What tools do you need to cut leather?
First of all, don't forget to protect your workbench and work surface with a self-healing cutting mat!
Classic cutter
The cutter is one of the essential tools for cutting leather.
To get a clean and precise cut, you need to choose a quality cutter and change the blade regularly so that it is always perfectly sharp. Do not hesitate to pass the blade several times to cut the leather (make several passes without pressing too hard) .
We recommend the 9 mm cutter from Deco Cuir (ref. TB249) . The pointed stainless steel blade inclined at 30° allows for clean cuts.
Rotary cutter
The rotary cutter also allows you to cut leather precisely, it is particularly useful for rounded cuts and for large straight lines.
Tranchet - The essential
This valuable tool for cutting leather is used by professionals. Its high-strength steel blade must be sharpened regularly.
DEMONSTRATED IN THIS VIDEO:
A good pair of scissors
Soft and thin leathers can be cut with a pair of scissors (if they are sharp) . We recommend the Kaï Professionnel brand scissors, which are of exceptional quality!
Straight scoring knives - OKA
With a single blow of the mallet, they allow you to make a straight, clean and precise line, to make a slot for a collar button, connect 2 round holes to create a sash... 5 cutting widths available.
How to make a hole in leather?
Punching cutter
Round punches make it easy to pierce leather before attaching accessories, sewing or lacing. They are to be used on an ertalon plate and struck with a mallet. There are a multitude of punches, in all shapes and sizes to make the shape of your choice in leather (pattern, slots, corners, belt ends, etc.).
Revolver clamp
The punch pliers allow you to pierce leather effortlessly (to pierce your creations with 70% less effort) and without noise. Several drilling diameters: from 1.5 to 6 mm.
Screw Punch Nonaka (the real one)
The rotary punch is a high quality product, handmade in Japan. It allows you to punch holes (Ø 1 to 5 mm) in thick leather effortlessly and quietly.
Circular cutter
Discover the circular compass to cut leather circles with precision and simplicity from 1.8 to 17 cm in diameter! Made in Japan - 100% quality.
HOW TO CUT A ROUNDED CORNER CLEANLY?
USING A STRAIGHT PARING KNIFE OR KNIFE - WITHOUT A CUTTER
Making a beautiful rounded corner has never been easier than with a paring knife and the so-called "quartering" cutting technique. We do not recommend cutting a rounded corner in one go as this may result in a poor cut.
| Rotate the piece of leather to continue cutting into quarters. | Using a straight paring knife or box cutter: start cutting into quarters. |
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| Using a template and a round awl: trace the curve onto your leather. | Sand the curve with an abrasive sponge or sandpaper. |
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Guides that might interest you:
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Video - How to use a leather strip cutter?
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Video - How to use a shoelace cutter for leather?
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Video - How to trim leather and make a ledge?
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Video - Using and sharpening the edger
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