Check amazon and you’ll find a million leather craft kits for a reasonable price. In fact, that’s how I started as well. However, over the years through a lot of trial and error I’ve learned what works, and what doesn’t. Or should I say, I’ve learned what works for me. So here’s my favorites.

Utility Blade

I’ve tried the fancy craft blades, the Japanese blades (I actually like those, they just don’t stay sharp for ling enough), and at the end of the day I come back to this utility blade. Why? Because it’s sharp. When it’s not sharp anymore I can swap the blade in a matter of seconds. The grip is solid which gives me a better cut. In my workshop I have a graveyard of past blades and this is the one I reach for every single day.

2. French Style Stitching Irons

When it comes to stitching irons I’ve tried about half a dozen different styles. The small round, the diamond, the hole punch, the high quality, the low quality, the fork. Okay not the fork. They all have their pros and cons and to each their own. The diamond irons work well but for me they disrupt the leather too much and are a pain to pull out. The round irons seems a little blah and left boring holes that didn’t take thread very well. I was lusting over these French irons from RM for months and finally pulled the trigger. After day one I realized I had found my irons. Sharp, elegant, and easy to remove from the leather. They look amazing when threaded and leave very slick looking stitch patterns.

3. GLUE

I can’t remember all the different glues I tried. I even tried good old Elmer’s and rubber cement. Thistle has been rock solid and the only time it has failed me has been due to user error. In other words, I was in a hurry and didn’t let it dry. The aroma is strong, and that smell leads me to believe this stuff is likely pretty flammable. So be safe. And don’t spend too much time smelling it. Save your brain cells.

4. Self Healing-Cutting Mat

This may be one of the least sexy tools but also one of the most necessary. A decent self-healing mat will last forever and will save your table, your blade, and the final product. Spoiler: They don’t all come in green.

5. Half-Round Punch

If you know you know. And if you don’t know, you’d be shocked at how dramatically elevated your wallets, card holders and passport covers will look with a rounded edge. I know it’s a personal preference and I know that there are plenty of people out there who prefer a standard hard corner. Also, they’re wrong.

6. Rotary Sander

Sanding is boring and especially boring if you’re doing it freehand. This bad boy will make quick work of your edges and corners. It does take some care because it can eat into your leather if you push to hard in one spot. I’ve seen the larger sander/burnish combo machines but I’ve never used one. Maybe when this tool dies I’ll upgrade. Until then, this gets my vote.

7. Canvas SCRAPS

What, you thought I’d prefer a wood slicker? Okay to be fair I find a wood slicker and canvas to be two sides of the same coin. But I’ll also say this. There are times where I’ll use the canvas, and not the wood slicker. But here is never a time I will use a wood slicker without the canvas. You want those edges glassy smooth? Canvas is your friend.

8. Stitching Pony

You may have thought this would be higher on the list, but the reason it’s down here is because frankly, it’s optional. There are a lot of great leather-crafters out there who shine on this tool all together. I’m looking at you Corter Leather. If you’re a leap-frog stitcher then more power to ya! If you like to saddle stitch with the help of a stitching pony, then you’re in good company.

9. Edge Beveler

If you haven’t noticed yet, leather edges are very important. I like them smooth, refined and elevated. Nothing against a rugged cut edge, but that just isn’t my style. So once you’ve sanded, but before the canvas and Tokonole, you’ll need to bevel those edges.

10. Wing Divider

Pound for pound this is the most valuable tool in the workshop. Never underestimate the value of a crisp, clean stitch line that’s perfectly uniform across the entire piece. I have had countless people ask me what kind of sewing machine I use only to be shocked to hear I stitch everything by hand. How do I get amazing stitching? It all starts with a clean, uniform stitch line.

TOP 10 Favorite LEATHER-CRAFT Tools

Utility Blade