Cheaper US Shoe Knives
$10 chrome-vanadium mill knife blades
I’ve enjoyed using two inexpensive “mill knife blades” from Hyde Tools of Southbridge, Massachusetts for bootmaking:
- Model 62480, 6×¾″, 15 Gauge, $8.30
- Model 62180, 9×¾″, 15 Gauge, $10.04
Both are flat bars of high-carbon steel sharpened with two flat bevels at one end, like TINA’s 270G or Barsnley’s double-bevel paring knives. They are noticeably narrower, but also far less expensive here in the United States.
The shorter, 6″ version works well in my relatively large, thin hands without any kind of handle holder. The larger 9″ has length to spare.
I have a wood handle for thinner extension blades that I use for clicking. I see that Hyde and Dexter make handle holders for mill blades, as well. I don’t think I’ll be buying one. I’ve wrapped the bare blades in hockey tape for now. Perhaps I’ll make scrap leather sheathes for them sometime later.
Still, I do tend to prefer single-bevel or “chisel ground” knives, especially for skiving. My go-to recommendation for a beginner shoemaker on a budget would probably still be one Japanese-style leather knife to do it all, like Craft Sha’s with the better-grade “blue-paper” steel. Their 39mm knife is model 8667. They’re readily available from US importers online:
- Amazon: $30
- cameleon-japan on eBay: $47
- Good Japan: $22 (plus shipping)