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This Swivel Knife May Change Leather Carving Forever

Robert Little

4,469 views

This swivel knife will completely change the way you approach leather carving—precision, control, and clean cuts like you’ve never seen before. If you’re serious about leather tooling, this review could save you time, money, and frustration while upgrading your craftsmanship instantly.

In this video, I take a deep dive into a unique swivel knife designed specifically for floral carving and leather tooling. Whether you’re a beginner learning the fundamentals or an experienced leatherworker refining your technique, the swivel knife is one of the most important tools in your kit—and not all are created equal.

You can reach Duana Watts at
(409)651-2124

I break down:
• The design and build quality
• How it performs in real floral carving applications
• Grip, balance, and comfort during long sessions
• Blade control and cut precision
• Who this tool is best suited for

You’ll see real-world use as I test this swivel knife on leather, showing exactly how it handles tight turns, smooth curves, and intricate floral patterns. If you’ve ever struggled with clean cuts or consistent depth, this review will help you understand what to look for in a high-quality swivel knife.

👉 Watch the full video here:
This Swivel Knife May Change Leather Carvi...

If you’re passionate about leathercraft, tooling, carving, and building high-end handmade gear, make sure to subscribe for more in-depth reviews, tutorials, and builds.

‪@InMyBusyLittleShop‬

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20 Comments

@InMyBusyLittleShop Creator 6 months ago Pinned

What swivel knife are YOU using right now—and would you upgrade after seeing this one?

Drop your thoughts below 👇
And if you found this review helpful, hit 👍 and subscribe for more no-nonsense leathercraft content. I’ve got more tool reviews and builds coming soon that you don’t want to miss.

@williammrdeza9445 6 months ago

Thanks for taking the opportunity to show different approaches to swivel knives Robert. Nice introduction to an alternative design.

@SquatchZone 6 months ago

I absolutely love the yokeless swivel knife. Real game changer for my love of tooling.

@GandMLeather 6 months ago

Thanks for sharing Robert! Always great to start the morning with you.

@robertbruunpatriciafordsal2780 6 months ago

I’m right handed, in say that i lost my right thumb roping and and had to learn to use a swivel knife left handed till a fellow showed me this swivel knife , game changer, works great and now I’m back using my right hand, which I’m much more comfortable with great tool And thanks great videos

@diggrouze 6 months ago

Got mine about 2 months ago and love it, make carving so much easier.

@richardalves-cd5me 6 months ago

i recently also purchased Duane's yoke style swivel knife. I find it works for me in some areas while the traditional works for me most of the time. I'm still learning too so I had to also see how it would work. So far I feel the 1/4" hollow ground blade in the traditional style is my go too as I move along in the journey.

@patrickreilly988 6 months ago

Robert, I commented on your floral tooled red clutch purse video that, before I saw that video, I promised myself not to spend the time to learn tooling. The beauty of that carving changed my mind. I am trying my best on 2 clutch purses to do a floral pattern. I have 2 inexpensive 3/ 8's swivel knives. I now realize, they are too big, after seeing this video of you using a B.K. 1/4" knife. I believe, seeing this video, this rotating head swivel knife would lend itself to smaller patterns than the traditional swivel knife. Thanks for all the time and effort making these videos.

@JohnLittle-ie4ok 6 months ago

A steady hand is definitely needed

@1littleSher 6 months ago

Practice makes progress.

@larrycumba2741 6 months ago

I have both the pen style and the the yoke style. Prefer the yoke style for deeper cuts. Use them especially for fine thin lettering and smaller vines etc.There is both a thick or thin blade available. I prefer the thin blade.

@careyhuddleston6645 6 months ago

Thanks for sharing !

@roberthewitt9387 6 months ago

I have the blade swiveling knife it’s great.

@CharlieFunk-x7s 5 months ago

Duane manufactures these fine knives. The current price is $135.00, delivered.

@frankcuevas171 6 months ago

I always try ro cut two wards me. Never away if necessary. I find I get much smoother cuts that way. I never turn loose of the barrel while cutting. I pick up and reposition then continue

@larryschmidt3594 6 months ago

When your thumb joints are bone on bone that DW knife is a godsend. Trying to spin the barrel of my regular knife made my joints ache so bad I was done after 15 minutes.. Not that way with that new Duane Watts pencil style. You can write in cursive with that new knife never lifting.

@oldtimerden 6 months ago

I have both D. Watts Knives. There good. They do take some getting used to but when you get it going It's good. I like the one with the finger loop a little better.

@part_time_cowboy 6 months ago

For long cuts, I prefer "traditional" knife, but for any tight turns or short runs, I now use (since last weekend when I got mine) the Duane Watts. Very smooth. Actually helps a newb like myself better with the floral art.

@Terry-n1i 6 months ago

Good morning, Robert.. few years ago, after watching 3 different leather crafters use and give swivel knife tutorials. I ended up with Weavers , actually 2. Always been good sharpening any blades, so this cheaper knife cut very well.. finally broke down and got a B.K. with couple different blades. Night and day difference.. one your showing, I haven't seen yet... I like the configuration.. Dom Gonzalez is an awesome craftsman.. for myself, I'm just not into the heavy floral, especially on every product I produce. May have to check this one out. Thanks

@Milo-915 6 months ago (edited)

Thanks for another great video and review Robert. While in Prescott, I tried out the swivel knife. I found it odd to work with but then again I only tried it for less than five minutes. I sure with time I would probably get the hang of it.
I’m so used to my Barry King already but before getting a BK I was using a Tandy. Big difference in quality and sharpness. It was just a matter of learning how to use it. I think this swivel would be a great ADDITION to one’s swivel collection.

Thanks again Robert for the video and review.