R. Heinisch punch and cut

[superzstuff]

I looked up the name and only found shears and scissors. This is designed to punch a hole and cut slot close to hole. It has brass indexing piece with 10 different steps and an adjustable stop on side. What was the use?

[jimwrench]

 looks like hollow punch;if so would guess leather tool. Worthpoint had one which he described as same or similar to yours. It was sold so no picture.

[Branson]

There was a thread on this tool, as I recall, several months ago.  Maybe somebody remembers and can find that thread.  I can't remember enough to find the thread -- pretty sure it was just called whatsit.

[scottg]

Heinisch made some of the best tailor shears ever made by the hand of man.
As good as it gets.
 
 They will cut anything you put them on, but men's heavy wool suits and coats especially.
 
 This tool is an adjustable buttonhole cutter. Again, mens suits and coats the main use.
 But ladies garments were occasionally heavy enough to need these. 
  yours Scott

[superzstuff]

Thanks! I think I will try a few button holes. I guess you have to hand stitch the edges after you cut them. Of course, in leather, you wouldn't need to.
I have a pair of Wiss shears the same size as the ones pictured. They are made identical to yours.

[Lewill2]

I believe that in cloth the button holes are stiched before the hole is actually cut. Most sewing machines have a button hole setting that stiches the area for the button hole.

[Branson]

I believe that in cloth the button holes are stiched before the hole is actually cut. Most sewing machines have a button hole setting that stiches the area for the button hole.

Depends on the person and the vintage.  Button hole cutters have been around for quite a while, much longer than machine button hole stitching.  Some were simple chisel sorts of things, while others were specialized scissors.  These last were what my mother used, and she cut before she stitched.  Some of the hand stitching techniques absolutely required the button hole to be cut first.  Especially true until the last quarter of the 19th Century.

[Billman49]

A button hole punch for leatherworkers - a similar was posted some time ago - only suitable for working on the end of leather straps or the side of a flap. I posted an image of a 20th century French military leather billhook sheath with such fastenings....