I made my channel private to change things around and it caused all of my responses to vanish. sorry Guys. I'll be answering all of you again over time.. Good times!
Christian XianLeather Marsh I agree and i am aiming high with quality in mind. Yes I agree the handmade leather craft industry is small and dying but hopefully with us all we can stick together and hopefully pass down to who may come behind us. Thanks again
I'm still in the very early stages of learning to tool leather, this video has been very helpful. It explains a lot of why I struggle with my cuts too. Thank you.
I used to teach sharpening classes at Woodcraft and Rockler - it's a lot of fun to see people's idea of sharp before getting shown the process to really get a mirror polish. The look on their faces after making the first cut they with a really sharp blade they just made is totally priceless - like a little kid that just saw a big ass ice cream cone...
Your right Christian, your techniques make these big guys look like amateurs. I watched their videos and they spent like zero time sharpening, unlike yours. Nice that you are meticulous, and you talking about these guys was totally cracking me up. Thanks again.
Excellent Christian. Thankyou for sharing your knowledge, I now know what I need to do to sharpen my swivel knife blade. Awesome that you sharpened the angeled (filigree blade) as this is my preferred working blade. Also the addition of the Collar to the shaft of the sharpening tool stem is brilliant. I have only recently bought the sharpening jig. You have shown me how to use it effectively. Agree whole heartedly about the importance of having the blade sharp - mirror sharp. Agreed also regarding the tool shafts being narrow and not ergonomically friendly to us folk blessed with large hands. Need a sleeve to fit over the tool stem/shaft. Interesting see what you and your colleague have developed. It would be cost prohibitive for me to retool with ergonomic tools here in New Zealand. Tools are not available here like they where 35 years ago. Enough already. Best tutorial!
Thank you Christian, your story and you are very inspirational to me. I appreciate your sharing. Your craft is out of this world!! I am also self taught and starting to tool but lightyears from what you are doing. You are a master of your craft.Take care and keep in touch.
Thank you as well Frank! keep at it and aim high brother. We need this craft to carry on and be passed down as much as we can. With all the automation coming up behind us we just might be the one last hand craft to survive in the future....
Hey thank you for a great how to and explaining why you have to do a mirror sharping. Now I understand some of the stuff I am seeing in my leather carving.
Fast question I can not the answer to. What angle do I sharpen the blade at? I have a very nice knife sharpener kit that I can get mirror polish out of but I do not want to ( by accident) change the angle of the blade. Can you tell me the right angle.
This is THE best swivel knife sharpening video I've ever seen. THNX !!! Also, talk about a small world, I lived in Check and pastored 4 United Methodist churches in Floyd County back in the mid-90s. What you said in your documentary is right : it's a VERY special place. Am glad you found your way there. My journey eventually took me to Vienna, Austria. Which is also a very special place. Thanks again for your videos. I WILL be following you and your work quite closely.
LJ... wow you are not kidding! Im right at Stonewall and Daniels Run... Check is right up the road here from me. Small world indeed. Im on the old Kanode Farm that belongs to Gary and his Mom Virgina if you know them, you just might. Austria huh.. now thats a serious Journey, I cant imagine what it would take to move your life that far.. But I'm sure its more than worth it and you found your Zen.... Thank you so much for watching... all the best!
Thank you! Like you i have watched several videos on u tube, and learned a long time ago u don't mess up the burr!!!! Also liked the tip on the collar, will def be getting that. U are a great artist. Thank u for ur time an advice.
Nice video. Better yet, "Great" information! I will be using this technique. Just a "newbie" now. Very interested in working with leather but want the correct instructions. Thanks. Paz
Brian, thanks for watching man, Im glad you got some good info out of it. It'll definitely turn your work around and make it not only easier, but much more professional looking and feeling... thanks again!
Do you have a link for that angle jig? I'm having a hard time finding one of that style for a round clamp. The only ones I can find are flat clamps for plane and chisel blades. Amazing work, story, and sharpening tutorial. Thanks man! Much appreciated!
You know I'm your fan #1. Always I'm learning from you buddy and Thank you so much for the videos. You're something, we going to see you at Discovery channel, trust me. Peace my friend and take care.
Nice production on your vid and very informative. I'm definitely going to give the green compound a go. As for a future vid , perhaps on the swivel knife blade types and there uses? All the best , Mark
Christian , do you know what " Bob's strops" are made of ? I will do an order with him when I have the money , I live in England, so when I do an order , it will be a biggish one. Until then , I've got green compound , I want to use something other than leather for stropping. Any ideas?
That's great , I'll get on that this weekend. I was thinking of using a piece of canvas glued to some wood , because barbers use a canvas strop to sharpen razors. But as you said , I will get an order together with Bob, that would be the easiest thing to do . I'm very great-full for your replies , thanks again. Mark
Christian Success! I got through to bob on the phone. What a nice guy , had a really good and informative conversation with him. He told me all about how he makes his strops ( he's uses food grade conveyor belt ). He said the most important things are flatness, limited comprehension and good quality rouge. I'm gana get an order sorted with him soon. Thanks again Christian. Best, Mark
Hi Christian, love your work and your style especially liked your approach to sharpening the swivel knife, and your an inspiration in the way you overcome the lost 3 weeks work on the table... I just hope i never get to go through that to build and start again.
Hello Christian. I'm 2 years late getting here and visited the link to Tristone sharpening stones which advises the product has been discontinued. Can you recommend an alternative product? Will you list the Grit numbers of the different stones used please. Thankyou
Well explained video. I've been doing the same with my knives for quite some time now. Regardless, spot on great. Christian, if and when you have time, there are no good videos on sharpening an awl. Due to your clarity and style in explaining 'how to', methinks such a video would serve others quite well. All the best!
With me sharpening is a meditation. I start at 1200, 3000, 6000, 9000, 12,000 true grit Waterstone just as i would my planes, chisels or kitchen knife. Then to 20,000 grit cream on my strop then on the final strop i use 30,000 true grit diamond polish. It takes about four hours but by 0800 I’m ready and calmed to begin a leather carving session. I love your technique and approach to caressing the blade.
Pretty much the same way with stones, but without the jig, with curved blades you'll need round stones and make your own round strop out of molded leather rolled up into the radius you need , apply rouge and you're good to go.
Unreal video Christian, thank you so much for posting. I would love to see a video on how you get the incredible color and fades on your pieces. Dye brand/type, dilution, antiques, resists and the order in which you use them, etc. I feel no one comes close to the incredible color/fade details you achieve. I have read a lot and done my research and have been experimenting. In addition, I have used the wedge sponge trick you shared a while back and that has helped. but still feel that I'm missing something. Thank you for your inspiration and desire to help others!
Christian, I just found your videos and they are amazing. I'm just getting started in leather and I'm making Archery arm guards. My question is about the dyes, paints and shading. When I use Resolene for a finish it lifts some of the color and smears it over parts I don't want it on. Thank you.
Alan... its too much to get into here in a comment, besides I'd have to see exactly whats going on in some pictures, a list or materials you used, leather type, dry times, etc etc... If you want, send em ail to my gmail through either website and include some pictures, a material list of what you used, leather type and dry times for each step...I'll get it figured out for you in no time... All the best!
also a hint to make sure youre following the factory angle and not reprofiling the edge mark the angle with a marksalot, makes it easy to see that youre getting the right angle. I collect hunting knives and use a KME system, wish i could adapt it to do swivels. Best video Ive seen to date
I'll get back at ya with a longer response, but the quick would be, Green Compound in either powder or stick form for stroping. White won't cut enough to keep the edge clean , sharp and polished to give you superior cut lines in cased leather. Green will, and with ease.
White rouge will get you almost nowhere by itself, its basically useless in this application and really only uses up time and leaves the very fine scratches in place. Polishing is in itself removing fine lines/material. So by itself it will basically just clean the blade off after its been used to cut lines. If you're using a very soft metal for a blade it would be ok, but for hardened steel blades and proper strop results, green is the way to go without getting into polishing cloths, Diamond , paste, etc etc...
Consistency in carving and imprinting patterns. I sometimes get in ‘the zone’ but often, because of an army head injury, i get flustered and angry and want to chuck it in the trash. My neurologist says to keep my work periods under an hour but i feel so unproductive! Can you comment on productivity or does everyone have the same issues?
First thing id say is get a new doctor... in the 90's I got lyme disease in my spinal fluid and it left me with shakes in all of my limbs, Neurological issues with concentration and memory ,a heart attack and impaired vision from it. The only time I dont shake is when I work, and sitting for long periods of time in the zen zone only comes from repetition. Top that with my ADHD from childhood and im a spun top 24/7.... There are a few ways to get there, but it takes practice. Anyone with PTSD/CPTSD /TBI will always have an impossible time trying to meditate, which is the same as getting in the zone. This usually comes from a subconscious layer of noise in the back of the brain which will NOT allow us to sit still, concentrate or repeat tasks with the same amount of quality and finesse. So... to get there in your art, you have to take the back way around so your "mind" doesnt know you're trying to tell your "brain" what to do. Or it will fight you , and then comes the boom and in the trash it all goes. Get yourself a pair of Marching Drum sticks, they're large , have an easy bounce, and will work your hand muscles easier. Follow the hand conditioning video I put up until your hands become comfortable with the exercises, then move onto playing the same patterns along with music . No company, no outside distractions and try to do it alone in a room thats comfortable and zen like. Wear headphones at first it'll block all outside noise and force you into the moment. What this will also do is work both sides of your brain together and against one another at the same time. Right brain controls left hand, Left brain controls right hand, so you'll be able to break that barrier and free up coordination and at the same time build new pathways in your brain each time you do it. Start with 15 mins per day and move up to 30 mins per day for the first month. after the first 2 weeks you'll see improvement, after the first month you'll find yourself soaked into the sound and feel of the sticks and then transfer that motion over to the bench when you work leather. Before you know it you'll be sitting for hours with no issue and from the hand work your tooling will be improved easily by 40% .... remember it takes over 1500 repetitions to make something automatic , "muscle Memory" . so give it time , it might take you a bit longer but you'll get it. Shields High brother, never quit ! and all the best to you.... and check back in after a while and let me know how you're doing. PS, once you get this down we can add another layer to it if you want.. But this will get you freed up.
Hey... I’m a combat vet as well using leather as an occupational therapy... I find that having several projects going at the same time is helpful to me as I can work one for a short time then switch if my focus gets too tired... I like having them at different task stages.. like sewing one one dying on another , then tooling on yet another. So I just bite off what I can... yes this is much slower... but at least I’m in the game.
Why do use traditional stones over good diamond plates like DMT Bench Stones? Also, have you tried diamond lapidary paste as a final step after the green compound? I’ve found it makes almost as much difference as the green does after the plates.
Traditional are less aggressive and give just the right finish for a swivel blade. The amount of times I sharpen and re surface I'd go through blades so fast Id have to buy them constantly, and these arent that cheap if you know what I mean. If I were using ceramic blades I be using Diamond for sure, but for hardened steel these work perfectly.
This is a great video. I think that you could do some more justice by talking about creating a burr and how that burr is used in the process of blade sharpening. Counting strokes is great, but were really looking for a burr and then to get rid of it. Great video again
Hi Christian, thank you for this video, I purchased all the materials you used in this video. After several tries at learning the technique i final have beautiful sharp blades. Very noticeable feel when carving. I had a quick question, you use such beautiful colours in your work, what do you use to seal your leather, or is it several technique all rolled up into one?
Zane do you know where to get the ceramic blades. I saw a craftsman using one in a streetside market in Darwin Australia 2014. he inforned me that the blades where not available anymore.
Just wanted to add this...I added a second collet below the main body. Helps keep the arm length exactly the same and means I only have to rotate it to sharpen the other side. One day I'll get around to marking/measuring the arm so I know what angle the blade will be ground to.
Have you ever thought do a tutorial on motorcycle seats? Not necessarily the tooling aspect, but the construction of the seat itself..There is not much out there for that...Great Video!!
Hi Christian. I hope you’re doing well. I emailed you awhile back to check in. Hope life is treating you well. Take care and know you always hold a special place in my heart and that I think of you every time I wear my helmet. Deborah/Shelly/Angie.
A pleasure to see some one do it right, I bored out my roller guide and fitted a brass bush to eliminate the slop I am surprised your stones don't glaze up with using virtually no oil
I have my own sharpening jig coming out in about a month... stay tuned, you might be interested in getting one. They do get a bit glazed but I scrub em out after each time I put blades on em. Nothing worse than a course stone that feels like glass right? lol
Hey Christian Well mate I'm from Oz & I have to say without doubt this would be the best vid I've seen on this subject anywhere on the net ... so incredibly articulate & deadly accurate from a true professional ... I felt like I was sitting opposite from you in the room & having a chat when you had that last drag on a fag & stubbed out @ 1:11 ... I gave up cigs in 2006 & watching you made me laugh & want to light up to join you ... bastard ... but that will never happen LOL ... very rare I will sit here & listen to an entire 28:20 min overview of any subject but I must say I didn't at any point dare to fast forward so as not to miss a thing ... mate 1st time I've seen you ... 1st time I've heard of you ... & if that is your work being showcased behind you on the screen then I'm now going to research all your work as of now ... very professional commentary & filming/editing & uploading ... totally enjoyed it so ... many many thanks for the effort behind your desire to help those who are beginners & or strugglers such as myself ... I'm sure you said something about looking thru a magnifying glass & mentioning being anal which mad me laugh ... reminds me of the time when I bought a bore/cylinder scope to do my own colonoscopy ... LOL ... but that's another story ... cheers me old mate ...
Would love to see or even take a class from you on tooling from basic onward. see if its something youmay like to do in future. People would pay for it or post a patreon page and allow access to special videos so you get paid for your knowledge and it would help us beginners :)
Frank... I do teach and give classes for different levels and at different lengths as well. The information is in the link... All the best! www.jacquesbenardleather.com/leather-classes
I made my channel private to change things around and it caused all of my responses to vanish. sorry Guys. I'll be answering all of you again over time.. Good times!
I was wondering what happened to your channel.
Christian XianLeather Marsh I agree and i am aiming high with quality in mind. Yes I agree the handmade leather craft industry is small and dying but hopefully with us all we can stick together and hopefully pass down to who may come behind us. Thanks again
Hey man what happened to the documentary? Is it on a different channel?
I was wondering the same thing
This is the best and most detailed swivel knife sharpening video on TH-cam. Thanks for taking the time to make it.
This video has helped my tooling more than any video I've yet watched. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us sir!
I'm still in the very early stages of learning to tool leather, this video has been very helpful. It explains a lot of why I struggle with my cuts too. Thank you.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE MORE LEATHERCRAFT Experience !!! You Are a real good leather !!
I used to teach sharpening classes at Woodcraft and Rockler - it's a lot of fun to see people's idea of sharp before getting shown the process to really get a mirror polish. The look on their faces after making the first cut they with a really sharp blade they just made is totally priceless - like a little kid that just saw a big ass ice cream cone...
Your right Christian, your techniques make these big guys look like amateurs. I watched their videos and they spent like zero time sharpening, unlike yours. Nice that you are meticulous, and you talking about these guys was totally cracking me up.
Thanks again.
Excellent Christian. Thankyou for sharing your knowledge, I now know what I need to do to sharpen my swivel knife blade. Awesome that you sharpened the angeled (filigree blade) as this is my preferred working blade. Also the addition of the Collar to the shaft of the sharpening tool stem is brilliant.
I have only recently bought the sharpening jig. You have shown me how to use it effectively. Agree whole heartedly about the importance of having the blade sharp - mirror sharp.
Agreed also regarding the tool shafts being narrow and not ergonomically friendly to us folk blessed with large hands. Need a sleeve to fit over the tool stem/shaft. Interesting see what you and your colleague have developed. It would be cost prohibitive for me to retool with ergonomic tools here in New Zealand. Tools are not available here like they where 35 years ago.
Enough already. Best tutorial!
Thank you Christian, your story and you are very inspirational to me. I appreciate your sharing. Your craft is out of this world!! I am also self taught and starting to tool but lightyears from what you are doing. You are a master of your craft.Take care and keep in touch.
Thank you as well Frank! keep at it and aim high brother. We need this craft to carry on and be passed down as much as we can. With all the automation coming up behind us we just might be the one last hand craft to survive in the future....
Hey thank you for a great how to and explaining why you have to do a mirror sharping. Now I understand some of the stuff I am seeing in my leather carving.
Fast question I can not the answer to. What angle do I sharpen the blade at? I have a very nice knife sharpener kit that I can get mirror polish out of but I do not want to ( by accident) change the angle of the blade. Can you tell me the right angle.
@@chrisst.george5730 60 degrees angle of the blade V. Hope this helps. Quoted from another youtube tutorial about sharpening swivel knife blades.
Xian,What kind of rouge do you use on strop?
This is THE best swivel knife sharpening video I've ever seen. THNX !!!
Also, talk about a small world, I lived in Check and pastored 4 United Methodist churches in Floyd County back in the mid-90s.
What you said in your documentary is right : it's a VERY special place. Am glad you found your way there.
My journey eventually took me to Vienna, Austria. Which is also a very special place.
Thanks again for your videos. I WILL be following you and your work quite closely.
LJ... wow you are not kidding! Im right at Stonewall and Daniels Run... Check is right up the road here from me. Small world indeed. Im on the old Kanode Farm that belongs to Gary and his Mom Virgina if you know them, you just might. Austria huh.. now thats a serious Journey, I cant imagine what it would take to move your life that far.. But I'm sure its more than worth it and you found your Zen.... Thank you so much for watching... all the best!
Nice
Thank you! Like you i have watched several videos on u tube, and learned a long time ago u don't mess up the burr!!!! Also liked the tip on the collar, will def be getting that. U are a great artist. Thank u for ur time an advice.
You're welcome, and thanks for watching and commenting. Appreciate it!
Thanks for this awesome video on how to do it right, not waste time, and having high quality tools. You’re amazing.
brilliant explanation. thank you for taking the time to explain properly.
Nice video. Better yet, "Great" information! I will be using this technique. Just a "newbie" now. Very interested in working with leather but want the correct instructions. Thanks. Paz
Brian, thanks for watching man, Im glad you got some good info out of it. It'll definitely turn your work around and make it not only easier, but much more professional looking and feeling... thanks again!
Do you have a link for that angle jig? I'm having a hard time finding one of that style for a round clamp. The only ones I can find are flat clamps for plane and chisel blades. Amazing work, story, and sharpening tutorial. Thanks man! Much appreciated!
Whats up with the bevelers? Are they available and where?
From one new “yorkah” to another...GREAT VIDEO. I love to see passionate artists who value quality from start to finish...Blessings..
You know I'm your fan #1. Always I'm learning from you buddy and Thank you so much for the videos. You're something, we going to see you at Discovery channel, trust me. Peace my friend and take care.
Nice production on your vid and very informative. I'm definitely going to give the green compound a go.
As for a future vid , perhaps on the swivel knife blade types and there uses?
All the best ,
Mark
Christian , do you know what " Bob's strops" are made of ?
I will do an order with him when I have the money , I live in England, so when I do an order , it will be a biggish one. Until then , I've got green compound , I want to use something other than leather for stropping. Any ideas?
That's great , I'll get on that this weekend. I was thinking of using a piece of canvas glued to some wood , because barbers use a canvas strop to sharpen razors. But as you said , I will get an order together with Bob, that would be the easiest thing to do .
I'm very great-full for your replies , thanks again.
Mark
Christian Success! I got through to bob on the phone. What a nice guy , had a really good and informative conversation with him. He told me all about how he makes his strops ( he's uses food grade conveyor belt ). He said the most important things are flatness, limited comprehension and good quality rouge. I'm gana get an order sorted with him soon.
Thanks again Christian.
Best,
Mark
Hi Christian, love your work and your style especially liked your approach to sharpening the swivel knife, and your an inspiration in the way you overcome the lost 3 weeks work on the table... I just hope i never get to go through that to build and start again.
you are a great teacher!! Thanks
Hello Christian. I'm 2 years late getting here and visited the link to Tristone sharpening stones which advises the product has been discontinued. Can you recommend an alternative product?
Will you list the Grit numbers of the different stones used please. Thankyou
Where is your link
Well explained video. I've been doing the same with my knives for quite some time now. Regardless, spot on great. Christian, if and when you have time, there are no good videos on sharpening an awl. Due to your clarity and style in explaining 'how to', methinks such a video would serve others quite well. All the best!
Great advice thank you
Thank you! Great explanation and to the point. This will help me greatly.
You're welcome Abraham, Glad you got a lot out of it! all the best man...
Onde vende este equipamento aqui no Brasil?
You should be able to get all of it at any Knife sharpening shop, or High end cutlery supply.
With me sharpening is a meditation. I start at 1200, 3000, 6000, 9000, 12,000 true grit Waterstone just as i would my planes, chisels or kitchen knife. Then to 20,000 grit cream on my strop then on the final strop i use 30,000 true grit diamond polish. It takes about four hours but by 0800 I’m ready and calmed to begin a leather carving session. I love your technique and approach to caressing the blade.
Xian,I'm having some problem getting a Bob B strop for sharpening.
How do you sharpen the other knives that are used
Pretty much the same way with stones, but without the jig, with curved blades you'll need round stones and make your own round strop out of molded leather rolled up into the radius you need , apply rouge and you're good to go.
Unreal video Christian, thank you so much for posting. I would love to see a video on how you get the incredible color and fades on your pieces. Dye brand/type, dilution, antiques, resists and the order in which you use them, etc.
I feel no one comes close to the incredible color/fade details you achieve. I have read a lot and done my research and have been experimenting. In addition, I have used the wedge sponge trick you shared a while back and that has helped. but still feel that I'm missing something. Thank you for your inspiration and desire to help others!
Christian, I just found your videos and they are amazing. I'm just getting started in leather and I'm making Archery arm guards. My question is about the dyes, paints and shading. When I use Resolene for a finish it lifts some of the color and smears it over parts I don't want it on. Thank you.
Alan... its too much to get into here in a comment, besides I'd have to see exactly whats going on in some pictures, a list or materials you used, leather type, dry times, etc etc... If you want, send em ail to my gmail through either website and include some pictures, a material list of what you used, leather type and dry times for each step...I'll get it figured out for you in no time... All the best!
doesnt show where to get the angle jig ?
also a hint to make sure youre following the factory angle and not reprofiling the edge mark the angle with a marksalot, makes it easy to see that youre getting the right angle. I collect hunting knives and use a KME system, wish i could adapt it to do swivels. Best video Ive seen to date
Ok you say white rouge is ... if I may paraphrase “ineffective “ can you go over other options and why .?
I'll get back at ya with a longer response, but the quick would be, Green Compound in either powder or stick form for stroping. White won't cut enough to keep the edge clean , sharp and polished to give you superior cut lines in cased leather. Green will, and with ease.
White rouge will get you almost nowhere by itself, its basically useless in this application and really only uses up time and leaves the very fine scratches in place. Polishing is in itself removing fine lines/material. So by itself it will basically just clean the blade off after its been used to cut lines. If you're using a very soft metal for a blade it would be ok, but for hardened steel blades and proper strop results, green is the way to go without getting into polishing cloths, Diamond , paste, etc etc...
Consistency in carving and imprinting patterns. I sometimes get in ‘the zone’ but often, because of an army head injury, i get flustered and angry and want to chuck it in the trash. My neurologist says to keep my work periods under an hour but i feel so unproductive! Can you comment on productivity or does everyone have the same issues?
First thing id say is get a new doctor... in the 90's I got lyme disease in my spinal fluid and it left me with shakes in all of my limbs, Neurological issues with concentration and memory ,a heart attack and impaired vision from it. The only time I dont shake is when I work, and sitting for long periods of time in the zen zone only comes from repetition. Top that with my ADHD from childhood and im a spun top 24/7.... There are a few ways to get there, but it takes practice. Anyone with PTSD/CPTSD /TBI will always have an impossible time trying to meditate, which is the same as getting in the zone. This usually comes from a subconscious layer of noise in the back of the brain which will NOT allow us to sit still, concentrate or repeat tasks with the same amount of quality and finesse. So... to get there in your art, you have to take the back way around so your "mind" doesnt know you're trying to tell your "brain" what to do. Or it will fight you , and then comes the boom and in the trash it all goes. Get yourself a pair of Marching Drum sticks, they're large , have an easy bounce, and will work your hand muscles easier. Follow the hand conditioning video I put up until your hands become comfortable with the exercises, then move onto playing the same patterns along with music . No company, no outside distractions and try to do it alone in a room thats comfortable and zen like. Wear headphones at first it'll block all outside noise and force you into the moment. What this will also do is work both sides of your brain together and against one another at the same time. Right brain controls left hand, Left brain controls right hand, so you'll be able to break that barrier and free up coordination and at the same time build new pathways in your brain each time you do it. Start with 15 mins per day and move up to 30 mins per day for the first month. after the first 2 weeks you'll see improvement, after the first month you'll find yourself soaked into the sound and feel of the sticks and then transfer that motion over to the bench when you work leather. Before you know it you'll be sitting for hours with no issue and from the hand work your tooling will be improved easily by 40% .... remember it takes over 1500 repetitions to make something automatic , "muscle Memory" . so give it time , it might take you a bit longer but you'll get it. Shields High brother, never quit ! and all the best to you.... and check back in after a while and let me know how you're doing. PS, once you get this down we can add another layer to it if you want.. But this will get you freed up.
Hey... I’m a combat vet as well using leather as an occupational therapy... I find that having several projects going at the same time is helpful to me as I can work one for a short time then switch if my focus gets too tired... I like having them at different task stages.. like sewing one one dying on another , then tooling on yet another. So I just bite off what I can... yes this is much slower... but at least I’m in the game.
Ps Christian as a vet he may not be able to switch Doc so easily.. sadly VA is horribly back logged
God someone that knows what they are talking about
Why do use traditional stones over good diamond plates like DMT Bench Stones? Also, have you tried diamond lapidary paste as a final step after the green compound? I’ve found it makes almost as much difference as the green does after the plates.
Traditional are less aggressive and give just the right finish for a swivel blade. The amount of times I sharpen and re surface I'd go through blades so fast Id have to buy them constantly, and these arent that cheap if you know what I mean. If I were using ceramic blades I be using Diamond for sure, but for hardened steel these work perfectly.
Thank you
This is a great video. I think that you could do some more justice by talking about creating a burr and how that burr is used in the process of blade sharpening. Counting strokes is great, but were really looking for a burr and then to get rid of it. Great video again
Where do you get your blades from Christian?
Thank you.
Y cuando la cuchilla es diagonal como se afila, gracias
Mismo solo quando derecho y atras esta dos angulos
Hi Christian, thank you for this video, I purchased all the materials you used in this video. After several tries at learning the technique i final have beautiful sharp blades. Very noticeable feel when carving. I had a quick question, you use such beautiful colours in your work, what do you use to seal your leather, or is it several technique all rolled up into one?
Thank you, appreciate the tip
do you not like ceramic blades?
Zane do you know where to get the ceramic blades. I saw a craftsman using one in a streetside market in Darwin Australia 2014. he inforned me that the blades where not available anymore.
Just wanted to add this...I added a second collet below the main body. Helps keep the arm length exactly the same and means I only have to rotate it to sharpen the other side. One day I'll get around to marking/measuring the arm so I know what angle the blade will be ground to.
Anyway seen your work outstanding, keep me posted about those tools if possible.
Have you ever thought do a tutorial on motorcycle seats? Not necessarily the tooling aspect, but the construction of the seat itself..There is not much out there for that...Great Video!!
Thanks for the info
Hi Christian. I hope you’re doing well. I emailed you awhile back to check in. Hope life is treating you well. Take care and know you always hold a special place in my heart and that I think of you every time I wear my helmet. Deborah/Shelly/Angie.
i find white rouge to be very effective/
Can you just bring all that shit over and sharpen my blades? Lol
Quality Man!!!
Why are you the only one in all the years I've been doing this says white jewelry's rouge sucks?
A pleasure to see some one do it right, I bored out my roller guide and fitted a brass bush to eliminate the slop
I am surprised your stones don't glaze up with using virtually no oil
I have my own sharpening jig coming out in about a month... stay tuned, you might be interested in getting one. They do get a bit glazed but I scrub em out after each time I put blades on em. Nothing worse than a course stone that feels like glass right? lol
Hey Christian
Well mate I'm from Oz & I have to say without doubt this would be the best vid I've seen on this subject anywhere on the net ... so incredibly articulate & deadly accurate from a true professional ... I felt like I was sitting opposite from you in the room & having a chat when you had that last drag on a fag & stubbed out @ 1:11 ... I gave up cigs in 2006 & watching you made me laugh & want to light up to join you ... bastard ... but that will never happen LOL ... very rare I will sit here & listen to an entire 28:20 min overview of any subject but I must say I didn't at any point dare to fast forward so as not to miss a thing ... mate 1st time I've seen you ... 1st time I've heard of you ... & if that is your work being showcased behind you on the screen then I'm now going to research all your work as of now ... very professional commentary & filming/editing & uploading ... totally enjoyed it so ... many many thanks for the effort behind your desire to help those who are beginners & or strugglers such as myself ... I'm sure you said something about looking thru a magnifying glass & mentioning being anal which mad me laugh ... reminds me of the time when I bought a bore/cylinder scope to do my own colonoscopy ... LOL ... but that's another story ... cheers me old mate ...
nice
Would love to see or even take a class from you on tooling from basic onward. see if its something youmay like to do in future. People would pay for it or post a patreon page and allow access to special videos so you get paid for your knowledge and it would help us beginners :)
Frank... I do teach and give classes for different levels and at different lengths as well. The information is in the link... All the best! www.jacquesbenardleather.com/leather-classes
Really get a lot out Christian's video
Kinda tic'd I've been following bad teaching on this since the beginning. Starting over.
Happens to all of us man, happened to me so many times I cringe at the thought of even counting how many...
When you just watched the video he’s explaining in the beginning 😂