Things to notice about the work area:  There is a narrow scrap of leather to Jim's right.  Every time he uses his knife, he strops it.  He talked about casing the leather.  Years ago, before modern tanning methods, it was necessary to immerse leather to get it to absorb enough water to properly tool.  The bowl has a sponge and some clean water in it.  That's how he cased the leather.  Notice there is nothing in his "spill zone" which leaves him free to work without dumping something on his project by accident.