Writing Sample - Leatherworking Tools for Beginners

by Kristina Brock

Picture yourself surrounded by richly textured hides, inhaling the intoxicating scent of premium leather, and wielding the tools that will unlock your creative prowess. In this article, we delve into the world of leatherworking tools, equipping you with the knowledge to step confidently into this captivating art form. Whether you're a beginner yearning to bring your creative visions to life or a seasoned artisan seeking to expand your toolkit, we've curated a list of essential tools at affordable prices that will inspire and ignite your passion for leatherworking.

Basic Starter Set

Swivel Knife Handle - When considering your first swivel knife, prioritize comfort and quality. This tool will be an indispensable companion in your leathercrafting journey. We recommend an ergonomic handle, which is important for extended use. However, if you prefer a solid metal handle, a clever hack is to repurpose the wrap from a comfortable pen and slide it onto your swivel knife, creating a customized and cozy handle. Finding the right balance between functionality and personal comfort will enhance your overall leatherworking experience.

Swivel Knife Blades - When it comes to blades, compromising on quality is not recommended, as it greatly impacts the outcome of your work. Opting for ceramic blades eliminates concerns such as rust and the need for frequent sharpening during the tooling process. Despite the higher price point of a ceramic blade, its value over time is immeasurable and they rarely need replaced.

Strop - Creating your own strop is entirely possible, although purchasing one is also an option. A strop is essentially a piece of leather coated with jewelers rouge, serving the purpose of maintaining the sharpness of your knives. Whether you decide to craft your own strop or acquire one, this invaluable tool will ensure that your blades remain in optimal condition.

Stylus - A good stylus will go a long way to making your transfers go on more smoothly. You can also use empty gel or ballpoint pens to transfer your designs to the leather. All that is needed is a smooth point that won't tear the paper or vellum. 

Stamps - To begin tooling you need a basic beveler and a backgrounder. While you can absolutely work for a long time with just a few stamps, be prepared to want to expand this category. The world of stamp buying can become quite addictive. Fortunately, there is a wide array of stamps available to cater to your creative aspirations, providing ample options to enhance your leatherworking projects. Get ready to explore the vast realm of stamps and unlock new dimensions of artistic expression.

Punches

Hole Punch - Hand Held - Many leather workers start out using a hand-held hole punch for the first few years of leatherworking. These hand-held punches can be kept exclusively for on-the-go situations, allowing for quick fixes and immediate solutions. While a hand-held punch serves its purpose, investing in a set of hammer punches offers greater versatility and efficiency in leatherworking projects. 

Hole Punch - Hammer - Owden offers a leather punch set that strikes a great balance between quality and affordability. It will serve you well for a long time to come. Another option to consider is a set of Tandy hammer punches, which are available at a comparable price point. Both choices provide viable alternatives, allowing you to select the option that best fits your budget and requirements.

Hammers

Tooling Mallet - When it comes to a tooling mallet, prioritizing quality is essential. While it is possible to use other standard hammers you might have already for tooling, they tend to cause the end of your stamps to balloon out, rendering them unfit for holders. To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your stamps, invest in a high-quality tooling mallet designed specifically for this purpose.

For standard hammers and ball peens, we recommend using stubby hammers. These compact hammers prove to be invaluable when working in tight spaces during the construction of your leather pieces and for setting rivets. Their shorter handle allows for greater maneuverability and control, enhancing your overall crafting experience.

8 - 10 oz standard flat
8 - 10 oz ball peen

Rivets and Fasteners

In the construction of your leather pieces, two main types of rivets come into play: Quick Rivets and Rivets with Burrs (Copper or Brass). The choice between them depends on the thickness of the leather and the intended purpose of the final piece. There are a multitude of other rivet options available but these two types will get you started in the beginning.

For sturdy armor pieces that need to withstand rigorous use, opting for heavy-duty copper or brass rivets with burrs is recommended. These rivets provide enhanced durability and are less likely to fail in demanding scenarios. On the other hand, quick rivets are perfect for accessories, decorative elements, and garment leather applications.

While many online kits include a rivet setter, it is often advisable to consider purchasing a separate rivet setter that accommodates various rivet sizes. You can conveniently find a wide selection of rivet setters at Tandy or through online platforms like Amazon. Having a dedicated rivet setter at your disposal allows for greater flexibility and ensures proper installation of rivets across different leatherworking projects.

Burnishing

Burnishing undoubtedly elevates the quality of your leather pieces to new heights. To achieve this refined finish, you only need three essential tools: a reliable edge beveler, a suitable wax or edge solution like gum tragacanth, and a wood burnisher. While it is possible to burnish using just water and a bit of canvas, we advise against this method as it can be labor-intensive and tiring. By incorporating burnishing into your leatherworking repertoire, you unlock the potential to create exceptionally polished and professional-looking pieces.

Embarking on the journey of leatherworking opens up a world of creativity, craftsmanship, and self-expression. As you immerse yourself in the art of transforming hides into exquisite pieces, having the right tools at your disposal becomes paramount. Remember that the tools you acquire are not mere instruments but extensions of your creativity and passion. Continuously expanding your toolkit and exploring new stamps, punches, and burnishing techniques will fuel your growth as an artisan.