The Swivel Knife

Swivel Knife in Action

From the letters we have been getting, it’s becoming clear that there are a lot of accomplished leather goods makers around the world who haven’t been much exposed to leather carving. We have a couple new vids ready to go up here, around the net and of course at LeathercraftStudio.com.

To make these intricate carvings, nothing is more important than your swivel knife. Get the best swivel kinife you can find, preferably with a ceramic blade (prevents sticking to the leather and snags). Then, get to work. It will take some time, but after enough practice the knife will become an extension of your hand, putting your images directly onto the leather.

A swivel is to a leather carver as a Fender guitar was to Jimi Hendrix (though we don’t recommend setting it on fire onstage – unless you’re paid a lot to do it.)