How to mark grain side?

[Handstitched]

I either use a pencil, because most of the marks rub off with a rubber or disappear after shaping, bevelling etc. , or if the item is to be  dyed black , I can use a biro ( pen) . The pen marks disappear when dyed black .  Or if the leather is chrome tan in a lighter colour, roo hide for eg.  I make sure I cut the leather directly on the line ....the line disappears.  Too easy  

HS

[Matt S]

Scratch awl, soft pencil, ballpoint pen, silver pen,  sharpie... depends on what will stay or show up on the leather and whether the mark will be visible on the finished item. Mostly I use the scratch awl. Why the awl? Because it doesn't leak, run out, go blunt and has a multitude of other uses.

Edited April 13, 2022 by Matt S

[fredk]

On 4/12/2022 at 3:38 PM, Northmount said:

Didn't wipe off the grain side for me.  

Sometimes its stubborn. Use a crepe eraser to eliminate it. A more severe removal is using an old fashioned eraser for ink on paper - but use that just enough to remove the mark, too much and it can ruin the leather surface