Cutting Buffalo Leather Into Straight Lines

[jgibbs]

Hello,
I am new to working with leather and have been having lots of problems cutting straight strips from my buffalo leather. I find that because this leather is kind of stretchy I am having problems getting everything really straight. I have tried using a metal ruler and a sharp knife as well as the leather strap cutter and just can't seem to get it right. If anyone has any tips and tricks to help me out that would be awesome.

[Red Cent]

36" metal ruler, a strip of wood 2"x1" (as long as the ruler), and two hand clamps.

[Tree Reaper]

You can tape down the outer edge with masking tape and use a few lighter passes with a very sharp blade applying pressure straight down.

[paprhangr]

rotary cutter

[DavidL]

I second the rotary cutter. Olfa makes the sharpest blades by a good margin.

[jk215]

Heavy top pressure on your straightedge and light passes with sharp blade.

[rmr]

I use a fair amount of buffalo on shotgun cases and shell cases- so I know your pain. Not sure what the application of your leather is for- but in mine- I will glue some 2-3oz veg tan lining leather to the inside of the buffalo - as a liner but also to give it some stiffness/ hold its shape better- then if I need a straight line I cut it and the line comes out perfectly straight- I use a sharp 3" head knife. Cut the lining leather to the exact size shape I want- then glue to buffalo, then trim buffalo to lining leather.

Not sure this will work for your application- but has worked well for me

[jgibbs]

Thanks everyone! I will try these suggestions and let you all know how it works.
Thanks again!