This site will look much better in a browser that supports current web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

NOTE: Please search for your keyword(s) before submitting a question.

Printer
Friendly
Pages

If your search did not turn up an answer, click here to submit a question.

Leather Working List of Categories

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3

How do I hold the swivel knife?
How do I use a swivel knife?
How do I end a cut that does not meet another line?
I am looking to make jewelry are the 3D stamps something I can use to make 3-d flowers to wear on a leather necklace?
Can the leather stamping tools also be used to stamp a somewhat "soft" metal like sterling silver?
Can the leather stamps be used for stamping metal such as copper or aluminum?
What is the best way to burnish leather (edges, flats, fluids, materials, etc) and how does it work (fibers, etc)?
How is the embossing wheel used?
What type of leather is your lacing made of?

How do I hold the swivel knife?

The correct way to hold a swivel knife is to grasp the barrel between thumb and middle finger. Place index finger on top (in the U shaped piece). For additional stability place the fourth fingertip against the side of the blade.

To top
How do I use a swivel knife?

Although it sound complex, with a bit of practice you will be able to use a swivel knife without having to think about it. Practice on some scrap cased leather. Grasp the knife properly, tilt the top away from you and position the front blade corner where you want to start the cut. Apply downward pressure with your fore finger to control the depth of cut. Pull the blade towards you. Curves are followed by swiveling with the thumb and middle finger. Practice making straight cuts first, then S shapes, then C shapes, and finally complete circles with only two cuts.

To top
How do I end a cut that does not meet another line?

This is most common in floral carving. As you approach the end of the cut, gradually reduce the pressure with your forefinger to provide a smooth transition.

To top
I am looking to make jewelry are the 3D stamps something I can use to make 3-d flowers to wear on a leather necklace?

These stamps will provide a multi level imprint of a flower (or whatever type of stamp chosen) to make a medallion style necklace. They will not make a fully 3 dimensional sculpture type piece.

To top
Can the leather stamping tools also be used to stamp a somewhat "soft" metal like sterling silver?

Officially we have to take the stance of no since use on metal voids any warrantee. We do have customers that use them for thin soft metals, but be aware that use on any metal may chip the plating on the tool. Furthermore various metals of the same type may have differing amounts of tempering and this may also affect results.

To top
Can the leather stamps be used for stamping metal such as copper or aluminum?

Although we have several customers that do this, we do not recommend it. These stamps have a plating on them that is not meant to impact something as hard as metal. Even a soft metal will damage these stamps.

To top
What is the best way to burnish leather (edges, flats, fluids, materials, etc) and how does it work (fibers, etc)?

The only part of a leather piece I normally burnish is the edge. First the corners are "rounded" using an edge beveler. Next I apply Gum Tragacanth and allow it to dry. Finally, I burnish it by rubbing briskly along the edge with an edge slicker.

To top
How is the embossing wheel used?

It is put in an overstitch spacer and rolled across cased leather to make the imprint.

To top
What type of leather is your lacing made of?

Our lacing is made of cowhide fibers bonded together. Note: this question was originally asked without a return email which is why it never got a reply because it really doesn't belong in the FAQ.

To top

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3

Was this page helpful?

NOTE: Please search for your keyword(s) before submitting a question.

If your search did not turn up an answer, click here to submit a question.

Home > FAQ

Click here for current shipout time on orders