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When I first started, I went to Tandy bought the basic kit, and about 1000 dollars worth of other stuff in the first few months of my leather career. It didn't take long for me to learn about pro tools, high quality leather, custom knives and a certified tool whore was born. In my first two years, I probably spent 20 grand on associated tools, machines, leather and supplies. I found out that I had a liking for swivel knives and black crack. Fast forward to a few years later. Met a girl here, fell in love and moved to Greece where the lifestyle is decidedly less materialistic and consumerism based. In reality, its the economy, but it shed new light. As did meeting a few of my mentors who have a more minimalist approach to leather working. As I finally fell into my "style," I realized that I have little need for most of the stuff I bought along the way. What's the point? I hope that I can help you avoid spending a lot of unnecessary cash at the beginning of your career and to help you focus what you do spend on high quality tools that will last a lifetime. So, what do I find to be essential. These are MY opinions based on trying nearly everything on the market and your mileage may vary. High quality bevelers. Of all my tools, beveler get 90 percent of the work. I probably have 50 different bevelers, and I use most of them all the time. Stainless steel, tool steel, steep, standard and figure all are in my stable. A top level round knife. Yes you can use a craft knife for most things, but there's a reason the round knife has been used for thousands of years. Skimping on cutting tools is an exercise in frustration and a good tool can ease your workload tremendously. A good maul. For tooling, I find a maul to be the weapon of choice. It took me a while to find the size I like but my main one is 17 oz. I have a 12 and a 24 that see occasional use, but I could get by with only the 17. I also have a BMFM thats about 8 lbs for bag punches. Essential IMO. One good swivel knife. Two is nice if you have specialty blades and don't feel like switching blades, but I could get by with one. The perfect SK blade. This will depend on your style of carving, but a top blade by a pro maker will outperform nearly any kit blade and give you years of love and affection. Blade choice will also partially dictate the style of your carving, at least until you decide consciously you want to do it differently. Granite tooling surface. Stop buying one inch thick tooling surfaces. Look at a surface plate. They're solid, heavy, smooth and they make your tooling more crisp, reduce noise and generally last longer. Old headstones are fine too, if you can find/lift one. Sharstools.com sells a wide variety of sizes of surface plate for reasonable money especially if you go with B grade which is FINE for leatherwork. Edgers. Buy good ones. They will change your life. Barry King, Ron's Tools, old refurbished Gomph etc. The box of unused crappy edgers is my shame. Lights. Good lighting is essential, especially if you're a little older. Dazor or OTT light both make great lights for the desktop and good room lighting is essential for other tasks. Student desk lamps generally suck, and the color of the light isn't good. Look for daylight bulbs if you use standard lights. Work surfaces. Old kitchen tables are fine, but the lack solidity and the height can be uncomfortable. Work benches are usually taller and allow more work options. I like to sit while tooling and stand for most other tasks. Talk benches allow this. Work area. The bigger the better, unless you're extremely good at modulizing(?) your work space. I have a single spare room at the moment and its filled with stuff. I have to change configurations to change tasks whether its cutting, sewing, painting, tooling or whatever. Ideally I'll have separate stations for each task. NEVER put dye on your cutting or tooling surfaces if you can help it. Nothing hurts worse than that rogue blue streak on your freshly tooled project that is supposed to remain natural. Don't mix metal and cutting surfaces. If you work with metal, it should be away from your leather, tooling and cutting areas. Spots on leather and the lovely crunch of metal killing the edge of you're awesome round knife sucks. Been there, done that. Buying vs Making: I think its awesome that some people can make their own stuff. Whether its tools, benches or whatever, here's the deal. I don't have a lot of power tools. For me to make my own anything, the cost of buying tools to make tools is stupid. I will just buy the tool and be done with it. However, if you are handy, use it. Make an amazing work area. Shape your own bevelers, or make the SK you can't find anywhere else. Make tool racks and other fine things. Then call me, I'll probably need them. What are your thoughts? Did I miss anything? Probably. Chime in!