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I'm new to leatherworking and at times I accidentally get a small amount of guar gum or tokonole on the top side of the leather. It affects how much dye or oil is absorbed. What can I do to clean the leather? And what is the best method of keeping the top side clean in order to prevent unwanted residue or scuff mark?

I am new to leatherwork, though not to sewing and construction with fabrics. I understand the need for sharp knives. I also understand that without straight cuts, it is pretty much senseless to try to put something together. It seems I am, so far, totally incapable of cutting a straight line! Multiple knives, roller cutter, fresh blades, scalpels, all tried. The biggest challenges are leathers about 2-3 mm of different types. Those of looser temper are most challenging. A couple of questions about approach. I prefer to stand, and have a sit-stand work area so can adjust the height. Is it better to be closer to the work? Does distance of upper body (being closer) help with application of pressure on the knife? What is the best way to get a smooth continuous...and straight...cut? One major issue is keeping the leather still and flat, and holding the pattern on the leather...one or the other always seems to move, even on short runs of 8-10 inches. Longer runs wiggle more. I have tried weights with limited effectiveness. Do have self-healing mats and all sorts of rulers and straight edges and squares. So that is the first area needing some input. I see the pros and semi pros cutting giant pieces of leather perfectly straight by eye on You Tube. Obviously some of the control will come with experience. What are some other tricks? The other major question is how to hide or fix mistakes...that one (or 10) crooked or out of line stitch, a hole in the wrong spot, those wiggly lines that need straightening. Oh yeah, and how to keep hole punches from bouncing and making 2 impressions. If any of you have suggestions, tricks, tips, videos, It would be grand if you could share a few on these areas. Thanks!

hi everyone, I did start to learn leather carving, i do have These Tools 3.day now. I do have over 10years experiences with leather bags, but this is something completely new and exciting for me. I think, i do make somewhere huge mistakes: either with not enough depth of a cut or also this can be using of wrong hammer maybe ? I do sending some Pictures, would be very glad for your help. have a nice Weekend, Sling

Hello fellow leather heads! Just wanted to share with everyone the process I use to producing a very nice leather handle for the product line I came up with. If you have any questions about my methods or what I produce, feel free to ask! -Alec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SKv_9FICwM

I was working on my second holster today and with 90% complete I realize that it sits too high on the belt. My question is this. How much effort do you put into "fixing" a prototype before chalking it up to a learning experience and tossing it in the round file? I'm sure that I could re-work this one to be servicable, but it will never be sellable.