Cutting & Punching

Clean cuts and holes make leather goods look professional. Sharp knives, rotary cutters, punches and a good cutting mat keep edges straight and holes even.

Close-up of an artisan using a utility knife to work on a leather piece at a table — Photo: cottonbro studio on Pexels

Best Edge Bevelers for Clean, Rounded Leather Edges

The best leather edge bevelers compared: single edgers and multi-size sets, which size fits which leather thickness, and what to check before you buy.

Best Leather Skiving Knives for Thin, Even Edges

Find the best skiving knives and safety skivers for leathercraft. Advice on blade styles, steel, and technique fit for thinning edges and folds at home.

Best Leather Cutting Knives for Clean, Accurate Cuts at Home

Compare the best leather cutting knives for home leathercraft, from utility and detail knives to Japanese skiving styles, with advice on steel and edges.

Best Round Knives and Head Knives for Leatherwork

Find the best round knife or head knife for leathercraft. What to look for in steel, grind, and handle, and whether this classic tool suits your bench.

Best Strap Cutters for Belts, Straps, and Lace

Compare the best strap cutters and draw gauges for cutting even leather straps at home. Advice on adjustability, blade type, and width capacity.

Best Leather Hole Punches for Belts, Straps, and Hardware

Find the best leather hole punches for clean holes in belts and straps. Compare drive punch sets and single punches, with tips on sizes and edge sharpness.

Best Rotary Leather Punches for Quick, Clean Holes

Compare the best rotary punch pliers for leathercraft. What separates a smooth, long-lasting rotary punch from one that crushes holes, and which sizes matter.

Best Leather Awls for Stitching, Marking, and Piercing

The best awl for piercing leather depends on the job: diamond awls for saddle stitch holes, straight awls for marking, lock stitch sewing awls for repairs.

Best Cutting Mats and Punching Boards for Leathercraft

Compare the best self-healing cutting mats and poundo boards for leatherwork. Learn which surfaces protect blades, punches, and your table at home.

Best Leather Shears and Scissors for Soft and Garment Leather

Compare the best leather shears for cutting chrome tan, suede, and lining leather. What to check on blade length, serration, leverage, and comfort.

Best Corner Punches for Rounding Wallets, Straps, and Cases

Find the best corner punches for perfectly rounded leather corners. Compare radius sizes and punch quality for wallets, belts, straps, and key cases.

How to choose

Keep blades very sharp and replace or strop them often.
Cut on a self-healing mat with a metal ruler.
Use rotary or drive punches for belts and hardware holes.
Use a strap cutter for consistent belt and strap widths.

Common questions

What knife is best for cutting leather?

A sharp utility knife with fresh blades works well for beginners. Round knives and skiving knives become useful as skills grow.

How do I punch clean holes in leather?

Use a sharp punch on a poundo board or cutting mat, strike firmly once and keep the punch vertical.