How do you cut?

[wildrose]

I was working on cutting out pieces for a Bible cover, and got curious what others are using when they are cutting out project pieces. I really like my craftsman knife from Tandy, but am lousy at keeping it sharp, so I'm usually picking up the scissors.

[Russ]

I use a utility (razor blades) knife almost exclusively. I have a couple head knives and several other leather knives, but I don't think I get significantly better results with them. Plus, I got tired of sharpening them constantly. I use the knives for special purposes, like the head knife for trimming around a saddle horn. I use scissors for light leather.

I was working on cutting out pieces for a Bible cover, and got curious what others are using when they are cutting out project pieces. I really like my craftsman knife from Tandy, but am lousy at keeping it sharp, so I'm usually picking up the scissors.

[CitizenKate]

For clean precision cutting on heavy material, I like this (click here to see it).

I use this on mostly 5-6oz veg-tan for pattern piece cutting. I can make cut parts that are almost as clean-cut as die-cut parts. I don't know how this does on leather any heavier than 6oz, though.

Kate

[jbird]

For clean precision cutting on heavy material, I like this (click here to see it).

I use this on mostly 5-6oz veg-tan for pattern piece cutting. I can make cut parts that are almost as clean-cut as die-cut parts. I don't know how this does on leather any heavier than 6oz, though.

Kate

Thats what I use but some times I have hard time keeping it strait even with a rule.

[tonyc1]

I was working on cutting out pieces for a Bible cover, and got curious what others are using when they are cutting out project pieces. I really like my craftsman knife from Tandy, but am lousy at keeping it sharp, so I'm usually picking up the scissors.

I couldn't imagine cutting leather with anything apart from a round or headknife or a plough guage although I do sometimes use my pocketknife in a pinch! They do have to be sharp to get good results and it makes life so much easier.

Tony.

[yaklady]

A utility knife with a good sharp blade is what I use most, although there are certain things I perfer my head knife for. The head knife keeps the cut straight up and down, while the utility knife can easily undercut. I ordered a small head knife and I think it will be more useful to me than anything.

Kathy

[tazzmann]

What I use greatly depends on the leather. I use the Head knife almost exclusively on any tooling leather. I have two sizes of head knives (a larger CS Osborne and a medium Al Stohlman) and a third one on the way (small one from a custom knife maker).

For upholstery leather I use either a roller cutter or scissors. On thin Vegetable tanned leather for small projects with longer straight cuts, I use a paper cutter. The kind with the handle on the side.

As with any other job or craft, I think it boils down to the right tool for the right job.

[Timd]

For straight cuts I use a utility knife, when cutting patterns with curves, I use quilters razor shears. I would like to try a head knife, but can't justify the cost yet.

[abn]

I've tried using knives to cut out leather, but frankly, I feel I have more control and can work faster with heavy duty Fiskars scissors. I'm usually cutting 4-5 oz. veg-tan. The only downside is that scissors don't leave as nice an edge as a knife, so you'll have to spend a little time cleaning up the edge with sandpaper.

[Art]

Head Knife

Clicker Knife for tight curves

Scalpel

and when all else fails, the utility knife.

Art