All tools
The leathercraft tool index
Twenty-eight hand tools, grouped into five families. Filter by category or by the stage of work you are in, then open any tool for its specifications, suitable leathers and safety notes.
Leather Knife
The main cutting blade for straight lines and skiving, and the first tool most makers buy.
Waxed Thread
The thread that locks a saddle stitch, waxed so it grips and resists abrasion.
Stitching Needles
Blunt harness needles with a large eye, made for pulling thick waxed thread.
Diamond Chisel
Punches evenly spaced slanted holes so hand stitches sit at a consistent angle.
Edge Beveler
Shaves a rounded corner off the edge so burnishing can close it into a smooth roll.
Stitching Pony
A clamp that holds the work upright so both hands stay free for the saddle stitch.
Hole Punch Set
Hollow steel tubes that cut clean round holes for rivets, snaps and buckles.
Beeswax
Rubbed on an edge or a thread to add grip, seal fibres and help burnishing.
Edge Slicker
A grooved stick rubbed along a dampened edge to compress and polish it.
Leather Finish
A top coat that seals colour, adds sheen and gives light water resistance.
Rotary Cutter
A roller blade for long straight cuts and light leathers, fast but easy to wander.
Rivets
Two-part metal fasteners that join leather layers permanently without stitching.
Snap Fasteners
Press-stud closures that let a flap open and close again and again.
Leather Dye
Alcohol-based colour that soaks into veg-tan and deepens the natural grain.
Awl
A tapered steel spike for opening holes and easing a needle through a tight seam.
Round Knife
A half-moon blade for long sweeping cuts, traditional and satisfying once it is sharp.
Head Knife
The traditional saddler blade with a round end and a point for cutting and skiving.
Edge Clamp
A slim clamp that grips a glued edge while you stitch a long run by hand.
Canvas Burnisher
A folded canvas strip used to friction-polish an edge after waxing.
Edge Paint
A pigmented coating that seals an edge in colour instead of burnishing it.
Glass Slicker
A polished glass rod that burnishes an edge to a hard, glossy shine.
Dauber
A wool or foam pad that lays down an even coat of dye without streaks.
Polishing Cloth
A soft lint-free cloth for buffing finish to a shine and clearing dye residue.
Stamping Tools
Steel punches struck into damp veg-tan to press decorative patterns into the grain.
Lacing Tool
A flat blade that tucks and pulls lace through slits for decorative edge lacing.
D-Rings
Half-round loops sewn into a strap to take a buckle, clip or shoulder strap.
Buckles
A frame and prong that hold a belt or strap at an adjustable length.
Screw Posts
A threaded post and cap that can be unscrewed, ideal for removable closures.
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Educational use only. Hide & Stitch is an independent, non-commercial reference. Nothing here is for sale and nothing here is a substitute for competent in-person instruction. Edged tools, dyes, solvents and adhesives can cause serious injury — read and follow the manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets, and work with ventilation and appropriate protection. Tool specifications vary between makers. Always check the manufacturer data for the tool you actually own.