How to fix a swivel knife that drags

The foundation in any type of leather tooling is smooth swivel knife cuts.
It is nearly impossible to get smooth cuts when your swivel knife is dragging. This is extremely common with inexpensive knives but in this video I show you how to tune up a dragging knife so you can get smooth cuts.
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[@susantipsyhealy7655]

So glad you show methods to do things that don’t involve going out and spending a ton of money. I sharpen chisels too so I purchased three different grades of diamond blocks and the guides for my chisels and my knife. My finest block is extra extra fine. I still strop, even my chisels. Very important final step I am now using them for my other leather knife to keep it sharp. An inexpensive skiving knife.

[@Robert-xp4ii]

I'm lucky to have already known this when I got my knives. I didn't spend much on tools because I learn things and usually move on to another project. I've stuck with leatherwork for over 2 years now and have some incredibly sharp, inexpensive tools. I'm sure expensive tools would be best but I made due.

[@andrettishields388]

Agree. Thanks for that explanation, Joe, on using the sand paper and jewelers rouge, keep up the great work, really appreciate it.

[@tomlechner2865]

Thanks so much, this really helped my cutting.

[@Bowmechanic65]

Great tip for this newbie, thank you!

[@joemeling3216]

You’re welcome!

[@rtb1487]

I can't wait to get my kit!

[@joemeling3216]

The preorders are on their way out woohoo!

[@PLAZALOT58]

One thing that has really helped me is using a sharpening jig that keeps the blade at the precise angle you choose. They are only about $20 and I highly recommend it. And then stropping as you show to really polish that edge.

[@joemeling3216]

Those jigs are definitely handy!

[@mikestoning5536]

Very much appreciate how you are still putting out videos for leather basics. Thank you Joe!

[@joemeling3216]

You’re very welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@cantu9599]

I have ceramic blade that can’t ever get sharp enough to use and thank you for the video very helpful

[@randydavison6363]

Got to use a diamond coated stone to sharpen ceramic.

[@eskallagrimsson]

Never used a ceramic swivel knife but I had a ceramic chef knife at one time. I got sick of trying to keep it sharp and went back to steel. I used to have to send my ceramic chef knife in to get sharpened.

I have a caramic blade too that, in theory, don't need sharpening, but I have the same problem of drags...can you help me? Thx

[@honda200twinstar3]

Hey Joe ..i wonder if you might give Mothers aluminum polish a try ,as thats what i use as i have for my motorcycle id like to know what you think of it in place of jewelers rouge .

[@joemeling3216]

That sounds interesting. Where do I find it?

[@adamharkness9915]

Great tip Joe, If I could just ask you how do you set the correct height of your swivel knife?

[@joemeling3216]

I really don’t have an exact science to it. I really feel it just needs to be comfortable for you and to where you’re able to get results. I should do a video to show how I like mine and why.

[@susantipsyhealy7655]

Not all knives are adjustable. Be sure the one you pick up is. There is a screw that you turn in the center of the knife where it is thin. To lengthen or shorten. But Joe is right. I had to practice to finally find what works for me.

[@pueblodove]

Thanks I am a beginner and struggle with dull tools, any advice on tooling when you are left handed?

[@benjammin1212]

Hi, dull tools are either because they are budget and not holding a good edge / they haven't been sharpened and polished at the manufacturing stage,,or you are not taking long enough to polish them,( which was my issue ) i'm also left handed and have not had any issues tooling , the only tools that have caused issues with me being a leftie are the adjustable creasers , the safety skiver, and the edge creasers that you heat up.

[@pueblodove]

@@benjammin1212 Ok, thanks for the tips. The tools I have were my grandpas and were heavily used, and set around for decades before I could be in position to pick them up. Some are crude tools and maybe handmade. I guess I will polish them more.

[@patw999]

you sell coaster kits and tooling patterns, even held a contest, but you don't have a video on how to tool them? When you do I'll buy them.

[@joemeling3216]

Perfect, stay tuned. There are more videos to come.

[@cantu9599]

What about sharpening a ceramic blade how do you sharpen

[@randydavison6363]

Gotta have a diamond coated stone to sharpen ceramic.

[@cws4657]

Would it be better to strop on the flesh side and then on the hair side as well? Or is that over kill?

[@joemeling3216]

As long as you’re not rolling your blade I don’t think you can over strop it. Some people only use the hair side. I just like the flesh side (especially on a split hide) because it grabs and holds the rouge so well. I am by no means a great blade sharpener though so I’m sure there is some other great info out there on fine tuning different polishing techniques.

[@cws4657]

@@joemeling3216 thanks for the reply!

[@eskallagrimsson]

@@joemeling3216 coming from a knife sharpening background I use the hair side for a smoother polish. A drop or two of olive oil or neatsfoot will help the rouge stick. I'm pretty new to leather tooling, though, so it may not be totally needed.

[@honda200twinstar3]

Ya might find it at your hardware store in the auto section but more likely you`ll find it auto parts store in the polishing ,wax cleaner section.I think it works, but im only getting into the craft, so getting your experienced opinion would be appreciated.

[@joemeling3216]

Ok perfect

[@honda200twinstar3]

@@joemeling3216 Ya know i think thats the first time iv gotten a reply from you ..thank you you made my day ..Merry Christmas

[@joemeling3216]

@@honda200twinstar3 I’m glad to hear it made your day. Merry Christmas! I’m sorry if I’ve missed other questions. Some days it can be a challenge to keep up with them and I know I let some slip through the cracks. I’m glad I saw this one and I’m interested in trying that as an alternative.

[@honda200twinstar3]

@@joemeling3216 Ya thats wat i figered that you do get a lot to read.

[@JohnTBlock]

Strop your SK every time you pick it up, and during long sessions!

[@carollane8694]

That looks like Tripoli which is normally brown. It is a bit more coarse than rouge and is usually used as a pre polish before moving on to a rouge final polish