.

[@kboleather]

​ I doubt it Robert. We can't even get a trade show up here. Wicket & Craig use to be in Toronto Ontario until Ontario wanted to bid on an Olympics (they lost). I had a chance about 6 years ago to buy a Class 26 that was for sale in British Columbia (my home Province). It was sold within a week. It was selling for around a 2 grand Canadian. Now they are 3500 Canadian and that doesn't even include freight. Prices are crazy right now. It doesn't matter if it's food or hobby supplies. I guess we have no choice but to ride out the storm.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

@@kboleather so sorry. Our prices have continued to increase greatly here as well. It’s really a sad state of affairs for many.

[@lvxleather]

I really like all the tools I have bought from Barry King. Buy once cry once, and they are Made In USA!

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I agree. I think it’s best to buy the best that you can afford when you purchase tools.

[@eizzle78]

Replacing a few cheap stamps with Barry Kings made a huge difference for me! Totally worth the money.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

That’s great to hear. I am satisfied with the tools. Thanks for commenting

[@jackiemitchell4418]

23+ Swivel BK tools at once? WOW!!! You don't get a birthday present this year! LOL.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

So I’ve heard

[@deangrieger5241]

I have learned to buy the best you can afford (most expensive is not always the best). For me, hand handmade beats manufactured. B King has never let me down. 7 and 12 dollar tools are just that.... once you have used them both you know....Thank you for making the point.....

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Good point most expensive and best might not always be the same. I agree purchase the best tool that you can afford. If you do that over time you should have a great tool set. Thanks for following along and commenting

[@OpenAirAdventure]

Those swivel knives are cool, i didn't realize how they work until now. All the tools and there designs are great. Kenny

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks Kenny.

[@rolandbaxter4936]

Try some old school "craft Japan" leather tools. If you can find some from the early 2000's. Definitely high quality

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I will keep my eyes open. I think that there are parts of the country that you are more likely to find old leather working tools than other places. I will keep my eyes open

[@kcg3927]

I wish I had an extra grand to spend with Barry King... lucky you..

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

They are not cheap and I’m lucky enough to be in a spot where I can spend the money from selling leather items on more tools and supplies.

[@carelbrits]

Nice tools looking forward on upcoming videos on your tooling project allows starting tooling this year it is a lot of fun endless possibilities like your channel

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for the note of encouragement

[@larrycumba2741]

Although more expensive, Barry King has a great variety to choose from. As an example I needed a set of vertical line pear shaders. Couldn’t find a set anywhere else. Barry had a set of six so I ordered them today. Don’t know if I will use all six but will have them if I need them. Total with shipping 225.00. I do have many different brands of stamping tools. Some of the brass cnc tooled stamps are nice as well.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for the comment. I have been very happy with the variety of tools I have purchased over the years. They are from various suppliers. The Barry King tools are great. The Ron’s Tools edgers are also great. The BHT strap end punches are also. I really believe that when it come to tools that you normally get what you pay for. I really appreciate your comment.

[@1littleSher]

Excited to see what you make.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks

[@JoFrostleatherwork]

Hey Robert- great video! Loved your comment hope my wife doesn’t see all these expensive tools! LOL! Looking forward to your build of the tool roll

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Definitely on the expensive side. I try and make the hobby pay for its self. Basically my budget is based on what I have leftover once I pay for materials and tools.

[@JohnJohn-xb1sn]

If you like Barry kings you should take a look at Robert Beards tools. Not only a maker but one hell of a carver..

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I will check it out. I thought BK tools were somewhat expensive. At the last show in Prescott there was a tool guy there almost twice the price of BK.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I found his scuffed bevelers interesting. Looks like great tools.

[@JohnJohn-xb1sn]

More than likely that was Robert Beard. Kings tools are nice but they are still mass produced on CNCs. Mr. Beards are more handmade. He will also make you one off customs. He's the kind of Carver that can do more with 10 stamps than most can do with every stamp made. Very artistic

[@user-sp6ki8ty2j]

Great video. I am no expert on leather tooling either. I started out as a little boy beating on leather. My grandfather pulled horses as a hobby and took the time to teach me how to build the tack. I have learned a few things in the last half century about tools and tooling. It takes both patience and practice. My favorite tools are the tools that achieve the desired effect on the leather. As far as bending a tool. I am guessing you will bend a few in the first couple of years. And maybe even intentionally. The best thing you can do when tooling leather is have fun and remember even the greatest artist started drawing stick figures. Have a wonderful day. Keep up the great work.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Great advice. I appreciate the comments.

[@williammrdeza9445]

Very nice tools, Robert! You certainly are jumping into tooling with both feet! It will be interesting to see how your class influences some of your future projects. Good luck and enjoy the learning opportunity.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I was talking with a gentleman last August at the Waco leather trade show. He asked about what leather tools style I used on my belts. I told him that I didn’t tool belts. He looked at me with a blank look and then said “I wouldn’t do anything leather work if I didn’t tool”. I figured maybe I was missing the best part. That comment influenced me the most to give it a try.

[@williammrdeza9445]

I have a ways to go and much to learn before I am at that point. Perhaps by then, I will be able to learn from your beveling experience!

[@JohnLittle-ie4ok]

Looks like you are making a tool roll this week to store them for safety

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Yeah…. Need to get on that.

[@theArtOFjon]

What weight leather and in mils please? Was it marketed for tooling, the leather?

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

That was some 10 ounce (4mm) leather that I have had for years do I’m not sure if the manufacturer. I hope that this helps.

[@jamesw.3491]

I think much of the debate really is just around personal pet brands. A B King isn't any better than a vintage craft tool stamp. They all work, and get the job done. Yes, either brand is much better than some off the wall China brand. No doubt with that. But just like your B king mallet, it's all in your mind. It's not like B king has some magic material that is only availible to them. It's not like they are the only ones who can set QC requirements. I have heard from other full time leather crafter that name doesn't really mean that much. They felt fooled after time went on, by the hype around brands. They weren't really any better. No tool lasts forever. unless you don't use them. Whatever makes you happy. That's what counts. So long as you aren't acting like "unless you use THIS brand, you aren't a "real" leathercrafter". Because some people are that way.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Not me.

[@noelstractors-firewood57]

I’m thinking about what my father always said. If you’re gunna work on something, it’s gotta be solid. And it’s true. Would those new tools be a bit heavier in weight, than the other ones. That also could make them nicer to use. Same as the weight of different hammers. Just thinkin out loud. I’m guess $600.00 US for the tools. Don’t let your wife read this. 🤭🤭

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Good afternoon Noel. Looks like you got a spot of weather up there. I agree on the weight. Yes and I believe made from a higher quality of steel.

[@JohnLittle-ie4ok]

Do you eventually need to sharpen them?

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Depends on the tool you are asking about. The swivel knife has to be kept sharp. Easiest done by stropping very often. The stamping tools you might “square up” a straight edge that becomes rounded with wear.

[@denisauclair6784]

CAN you send me the number of the tools you buy!!

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Are you looking for the part numbers? If so reach out to me on FB messenger and I will send you a picture of the invoice