Thank you so much for this: I'm just getting into leatherworking and I'm beyond pleased that the tool you recommend to use is also the only one on the list that I already own! 😆
You are the best teacher for the leather classes on youtube. Thank you for every lesson from your heart. You are so kind with the information. God bless you. 💚
Always great tips and ideas. Here is one for all you watching. We all love our box cutter. So how do you make it better? Take that new blade out put it in your box cutter and strop the blade 10 or 20 times on each side and you will be amazed on how much shaper that blade can get.You sharpen your swivel knife every time you use it, why not your box cutter.
Yes, even new box cutter/utility knife blades can be improved by sharpening on a fine stone & stropping. That's probably because you lower the angle of the bevel and polish the cutting edge Similarly you can re-sharpen used, blunt blades
Your videos are excellent and are really helping me get started as a hobbyist, in summer of 2020 while I'm also working full time. Concise, educational, extensive wisdom, and enjoy your delivery. Got a good laugh out of "[15 seconds of video cut out] that was probably 10 seconds when you were cutting the star out"
I was cutting dozen of rifle slings then I saw the notification of Chuck uploading a video about cutting tools. So I sit back with a cup of tea and had a break watching the master talking some wisdom, and man it was refreshing. Thank you for your clear and joyfull lessons Chuck.
OLD Leather Smith here, Excellent as always Chuck, Great 4 beginners, I prefer Round Knife and 1 you forgot, razor Blade, quick change easy. GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃
Great videos! I've learned quite a bit from watching them. Best leathercraft videos on RUclips! Btw has anyone mentioned you sound like Chris Cooper, the actor?
I'm doing a bit of car's seat repair for myself, this video is very helpful, I am a bit hesitate to use scissor, now I have confident. It's not real leather I'm using, so it isn't much of a concern if it isn't good, can always do it again over and over.
Hi Chuck. In a couple of videos you have mentioned bake hardening, could you please do a leather element with a detailed how-to on bake hardening? Thanks in advance
i tried a box cutter for the longest time but I just found it to be frustrating. I put off getting a round knife for a long time because I thought it would be difficult to use, but when I finally did get one(actually the exact same one used in the video) i was amazed at how easy it was to use. I honestly can't imagine going without it ever again.
Great video! And really instructive as always. I am an orthopedic shoemaker and I use a Tina 230 but when I started making private little projects I learned that it is not the best tool for other types of leather crafting so this video actually helped me a lot! Thanks :)
OLD Leather Smith here, 4 me it's the ROUND KNIFE which I strop more than sharpen. I also use ceramic blades in my swivel knives which I also strop. The ceramic hair blady is the Best. Just some hints on what I use. Your still the best Chuck. GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃
Thanks chuck. Lately, ive been using a straight razor for cutting and skiving. Easy to strop up super sharp, light weight, sturdy, and a long straight edge with a fine point ( i ground the tip to a finer point).
Chuck and Weaver in general. I love your videos. I went to your website to look around though and had a hard time finding some of the basic items. Like line snaps extra blades for box cutters and any hand tool that was not part of your master tool selection. Mabey a chat with IT could help make these more common items easier to find. I really enjoy y'all's videos and look forward to spending some money on your website.
I bought the clicker knife, but keep picking up the Browning folding utility knife instead, and I love having a box of cheap blades so I have no reason to doubt blade sharpness.
I have a great time with this channel. Could you craft something to not only improve the look of a walking stick but most importantly, improve the grip.
i like the round knife a lot for cutting my stuff off the hide, for cutting lining type stuff i like a heavy duty exacto knife, you gotta get the heavy duty blades though the #2, gonna try the box cutter though
Thank you for your video. I just made a phone case from thick leather for my wife and cut it with a scalpel. It wasn´t so easy as you explained here in the video. Next time i will use a box cutter. That 3 in 1 cutter was also nice. Have to get that as well.
I love my head and round knife and use them daily. I am pretty good at maintaining all my cutting tools. But I,m with you on the box cutter. It is my go to for almost everything. I feel the utility knife blade to be a bit thick and kinda drags thru my thick leather so I use it on 4oz or less. Also, not much of a fan of leather craft knives. You have some great tips here and will save some starters a few $$.
Great and informative video. Tried to make curved cuts with a small craft knife but not to clean and the blade wonders off. The head knife seems ideal..Thanks Chuck.....Gordon
You could also try a Japanese Leather Knife - Search RUclips to see them. The asymmetric blade is a bit strange at first, but once you get used to that, you realise how good they are. They are also easy to sharpen I use mine for straight cuts and skiving As with anything you can spend & spend, but you can find a decent one at a reasonable price
Hi Chuck, how do you create a pattern without wasting leather? Something that would have decent amount of cuts and stitching done. Like a bag or a case with pockets, zippers and handles? Once its done, do you transfer your pattern to a more sturdy template? What if you wanted to change the scale size for different products?
I usually start with paper for my patterns and if the product turns out good I will transfer it to our pattern sheet material! That way I can make adjustments and changes on the paper and fix any issues I may run into before I transfer it to a more durable material like pattern paper. I'll link it below: www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/65-4110/pattern-sheet-24-x-45/pr_8876
Can you get cut through two pieces of leather to make a handle fold for a leather slouch bag or should you cut each pattern separate and stitch handles together, appreciate your advice
Chuck I have a small problem. I've made a few belts using an antique dye. I used it on the inside of the belt and it seemed to work great. However after wearing the belt for a few weeks I noticed that the dye was transferring to my pants, especially after working outside and building up a bit of sweat. How can I prevent this from happening again? thanks Steve
Hi Steve, If you dye the inside of the belt you will need to put a top coat on it. Let the dye dry, put on your top coat and buff and then add another layer of top coat. Hope this helps!
How to you cut thin leather; that seems to stretch with the exacto knife, with lot of curves? I thought about using a woven fusible to make it steady and somebody suggested I use a soldering iron with a blade, what do yo think??
I have recently started doing more intricate projects in leather but I am having trouble cutting curves. Most especially when doing a cut out with inside curves. Is there an easier way to cut inside or outside curves?
Can you please make a video about finishes. Tan kote, bag kote, Saddle lac, bees wax, etc. Which ones to use for what. I am so confused when it comes to this step. Please help!
So one of the best knives to use is a box cutter that can cut really small leather (the size of your pinkie nail) on 2mm veg tan designed all ready stamped into it sheepskin? I've just started out. The part that's giving me issues is so small and thin that it wants to bunch and make a sloppy cut.
If the box cutter seems like it's too large for that small of a cut we would recommend an art knife , it comes with precision blades to get into tight corners. We'll link it below so you can check it out. Art Knife: www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/65-2877/olfa-cushion-grip-knife-with/pr_57567
Great video Chuck. Any advise on cutting thin stretchy leather? I'm trying to make mystery bracelets out of thin suede for my granddaughters. When I try to cut the slots the leather moves and it is hard to get consistent straight cuts. Thanks, I appreciate this series.
This should help. Take your straight edge and put “non-slip” tap on the back (any hardware store has it and it’s for hospital steps…) and place it on the back and right to the edge you cut with. When cutting place the leather on a smooth surface (cutting board, plywood…) and press hard on the straight edge. Use a new blade in your knife and you’ll cut clean lines with no trouble!
Please show us how to go about cutting out letters in our work so we can use a different color leather behind it to shine through for contrast. Please?
The surface is called a poundo board, we will link it here for you! It comes in two different sizes. www.weaverleathersupply.com/products/silent-poundo-board
Hi Ray, The black surface is called a poundo board, it's a hard rubber material. You can check it out here: www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/3461-01/silent-poundo-board/pr_5776/cp_/shop-now/hand-tools/work-surfaces-setters/work-surfaces The white surface is a poly cutting board: www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/65-2916/poly-cutting-board-12-x-16/pr_8698/cp_/shop-now/hand-tools/work-surfaces-setters/work-surfaces Check out this video on work surfaces to hear more details on each of the surfaces Chuck uses: ruclips.net/video/JoTbcO2Lr34/видео.html
Your bevel is wrong on the trim knife, you need a left handed bevel for pulling undercuts, flat side to the finished edge or you'll struggle to get a clean cut, hope this helps.
The problem with a round and headknife is that it is not sharp enough out of the box to cut properly Sharpening a round blade is is difficult and takes practice. If we consider that most people don't know what sharp actually means because they never a had sharp knive in their hands and don't know anything about sharpening I'm not surprised that people struggle so much
Hi Ethan, Most of the blades in the video are from different vendors so each one is different. The rotary knife and small craft knives are Olfa, the one scissor in Gingher, the round knife is made right here in Ohio.
Not being a smarty pants but I have done everything from clay, carpentry, dry wall, paintings, sewing, stained glass, made some leather things, etc. I have been fortunate as I pick up on things pretty much. Gift from my dad, a depression child. He started me at age 5 and would never let me say I couldn't do something until I tried it. He always said, " if you want to learn it bad enough, you will find a way." I am going to attempt to make 5 leather tooled clocks for Christmas gifts this year. I have a nice 12 oz veg tanned hide. Do I do the tooling first then cut out the clocks or visa versa? The reason I am asking is because I don't know if the leather shrinks once it has been wet to tool. I am a little intimidated by the cutting and I will practice on a scrap first. I do have some very nice tools. I think his name is Barry King? Thank you.
Thank you so much for this: I'm just getting into leatherworking and I'm beyond pleased that the tool you recommend to use is also the only one on the list that I already own! 😆
He gives me that flame of inspiration. When I watch these I want to get right to a project. Thanks for the videos!
So glad to hear! :) You're welcome
You are the best teacher for the leather classes on youtube.
Thank you for every lesson from your heart. You are so kind with the information.
God bless you. 💚
Always great tips and ideas. Here is one for all you watching. We all love our box cutter. So how do you make it better? Take that new blade out put it in your box cutter and strop the blade 10 or 20 times on each side and you will be amazed on how much shaper that blade can get.You sharpen your swivel knife every time you use it, why not your box cutter.
thank you for that I would never thought of that. but makes sense. I'm sure they are not stropped after being made.
Yes, even new box cutter/utility knife blades can be improved by sharpening on a fine stone & stropping. That's probably because you lower the angle of the bevel and polish the cutting edge
Similarly you can re-sharpen used, blunt blades
@@geoffreyboyling615 ,
Sometimes its quicker to sharpen a dull box cutter blade than to change it.
Your videos are excellent and are really helping me get started as a hobbyist, in summer of 2020 while I'm also working full time. Concise, educational, extensive wisdom, and enjoy your delivery.
Got a good laugh out of "[15 seconds of video cut out] that was probably 10 seconds when you were cutting the star out"
Yeah. I noticed that, too.
I was cutting dozen of rifle slings then I saw the notification of Chuck uploading a video about cutting tools.
So I sit back with a cup of tea and had a break watching the master talking some wisdom, and man it was refreshing.
Thank you for your clear and joyfull lessons Chuck.
Thank you so much, Pouria!
OLD Leather Smith here, Excellent as always Chuck, Great 4 beginners, I prefer Round Knife and 1 you forgot, razor Blade, quick change easy. GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃
Great videos! I've learned quite a bit from watching them. Best leathercraft videos on RUclips! Btw has anyone mentioned you sound like Chris Cooper, the actor?
I'm doing a bit of car's seat repair for myself, this video is very helpful, I am a bit hesitate to use scissor, now I have confident. It's not real leather I'm using, so it isn't much of a concern if it isn't good, can always do it again over and over.
A video going over that beautiful armour you've got there would be much appreciated. Seems a shame to not show her off....
Thanks Chuck! It's nice to know I've been using the right knife all along!!
Hi Chuck.
In a couple of videos you have mentioned bake hardening, could you please do a leather element with a detailed how-to on bake hardening?
Thanks in advance
i tried a box cutter for the longest time but I just found it to be frustrating. I put off getting a round knife for a long time because I thought it would be difficult to use, but when I finally did get one(actually the exact same one used in the video) i was amazed at how easy it was to use. I honestly can't imagine going without it ever again.
That's awesome, it really is whatever feels the most comfortable for you! Glad you love the round knife!
Great video! And really instructive as always. I am an orthopedic shoemaker and I use a Tina 230 but when I started making private little projects I learned that it is not the best tool for other types of leather crafting so this video actually helped me a lot! Thanks :)
Thank you!
Box cutter or Stanley as we Brits call them for me apart from thin chrome tan then mostly a rotary.great video again
OLD Leather Smith here, 4 me it's the ROUND KNIFE which I strop more than sharpen. I also use ceramic blades in my swivel knives which I also strop. The ceramic hair blady is the Best. Just some hints on what I use.
Your still the best Chuck. GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃
I have a really nice trim knife. I’m glad I’m not the only one with troubles with them.
Thanks chuck. Lately, ive been using a straight razor for cutting and skiving. Easy to strop up super sharp, light weight, sturdy, and a long straight edge with a fine point ( i ground the tip to a finer point).
Been using the round knife for years. Haven't caught on to it yet completely! Thanks.
Now I’m really glad I didn’t buy one! Have other knives that do the same job...
I love this guy. Great videos & much appreciated for a new leather worker like me.
Chuck and Weaver in general. I love your videos. I went to your website to look around though and had a hard time finding some of the basic items. Like line snaps extra blades for box cutters and any hand tool that was not part of your master tool selection. Mabey a chat with IT could help make these more common items easier to find. I really enjoy y'all's videos and look forward to spending some money on your website.
Thank you for your feedback, we will look into this!
This vid good as well. I am with the utility knife, and the others for backup. Rookie here, but this stuff helps so much. Thank You.
Thank you, Jeff!
Love my box cutter! I now don't feel like a newb because the head knives and round knives freak me out, lol.
I bought the clicker knife, but keep picking up the Browning folding utility knife instead, and I love having a box of cheap blades so I have no reason to doubt blade sharpness.
I have a great time with this channel. Could you craft something to not only improve the look of a walking stick but most importantly, improve the grip.
I love your videos! Thank you for your time and knowledge.
i like the round knife a lot for cutting my stuff off the hide, for cutting lining type stuff i like a heavy duty exacto knife, you gotta get the heavy duty blades though the #2, gonna try the box cutter though
Thank you for your video. I just made a phone case from thick leather for my wife and cut it with a scalpel. It wasn´t so easy as you explained here in the video.
Next time i will use a box cutter. That 3 in 1 cutter was also nice. Have to get that as well.
Great video with great advice on cutting tools. Watching this certainly has saved me some money on expensive tools I was planning to buy.
I love my head and round knife and use them daily. I am pretty good at maintaining all my cutting tools. But I,m with you on the box cutter. It is my go to for almost everything. I feel the utility knife blade to be a bit thick and kinda drags thru my thick leather so I use it on 4oz or less. Also, not much of a fan of leather craft knives.
You have some great tips here and will save some starters a few $$.
Great and informative video. Tried to make curved cuts with a small craft knife but not to clean and the blade wonders off. The head knife seems ideal..Thanks Chuck.....Gordon
Sir, this is very good to know!... I've been wondering if the round knife is a must, now I know the alternatives. Big fan!...
Thank you Omar!
Great, honest look at the common options.
Thank you, Grady!
This adds confidence to my motorcycle leather grips project that I'm planning to sell. Very very informative video. Thank you so damn much!!
So glad to hear! You're welcome!
Thank you SO much for this!
Expert advice and so easy to understand and well demonstrated!
Glad it was helpful!
I'm with you I use the box cutter, what we call a Stanley Knife down here all the time, I must have 10 or so around the place
I've always called them linoleum cutters...:)
Another Great Video on a topic that I was struggling with.
I always look forward to these videos.
Thank you, David!
Thanks for the info! Glad to know I can just use my old pal Stanley for most jobs! ;)
You could also try a Japanese Leather Knife - Search RUclips to see them.
The asymmetric blade is a bit strange at first, but once you get used to that, you realise how good they are. They are also easy to sharpen
I use mine for straight cuts and skiving
As with anything you can spend & spend, but you can find a decent one at a reasonable price
I Box Cutter the most then the Round Knife... Great Video!
Hi Chuck, how do you create a pattern without wasting leather? Something that would have decent amount of cuts and stitching done. Like a bag or a case with pockets, zippers and handles? Once its done, do you transfer your pattern to a more sturdy template? What if you wanted to change the scale size for different products?
I usually start with paper for my patterns and if the product turns out good I will transfer it to our pattern sheet material! That way I can make adjustments and changes on the paper and fix any issues I may run into before I transfer it to a more durable material like pattern paper. I'll link it below:
www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/65-4110/pattern-sheet-24-x-45/pr_8876
Hi Chuck, can you recommend a best beginner affordable machine that can give me a hand stitch look? Thanks for great videos
Good info , Chuck. Thanks!
Hey there. Do you have any suggestions on how I can safely cut inch thick of layers of glued leather safely and maintaining flexibility?
Great video 👍👍👍
Awesome. Thank you! I really didn’t know where to start on that. Quick question, what if you were to tan a deer hide? Box cutter still work?
Thank you for watching! Yes, as long as the blade is sharp then a box cutter should do the trick!
I don't have a round knife but I have to say, that sure is a pretty knife :)
They are beautiful! 🙌
Can you get cut through two pieces of leather to make a handle fold for a leather slouch bag or should you cut each pattern separate and stitch handles together, appreciate your advice
What was the white cutting board on the table you cut on top of made of please
It would be super cool if you could teach us how to make a leather Indiana Jones hat!
There is a really good tutorial and pattern on another channel.
What do you use for a leather cutting surface ?
Granite
Masonite
Poly
Thanks Don
thanks Chuck!
Outstanding info Chuck!!
Thank you, Steve!
Chuck I have a small problem. I've made a few belts using an antique dye. I used it on the inside of the belt and it seemed to work great. However after wearing the belt for a few weeks I noticed that the dye was transferring to my pants, especially after working outside and building up a bit of sweat. How can I prevent this from happening again? thanks Steve
Hi Steve,
If you dye the inside of the belt you will need to put a top coat on it. Let the dye dry, put on your top coat and buff and then add another layer of top coat. Hope this helps!
How to you cut thin leather; that seems to stretch with the exacto knife, with lot of curves? I thought about using a woven fusible to make it steady and somebody suggested I use a soldering iron with a blade, what do yo think??
Thanks. Very great info.
I have recently started doing more intricate projects in leather but I am having trouble cutting curves. Most especially when doing a cut out with inside curves. Is there an easier way to cut inside or outside curves?
Box cutter and a beltsander are my best friends
Can you please make a video about finishes. Tan kote, bag kote, Saddle lac, bees wax, etc. Which ones to use for what. I am so confused when it comes to this step. Please help!
Hi there!
See if this video helps: ruclips.net/video/Ff-SVFhhJjc/видео.html
If you still have questions please let us know!
Thank you, that was just what I needed to know! You guys are amazing! Keep up the great videos.
Thank you Sir
So one of the best knives to use is a box cutter that can cut really small leather (the size of your pinkie nail) on 2mm veg tan designed all ready stamped into it sheepskin? I've just started out. The part that's giving me issues is so small and thin that it wants to bunch and make a sloppy cut.
If the box cutter seems like it's too large for that small of a cut we would recommend an art knife , it comes with precision blades to get into tight corners. We'll link it below so you can check it out.
Art Knife: www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/65-2877/olfa-cushion-grip-knife-with/pr_57567
always great
Great video Chuck. Any advise on cutting thin stretchy leather? I'm trying to make mystery bracelets out of thin suede for my granddaughters. When I try to cut the slots the leather moves and it is hard to get consistent straight cuts. Thanks, I appreciate this series.
This should help. Take your straight edge and put “non-slip” tap on the back (any hardware store has it and it’s for hospital steps…) and place it on the back and right to the edge you cut with. When cutting place the leather on a smooth surface (cutting board, plywood…) and press hard on the straight edge. Use a new blade in your knife and you’ll cut clean lines with no trouble!
Thank you Sir!
Would love you to talk about glues and barge
Hi there,
See if this video helps! ruclips.net/video/u_sZe9IRA4k/видео.html
Weaver Leathercraft Thanks. I looked but didn’t see that one.
What about a draw Guage? I tried a box cutter to cut a strop but it wasn't cutting well. I think it might be the blade.
Thanks
Please show us how to go about cutting out letters in our work so we can use a different color leather behind it to shine through for contrast. Please?
Hi there,
We do have a video on this, we'll link it below for you!
ruclips.net/video/PbRtq0evFIA/видео.html
i like this
Try getting a Work-sharp tool sharpener for that kiridashi.
How do do you smooth out the flesh side of leather?
Hi there,
If the flesh side is fuzzy, you can use Gum Trag and either a bone folder or a glass slicker to smooth it out. Hope that helps!
What surface is the leather sitting on? I need to cushion the blade so it doesn't gouge my table, etc
The surface is called a poundo board, we will link it here for you! It comes in two different sizes. www.weaverleathersupply.com/products/silent-poundo-board
I strop my razor blades on not just the utility knife, but on my strap cutter too. I strop my utility knife all the time.
What do you have as your cutting surface? I notice you're not cutting on the wood cutting board type surface
Hi Ray,
The black surface is called a poundo board, it's a hard rubber material. You can check it out here: www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/3461-01/silent-poundo-board/pr_5776/cp_/shop-now/hand-tools/work-surfaces-setters/work-surfaces
The white surface is a poly cutting board: www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/65-2916/poly-cutting-board-12-x-16/pr_8698/cp_/shop-now/hand-tools/work-surfaces-setters/work-surfaces
Check out this video on work surfaces to hear more details on each of the surfaces Chuck uses: ruclips.net/video/JoTbcO2Lr34/видео.html
Thank you kind sir
Your bevel is wrong on the trim knife, you need a left handed bevel for pulling undercuts, flat side to the finished edge or you'll struggle to get a clean cut, hope this helps.
Thank you! Thought you had toilet rolls hanging on your wall!
😂
The problem with a round and headknife is that it is not sharp enough out of the box to cut properly
Sharpening a round blade is is difficult and takes practice. If we consider that most people don't know what sharp actually means because they never a had sharp knive in their hands and don't know anything about sharpening I'm not surprised that people struggle so much
i like x
Where are your blades made
Hi Ethan,
Most of the blades in the video are from different vendors so each one is different. The rotary knife and small craft knives are Olfa, the one scissor in Gingher, the round knife is made right here in Ohio.
Not being a smarty pants but I have done everything from clay, carpentry, dry wall, paintings, sewing, stained glass, made some leather things, etc. I have been fortunate as I pick up on things pretty much. Gift from my dad, a depression child. He started me at age 5 and would never let me say I couldn't do something until I tried it. He always said, " if you want to learn it bad enough, you will find a way." I am going to attempt to make 5 leather tooled clocks for Christmas gifts this year. I have a nice 12 oz veg tanned hide. Do I do the tooling first then cut out the clocks or visa versa? The reason I am asking is because I don't know if the leather shrinks once it has been wet to tool. I am a little intimidated by the cutting and I will practice on a scrap first. I do have some very nice tools. I think his name is Barry King? Thank you.
Hoolllyyyy shit it’s Chuck Noris
Oh man... just looked at your website, your prices are off the charts...ridiculously ridiculously ridiculously expensive
hey now you there still do the cutting leather by hand?
if you have interesting use machine?
I always come away from these videos a little bit wiser.
Thank you, Carl!