Jeff,
I just wanted to thank you for your prompt service with those tools I bought recently! I can’t wait to have a book pulling-down day just to use that tool. Also the others!
Am leaving this place by next Friday (3rd of April) as I’ve been here for 12 years, and the boss doesn’t want me to do bookbinding at work anymore, but seems to think I’ll do it at home for no extra wage!!
All the best with your “inventions”/ inventiveness.
Regards,
Andrew.
I just need a minimal set of tools to cut the binding on some books for scanning. Do you offer a subset of these tools? If so, which ones would you recommend?
I would most likely use a thin Olfa (snap off blade knife) to cut a binding off. The disbinding tool I sell is for cutting the sewing thread on the inside of the signatures while not damaging the paper. The genuine Olfa blades, made in Japan, are much better than cheaper imitations. Of course, if the books are of any value, you will save money in the long run by taking them to a trained professional for disbinding and possibly rebinding. It is surprising how quickly severe damage can occur while disbinding.
I am looking for a spine shaping block. The pictures I have seen are of a block of wood with grooves of varying diameters. Do you have such an item or know where I might find one? Thanks
I have seen images similar to what you describe, although I have always read they were made out of cast iron and used for forming spring back spines. The American Bookbinders Museum mentions them. Where to find one? Might be tough. But if you find a beating hammer in your search, please let me know!
Jeff
The quality of your tools is outstanding. I have come to bookbinding after having been a cabinetmaker for many years. Making tools from hacksaw blades and (my favorite) old crosscut saws is something we all did. However M3 steel, or A2 for that matter is a little different. Those beautiful clean curves on the Swiss style knives have proven to be some what elusive. Might I ask what you use to grind your edges and if you use some king of honing guide.
djp
Thanks. I make the curve by hand, using a 2 x 72″ Cootie belt grinder with a ceramic platen. There is a link on the right side of the blog.
Do you still sell the PSA sheets and horse butt without the aluminum plates? How about a blade only for the Stanley spoke shave?
And hi, how are you?
Best regards,
Yehuda
Hi Yehuda- There are links in the catalog above where you can buy PSA sheets, and a horsebutt strop, and the price of a spokeshave blade is above also. Thanks, Jeff
Jeff
I love your tools. I’m in the UK and am uncertain if the mailing will be prohibitive. Also I wonder if its possible to pay you using PayPal?
Regards
Paul
If they can fit into a USPS Priority envelope (9 x 12 inches, 4 pounds max) is is $20 shipping to the UK, 7-10 days delivery time. I’m not sure what duty is on your end. Yes, I can take paypal.
Beautiful tools. What a joy. Thank you.
I recently came upon an antique guilotine paper cutter made by Rougier Ple. Unfortunately I haven’t had much luck finding any info about it. Can you help me?
After a successful showing recently at Oak Knoll Fest I decided to treat myself to one of your A2 English paring knives. I don’t know why I’ve waited so long Jeff – I keep pulling pieces of all kinds of leather out of my scrap drawer just to play with it. It’s been awhile since paring was so fun!
Peachey Conservation
Jeff,
I just wanted to thank you for your prompt service with those tools I bought recently! I can’t wait to have a book pulling-down day just to use that tool. Also the others!
Am leaving this place by next Friday (3rd of April) as I’ve been here for 12 years, and the boss doesn’t want me to do bookbinding at work anymore, but seems to think I’ll do it at home for no extra wage!!
All the best with your “inventions”/ inventiveness.
Regards,
Andrew.
I just need a minimal set of tools to cut the binding on some books for scanning. Do you offer a subset of these tools? If so, which ones would you recommend?
I would most likely use a thin Olfa (snap off blade knife) to cut a binding off. The disbinding tool I sell is for cutting the sewing thread on the inside of the signatures while not damaging the paper. The genuine Olfa blades, made in Japan, are much better than cheaper imitations. Of course, if the books are of any value, you will save money in the long run by taking them to a trained professional for disbinding and possibly rebinding. It is surprising how quickly severe damage can occur while disbinding.
Are the swiss still in the knife business. I would of thought China would take them out.
I hope not.
Richard A. Weisberg
Have a look at the spokeshave on the website of Phillip Smith:
http://www.philipsmithbookart.com/innovations/electric_spokeshave.html
It is an electric one 😉
I am looking for a spine shaping block. The pictures I have seen are of a block of wood with grooves of varying diameters. Do you have such an item or know where I might find one? Thanks
I have seen images similar to what you describe, although I have always read they were made out of cast iron and used for forming spring back spines. The American Bookbinders Museum mentions them. Where to find one? Might be tough. But if you find a beating hammer in your search, please let me know!
Jeff
The quality of your tools is outstanding. I have come to bookbinding after having been a cabinetmaker for many years. Making tools from hacksaw blades and (my favorite) old crosscut saws is something we all did. However M3 steel, or A2 for that matter is a little different. Those beautiful clean curves on the Swiss style knives have proven to be some what elusive. Might I ask what you use to grind your edges and if you use some king of honing guide.
djp
Thanks. I make the curve by hand, using a 2 x 72″ Cootie belt grinder with a ceramic platen. There is a link on the right side of the blog.
Do you still sell the PSA sheets and horse butt without the aluminum plates? How about a blade only for the Stanley spoke shave?
And hi, how are you?
Best regards,
Yehuda
Hi Yehuda- There are links in the catalog above where you can buy PSA sheets, and a horsebutt strop, and the price of a spokeshave blade is above also. Thanks, Jeff
Jeff
I love your tools. I’m in the UK and am uncertain if the mailing will be prohibitive. Also I wonder if its possible to pay you using PayPal?
Regards
Paul
If they can fit into a USPS Priority envelope (9 x 12 inches, 4 pounds max) is is $20 shipping to the UK, 7-10 days delivery time. I’m not sure what duty is on your end. Yes, I can take paypal.
Beautiful tools. What a joy. Thank you.
I recently came upon an antique guilotine paper cutter made by Rougier Ple. Unfortunately I haven’t had much luck finding any info about it. Can you help me?
After a successful showing recently at Oak Knoll Fest I decided to treat myself to one of your A2 English paring knives. I don’t know why I’ve waited so long Jeff – I keep pulling pieces of all kinds of leather out of my scrap drawer just to play with it. It’s been awhile since paring was so fun!