Revolving Leather Punch

[Youngguns]

Hello everyone! I'm trying to put together a small leather working set to make sheaths for various sharp objects around the house. Right now, I'm looking for a good, revolving leather punch. I've got it down to two choices:

1. KNIPEX 90 70 220 Revolving Punch Pliers
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0048F247A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

2. Herm Sprenger Leather Hole Punch
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NY844O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've done a little research, and the Sprenger seems to be THE revolving leather punch, but I'm a Knipex fan-boy (it doesn't hurt that they're half the price either). Has anyone had experience with either of these punches? Does anyone have alternative suggestions to a punch? All advice and opinions appreciated!

 

[PBCampbell]

Wow, I'm surprised the Knipex is that inexpensive. I wouldn't have any worries about the performance of the puncher for utilitarian items.

 

[Fretters]

It shouldn't really matter which you go for. They'll all do the job. A keen cutting edge is far more important than type, as long as the general quality of the tool is okay.

 

[Cab037]

Either will likely do well.

 

[Monte]

same as Knipex and $7.- cheaper
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0087SC582/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Dave455]

I use a British made Maun punch. Still available unchanged.

The Maun is Chrome plated rather than painted, other than that I doubt there's much difference!

These things seem to last reasonably well so long as you don't abuse them and try to punch holes in steel plate with 'em!

 

[NoahG]

C.S. Osborne Co #155. To me there is no equal.
http://www.csosborneupholsterytools.com/product_detail.php?p_id=928

 

[PBCampbell]

I looked around the shop today and could only find a pair of chromed Craftsman "Made in England". These never saw a whole lot of use and still punch clean holes in 1/4"+ leather. I found an older set "Made in Taiwan" (nothing else marking wise) that have interchangeable punches and the rivet sets. The pliers for setting the rivets are possibly more critical than the ones for punching the holes. The only other advice i can give you is to use vegetable tanned leather as it's easier to work and maybe nicer to steel tools, also search for C.S.Osbourne as they're probably the preeminent leather working tool company in the U.S.

 

[skruft]

I have two or three inexpensive ones that work fine in limited use. I don't think I would pay a lot for one if I had just one project in mind.