Leather Skiving Demystified

Leatherworking is a multifaceted hobby/career. One aspect of working leather that seems to challenge the new and experienced alike is getting nice skived edges manually, without the use of a bell skiver or other device. In this video I cover the issues with the craftool super skiver, and the safety skiver. I show a technique that is easily repeatable and that I learned in only 5-10 minutes of practice using a Japanese style skiving knife.
Skiving Knife: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
/ michaelmaysleatherworks

[@Automedon2]

Well, I've been in the leather business for over twenty years and owned two large shops. I avoided skiving like the plague because I hated using the Tandy skiver and couldn't justify a bell skiver. This morning a friend lent me his Japanese knife and let me tell you, it is beyond belief. I'm sitting here staring at this razor edge I got after skiving two layers of 3oz, down to 3oz combined. Like you said, it took about 20 minutes of practice . What a game changer, and BTW, that is thanks to watching your vid. So many thanks for that.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Comments like this is why I make these videos. I am so glad that this helped you achieve the level of skiving you were looking for. I know that leather skiving was an intimidating skill for me to learn. after a lot of practice I found my own technique for doing it and now no longer worry about skiving any size project.

[@katya_fhs]

Amazing information. Thanks for taking the time to share. I'm just starting with leatherwork and I'm pretty sure this will be the kind of lesson that's forever useful.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you very much for your kind comment. I hope you have subscribed to my channel, I have many videos planned.

[@denaalsteen6562]

We are new to leatherwork, and were looking into the super skivers. Soooo glad I came across this video!! Thanks so much for sharing and for all the great info!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for taking the time to watch my video and comment. always love to hear when my videos help someone. Please Subscribe if you haven't already I have more videos planned as soon as I have time to make them

[@claycooper5260]

Hi Michael Mays, t=Thanks so much friend for taking the time to do this video. It did make a differnce. I have/had the same dilemma with the exact tools and now I see the light!!!! Keep it coming man....I look forward to returning the information that I have learned back to YT learners like I am with you videos.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you very much for taking the time to watch my video and leaving your comment. It really means a lot when people reach out and let me know that my videos have help them with their leatherworking in some way. I have a video that should be coming out this weekend on properly stropping your blades to help get an even cleaner cut not only with this knife but any blade you are using.

[@-Honeybee]

That sweeping motions tip was really helpful for me. Great info!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Tyler that's great! Very happy my video helped your skiving.

[@fatman479]

Thank you so much for this explanation of the Japanese Skiving knife. I have been avoiding using mine but now I think because of this video I have the confidence to achieve my goal. Thank you! Thank you!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you so much for your kind words. It makes me very happy as a content creator and leathersmith to help others in our craft.

[@larrycumba2741]

Just bought the Since brand from Tandy yesterday. It was sharp but not scary sharp which is what I like. Going through different grits of sandpaper up to 3000 grit and then buffing I had a mirror polish and a very sharp knife. On 9 ounce vegtan it cut through with very slight pressure. Haven’t tried any projects yet but have it ready. Your mention of the first two has been exactly my experience.

[@lindygriffiths6378]

I have recently started leatherworking and looked at the video to learn technique. Imagine my surprise to find I have already bought the exact same knife from Amazon. Fabulous knife!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Skiving is a necessary skill when it comes to leatherworking, but in my opinion one of the hardest skills to learn. I struggled for the longest time trying to use the safety skivers and the other gimmicky tools but I could never recreate the results I would see on other people's projects. Thank you for taking the time I watch my videos and leaving your comment. I am currently working on a knife sheath video that I hope to have uploaded soon.

[@BdaB164]

I was struggling to use this tool but after watching your video I'm skiving like a pro. Thank you!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

that’s awesome, glad to hear the video helped!!

[@nativedoll2001]

I'm so glad I came across ur video because I just bought this exact tool off of Ebay for $3.75 lol. I honestly expected it to be horrible, but it's been really useful & much easier to use than the other tools I've used. Great video, thanks for the help!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I'm so glad you found my video helpful. Be on the lookout for new videos soon.

[@OldScout45]

Very nice, I made mine from an 1.5" stiff blade putty knife. I sharpened and honed it and it works great.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

that's a great idea

[@soladeos]

I did the same thing Frank. It’s still my favorite knife despite all the other ones I bought.

[@cboyles]

This same knife was in a starter leather craft kit I received as a gift. I didn’t really know how to use it except for cutting leather. The safety skiver that came with the kit didn’t do the job. Like you, I worked with it and just couldn’t get any good results. Your video is very helpful and I am happy to report that I finally know how to use this knife to get a good skive. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for viewing! I’m glad my video was helpful in helping you hone your skiving skills.

[@georgekonop3418]

Thanks for this useful information. I have all 3 of the skivers mentioned but like you struggled to use the Craftools. I knew the Japanese skiver would be sharper and the way to go but was unsure exactly how to use it. Thanks for demystifying that. Any of the other videos I've watched really didn't say one way or the other how to properly prep and perform the skive. This was very clear and easy to follow. I'm not so apprehensive to attempt skiving after viewing this video. Thanks again.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you very much for watching the video and taking the time to leave a nice comment. I have a new video that I am editing right now or I use a Real Japaneseskivingknife from goodsjapan.com. And this demonstrate the technique again and the difference in a real Japanese skiving knife compared to the ones I’ve previously used.

[@willswasteland]

I just bought this same knife and was doing the same as you...5 minutes out of the box I felt like a pro! Of course, I find your video after the fact, but it makes me feel good that I got the right tool for the job on the first try!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

great to hear! This tool change the quality of my projects!

[@bernardhough3870]

I also had the issues you described with either of two other skiver that you showed. I also recently bought the knife skiver and with just a little practice was getting much better sliced edges.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for your comment. I find the super & safety skivers to be lacking. I have practiced with both of them for over a year. I was able to get clean skives the day I purchased a Japanese style skiver.

[@charlespierpont6019]

This is the most helpful video I have ever seen on skiving. If you dont have 7 million dollars for a skiving knife pay attention to this video.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Wow! Thank you for the great comment! So very happy this has helped so many!

[@jtjones73]

Thank you for this video. I have been wondering about skiving "tools". Thanks to this video I will be hitting the forge and making a skiving knife instead of buying the super skiver or safety skiver. I will be subscribing and coming back for more of your videos.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to leave a comment. I have new videos planned, but due to covid-19 I have been unable to get my hands on much needed supplies. Although you can order leather through the mail, I find it is very hit-and-miss. on the quality.

[@bearly1727]

I just purchased a skiving knife like the one you recommend. Also off of Amazon but by a different maker. I really needed your tips to use it properly as I am just getting into making items from leather. Thank You!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I also have a good video on how to strop your skiving knife. I’m gonna be working on a video on sharpening also.

[@Mtonazzi]

I live in a place where buying online isn't an option because of shipping costs and taxes, and all stores sell Tandy super skivers and the replacement blades are expensive here and I've ran into all the troubles you've mentioned when using it. Ended up buying locally a wood chisel and sharpened it myself for some hours to a razor-sharp edfe and mirror finish.. and I was still lacking something. Now, after your explanation and demonstration, I just grabbed a scrap piece of leather and imitated what you did and oh boy, I made a really clean and neat skive. For that, I really thank you.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Anytime! I'm glad my video helped you.

[@martinspalding374]

cheers from the UK..great video dude ,helped me out!!..im still practicing leather embossing on dog collars mostly Celtic stuff ,but skiving is a must have skill skill to move onto different projects nice one, subscribed

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for watching & subscribing to my channel. I have many videos planned for this year, it's just finding the time to record them.

[@scotttriathlon]

Yo, i bought this knife based on this video and this review is 100% accurate. I've also tried a bunch of different styles of knife and had similar problems. I'm to happy to have seen this vid man. tx

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

It makes me happy to know that my video has helped with your leatherwork!

[@momof6innj873]

I have just started working with leather and this tool is the only tool that I can get to work for me. Great video.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for taking the time to watch & comment. I'm very happy my video helped you.

[@momof6innj873]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks your technique was absolutely helpful to a noobie like myself. Thanks again for posting.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you I have more videos and hope to have some new ones uploaded soon!

[@Brykk]

Ive got this same knife and i love it. I use it for several different functions and it works great.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for watching the video and leaving your comment. I really like this skiving knife. And I think it goes to show that not all good leather tools have to be expensive.

[@Brykk]

Michael Mays Leatherworks ive gotten several less expensive tools off of amazon. Most of them have been pretty decent. Some have needed a little work on a strop, but function well.

[@bartstewart1807]

Just ordered mine I’m impressed just looking at it I have some skiving projects coming up and I was dreading it hopefully this’ll ease the pain

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I have a product review / demo of a true Japanese skiving knife from Goodsjapan.com. Should be up in a few days

[@bartstewart1807]

I just got mine and played around with it a little bit tried to practice I will add some sharpness to it I can still see machine marks but I have Arkansas stones and several leather strops so far what I see it looks very good I have some of the other type of Skivers and I’m like you I don’t have very good luck with them

[@hideteak9098]

Hi, I'm fairly new to leatherworking and because of arthritic hands I don't do much. I also bought this knife and used it for the first time today for about four minutes, and in that time I was able to produce an edge better than any I've been able to do before - not as neat as yours yet, but not far off. I'm going to choose to believe that's because you had five minutes' practice and I had only four :) . The knife cost me a fair bit more than you paid, but hey, it's worth it to me anyway:). It's actually really comfortable to work with too, involving no need to press or grip the knife very hard either, so it's pretty much pain-free. With the great results and the physical ease of use, it's a winner for me. Glad you posted, I did want to see the technique again, thanks.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Wow, I'm so glad to hear that my video helped you & congratulations on the clean skive! A little patience and practice and you'll be skiving like a pro!

[@antoniobarreto3051]

Good advise. I am having the same problem. I will use your technique. I have the same tools as you do. Thank you and God bless.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

you are most welcome! Thank you for taking the time to comment!!

[@simplyrise5217]

Thanks bro. I just started leathercraft. I figured that simple is best and sharpness is key.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Taking your time and using nice sharp leather tools will go a long way

[@insanitasofficial1276]

Thank you for showing the proper technique!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for taking the time to watch my video and comment. Please Subscribe for future videos.

[@Zig285]

I was just about to buy one of those other tools. Thanks for sharing this!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for taking the time to watch my video and comment. I'm very happy that this video has helped you!

[@leslieh4892]

Great video you make it look real easy!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you! With a little practice & a sharp knife its not bad.

[@maggiealena]

Great subject. I had a friend that happen to have a Japanese skiver. He let me draw out a pattern from the tool. Later made a skiver from a hacksaw blade made to cut like a foot thick of stainless steel from a metal company that throws them away after so much use. Beautiful knife. Keeps a sharp edge too. It's razor sharp an is no joke sharp. Cuts through leather like warm butter. I sure am glad to have this tool. I think if it ever sprouted legs, I would cry. I think one thing that makes it such a good blade is not just the high carbon steel, it's the mirror shine finish that helps so there is no drag at all going through the leather. This is just my opinion. It took me hours to finish this skiver.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

thank you for watching and your comment. if you have the ability to make tools at home, that’s awesome!! 😀

[@rondumontier1187]

I has the same problem my whole life doing leather. This Japanese knife is the best👍

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Ron I agree. These Japanese style skiving knives make skiving much easier. I have also found that a French edger works well for skiving. I have a video on it.

[@nickolaychernorukov4958]

That's exactly what I need. God bless you.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Anytime! Thank you for watching.

[@pimpinondemhos101]

Appreciate the video brother, great content

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you so much. I have more videos planned, just no time to get them done with my current work schedule. Hopefully things slow down soon and I have a little more time

[@Sammcinnes25]

Came out awesome mate , I’ve had the same issues for a while now using the craftsman skiver. To the point where I have been using a sander to sand the skive. I just brought it now hope I have the same results 🙌🏼

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

If you practice and follow my advice on this video you will be skiving like a pro in no time

[@Sammcinnes25]

Michael Mays Leatherworks got it tonight already skiving nicely , like you said rocked up super sharp

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

@@Sammcinnes25 thats great!!

[@mchlyap]

I really appreciate this, thank you!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

no problem! I hope it helped!

[@FT4Freedom]

I just got a 1/8" th inch thick scraping chisel at the hardware store and honed it up on a diamond stone with strop at the end. Very similar to the skiving knife. But can be bought in the paint section of the hardware store.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for watching and for your comment. I have heard others say they used a scraper and it worked well. I will have to try this.

[@paulmartinez9908]

Yea I totally have ruined more wallets than I can admit trying to get it feather thin...totally bought a Japanese skiving knife because of you! Thanks

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Wow that's great! Please Subscribe if you haven't already, I have more great content coming.

[@paulmartinez9908]

Michael Mays Leatherworks for sure I am subscribed..question if you have a sec..you said you paid 10$ for that steel, do you think that purchasing a higher quality such as charter/blanchard would give you better results? Just asking because I purchased a knife from Etsy, paid 40.00 but only because I liked the steel and figured since you had such good results, that I would too! Thanks again

[@jtmag3638]

Thank you, I’ve been hesitant to buy an expensive skiving knife or this one here. The super skivers haven’t worked for me either

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for your comment.

[@mikecampbell9909]

Thanks for the video - I’m always trying to up my skiving game. You should check out some of the French and Italian veg tanned leather that’s available- it skives like a dream and is so so nice. Walpier buttero, baldassi Carlo and other boxed calf leather- it’s totally worth it. Edges burnish beutifully....

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thanks for the heads up on the leather.

[@ChrisTomalty]

This is what I finally needed. Tried so much else, and it just so happened I have that exact knife and was using it wrong.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

So glad this video was a help to you.

[@raleighnevils9782]

another option to using the wing dividers is to use a v gouge or stitching groover to create a hard line to work off of

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

that can work as long as you take care not to go to deep on the line. this is a guideline not a gouge.

[@si-sy]

Skiving edges has been a challenge for me the last couple years, I also bought the other 2 skivers n yep, ... the only thing I can use them for is thinning the fold/crease in a bag, lol, n that's messy. Incidentally I got the knife with the first "Starters" leather working kit I bought from ebay when I started, but never tried to use it like that.. BIG THANKS

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I'm glad this video was useful. Thank you for taking time to comment. Have another video I'll finish this weekend.

[@stevemiller2052]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks hey Michael. I'm glad you did a video on this! I got in to leather working last year after I started learning to bladesmith. I just made an English style leather paring knife and it took all the mystery out of skiving! Message me and I'll show you the leather working blades I'm working on!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

@@stevemiller2052 hey Steve that sounds great. Send me a message on my leatherworking Facebook page Michael Mays Leatherworks . I would definitely be interested to see what you're working on.

[@kwkstar]

Thank you so much for a great video.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment. Please like And subscribe if you have not already, I am currently working on new content

[@kwkstar]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks Already been done

[@notwrkn2mch]

I just tried your technique....... What an improvement, Thank You very much I subscribed :)

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you so much for subscribing and taking the time to watch my video and leave a comment. This weekend I am working on my video series on designing a knife sheath for a mora companion. These techniques can be used on many projects. I'm hoping to have it uploaded by next weekend.

[@notwrkn2mch]

Michael Mays Leatherworks I have a couple Mora knives I’ll be looking forward to it

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

@@notwrkn2mch thank you for your comment. I do IT for a living and unfortunately we have been so slammed I have not been able to finish the video yet but I am working on it

[@heelturnsface]

Thank you! I took leatherwork classes at a really bad school and we never used the knife.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thanks for watching. I'm glad my video was useful to you!

[@erikgautebaklid2868]

Top notch instructor. 👍 skive on a stone slab to get even better result and give your cutting mat a longer life 🙂

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

i normally do, but was just looking to showcase the knife technique. Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@ashlynrice2274]

Thank you so much for this!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for watching

[@therealblurrybarber]

Once I started using a high quality kiridashi as my skiving knife, it changed my game big time. I use an Ikeuchi Hamono white steel kiridashi. Anyone who knows anything about Japanese knives knows that white steel is perfect for this. The sharper the better, and a quality white steel edge is as sharp as you can get

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for taking the time to watch my video and leave a comment. I received quite a few comments on This video that this was not a real Japanese skiving knife and that if I got one I would tell a huge difference. With that being said I received a skiving knife from goodsjapan.com a few weeks ago. I will have a new review/skiving video up soon

[@shasaaprilia6177]

Just what i need. Tks!!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for watching!

[@oldkins]

I absolutely agree 100% with this video found exactly the same things myself, The exact same knife is cheaper on eBay these days works out at about $5.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

That is great to know. I have had great luck with this knife and I am still using it today

[@maryirwinartdesign8235]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks after a year or so of using it, how well do you find it keeps its edge and does it sharpen well?

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

@@maryirwinartdesign8235 Thank you for your question. Yes I would still recommend this skiving knife. After a year of use it is still skiving like a dream. As long as you strop your blade before every use it will never need to be put on a stone. I've only ever stropped mine and it skives leather like a hot knife in butter. I posted a new video on stropping skiving knives you should check it out!

[@faythompson9540]

nice. I just ordered that same one yesterday.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Hand skiving takes time & practice. Keep your edge stropped to a mirror finish & it'll serve you well.

[@faythompson9540]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks Thank you, it hasn't arrived yet. Soon!

[@taradixon1]

Thank you!! Thus video helped me so much!!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you Tara for your kind words. Skiving is one skill that took me a long time to get right. I'm happy this helped you.

[@jerrycallender7604]

I'm a fabric artist, just branching out into leather and skiving, to my mind, is one of the more frightening processes , and you put it in easy-to-use instruction. Glad I found you.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for watching and for the comment! Skiving is a daunting task, but with practice it gets easy.

[@WR4SSE]

Same issue. Hell handy video to know I'm not the only one. How wide is the blade? If you could choose would you prefer thicker or thinner blade or is that perfect?

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Blade is right under 1.5 in. I've used this on Chrome tanned and different weights of vegetable tanned leather with great success. I would say the thickness of the blade is good where it is. Thank you for your question, and thank you for watching the video. Please subscribe for more videos to come.

[@garrettgiuffre7298]

I literally just got intrigued in leatherworks due to my car I had no idea or had any dabble in it before and I am not even started the process of getting what I need to do things but when would you use this skill in what application do you need to thin leather out or what reason would you need to or when do you want to to be more malleable?

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

When making wallets, bags, belts, & many other items where pieces will overlap the leather will be too thick if it it’s not skived .

[@teraflux1988]

Thank you.Useful.

[@ginnyshoemaker3544]

Do you have a video on how to sharpen the knife? I’m knew to this. Thank you!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Yes I do! You can view it here: Strop your Skiving Knife for a Wicked Sharp Edge! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIGpgJyhZqpgoNk

[@jillcottlegarrett2206]

Did you try different levels of wetness on the leather when you were using the tools?

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Yes I sure did. The skive knife is definitely the way to go for consistent results.

[@FT4Freedom]

Sharp is very important. Spend good time sharpening the leather tools before each use.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

OWL, I agree 100%. A dull tool can be dangerous. I just released a new video on stropping leather skiving knives for butter smooth skives.

[@deepdiver849]

Thanks for this ! I have this tool too... I just don’t know how skive curves with this ? Also If I want to skive the middle of a chrome tanned leather to place a zipper would it be possible to skive with this too? Or is it only useful for skiving edges?

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

You can definitely skive around curves, just take your time and practice on some scrap first. I can skive 2-3oz leather with this tool no problem. Make sure that you have stropped the blade to a mirror finish before you try to skive Chrome tan leather.

[@deepdiver849]

Michael Mays Leatherworks Thanks a lot ! Really appreciate your response!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

@@deepdiver849 no problem, anytime.

[@mikyor1]

You'll really love using a nicer Japanese skiving knife (shirogami aka white steel). Reason being the knife you are using has a double bevel, but the regular Japanese skiving knife has a single bevel and gets ridiculously sharp and just glides through like butter. But the only issue is you have to maintain it as it is high carbon steel and needs sharpening as well as extra care because it is scary sharp. Look up rocky mountain leather tools, they carry nice Japanese knives. Cheers!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for the heads up! I will definitely check them out.

[@squeezy99]

Have you tried using this knife with thin leather used in book-binding skiving to a very fine feather edge?

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Yes, I have skived 2oz leather with no issue at all.

[@seriouskaraoke879]

Skiving is one of those things that you just end up doing what works for you. I've got the same Japanese skiving knife and hate it. You can't get a thin degree shave with it. That big ol bulky handle gets in the way. I prefer the safety skiver. I have far more control and can way down low with it. It's fast and good results. I probably have at least four more skiving knives but I always come back to the safety skiver. I put in a fresh blade in each time, a blade that I first strop mind you.. One other tip is that depending on the leather and if its not skiving smooth, I find that that wetting it can help a lot. Sometimes wetting it is like night and day and will skive like butter. If you want to totally geek out on skiving....I mean see the ultimate skiving in action, you need to check out Lisa Sorrell here on KZbin (Cowboy Boot Maker Extradionaire). She sells skiving knives too and other leather supplies and she bitches constantly that nobody does skiving right. Her catch phrase is "You're not skiving, you're fuzzing". She's a hoot kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6GQZWOvopWWrtk EDIT: Pardon my poor manners for not having stated this earlier. Your skiving looks great. It really does.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for watching the video and for leaving your comment. I am able to get nice feathered skives with this knife. You are right though different techniques and tools will work better for different people. Here I am just trying to show what works for me and try to help others with the same issues I was having. I will check out the channel that you mentioned thank you.

[@seriouskaraoke879]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks Sorry for not including in my earlier comment that your skiving looks great. I like the way you talk too. ;-) Dude, Lisa Sorrell is a whole other higher dimension in leatherwork. She a living legend and that's no bullshit.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

@@seriouskaraoke879 very cool. Thanks!

[@mabul513]

Watched a dremel being used Thought possible to use a electric knife sharpener to shave down the edges, maybe! Jig for thickness and sander? No idea as just watching.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thanks for watching

[@stephenmartin6995]

I have been watching quite a few Korean leather working tutorials (often in Korean ! ), And not only is this type of knife used for skiving, but also for general cutting,. ie no box cutters or craft knives just straight in with this type of knife.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I have seen those videos as well. Personally I reserve this style of knife for skiving. A skiving knife needs to be wicked sharp. The more you use for general cutting the more you will need to sharpen or strop to keep it where it needs to be.

[@jessymae4337]

I ordered the skiving tool off amazon you love and am anxious to try it out. Can you explain how and why you use the jewelry rouge you mentioned please? Does this sharpen the skiver or just polish it? Also, if you could include the rouge you'd recommend, Amazon or other. That would be great! Thank you Michael!!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Jeweler's Rouge is a Polishing Compound. Most people use it in conjunction with a stropping board or strap. It can be used to bring the edge back on an older blade without using a sharpening stone, as long as the blade is not damaged. I strop all of my blades using this compound even brand new razor blades out of the box. You will notice a big difference in how your knife or blades cut when doing this. There are quite a few different types of Jeweler's Rouge available, and I believe you can get all of them off of Amazon. I normally use white, green, or blue as they are not as abrasive at some of the other compounds. Remember you are trying to polish the blade you're not sharpening it on a stone.

[@jessymae4337]

Michael Mays Leatherworks thank you! Is there an actual video you do using the jeweler’s rouge?

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I don't have a video up right now but I would be happy to make you one. I'll see if I can have it up for you this weekend.

[@geoffreyboyling615]

I had a cheap box plane that was difficult to adjust, so I hardly ever used it. But the blade was quite good, so I made it into a Japanese style leather knife. I spent some time sharpening & polishing the blade edge. Once I'd got used to the asymmetric shape it worked well, and I use it for both skiving and cutting leather. Search KZbin for 'Japanese Leather Knife'

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Very cool. Great way to repurpose the blade. I've looked at sime of the Japanese skiving knives & If live to have one, but they are out of my price range at the moment.

[@rondumontier1187]

I have an old 12" planer blade I an doing the same thing with. They are too expensive to buy for me also.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

@@rondumontier1187 thsn you for watching. this skiving knife is only $10.49 off Amazon.com. the name brand Japanese skiving knives are outside of my price range.

[@rondumontier1187]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks Hi Michael. Well thanks for the info, I found that Japanese knife plus much more. So great advice from you. Thanks, and I,ll keep watching your videos.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

@@rondumontier1187 thank you Ron. I have a new video being released soon. "How to design a bushcraft knife sheath" like the one seen for my Mora Companion; it is seen in a few of my videos.

[@thetrawlers9624]

Do you have a video on how to sharpen the knife?

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

No I do not. I only strop my blade and it still skives like the day I received it.

[@EmpoweredPercussion]

I bought one, I'm new to skiving and noticed my blade went dull after practicing. How to I sharpen it?

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Use a leather strop before each use

[@teresastanton6009]

I purchased the Chartermade skiving knife and if you are familiar with this knife, you know it is not cheap. After using the knife on one leather edge, it became dull. My husband sharpened it for me but again became dull very very quickly. Someone said that knife was made to skive veg tanned leather only so I am really confused. I am tempted to purchase this knife that you are using but maybe it is me and not the knife that isn’t working right?

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

It is important to make sure you are stropping your knifes before each use. You should feel the blade slide through the leather.

[@petersiliekrause2203]

Thank you so much for this! I've been working with fake leather so far, and just made my first real leather wallet. I didn't skive it at all, and when I was done, the five layers looked like a Club Sandwich 🤣 So I decided to make another one, this time skiving the leather. Turns out, we already had that tool at home, but I used it the wrong way 🫣 Could you explain once more how you sharpened yours once more, please? I tried to replay that section, but I'm not a native English speaker - I think I didn't get that part. Thank you!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

i have another video on sharpening / stropping. Strop your Skiving Knife for a Wicked Sharp Edge! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIGpgJyhZqpgoNk

[@rebelmarshall3632]

Tyvek is great for card slot pockets. Super thin, super durable.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thanks for your input. You are indeed correct Rebel! I often will line high stress areas in projects with Tyvek.

[@rebelmarshall3632]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks I've got a pattern that suggests using Tyvek for the card pockets since it is so thin. It works great for the slot type Roper wallets

[@1911-Loaded]

I have only ever used that type knife and technique. Never had any issues skiving. Terrible that you had 2 years of frustration.

[@ZippedUpKitz]

I have this exact same knife… I had to hone a new edge on it as the very corner had a big chip in … I was so upset… but, thankfully, I’ve been sharpening my own blades since I was 8 years old and I'm 50 now… thankfully I know how to do it… I could have sent it back and probably would have if after honing a new edge it would not have held… those other two "skiving knives" you have there just flat out suck…but the real knife does a nice job…

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for taking your time to leave a comment. I agree the other two are a very poor quality and although some people can use them successfully they are definitely not for the majority.

[@ZippedUpKitz]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks no problem :) That skiving knife I had to re-hone, it won't hold it's edge… it's driving me nuts trying to find a good knife that doesn’t cost an Arm and a leg… I’m just a hobbyist so I can’t afford to spend 75-100 bucks for a knife… I'm to the point of going out to the family farm and firing up my grandfathers Coal forge, getting one of the steel files and making my own bloody skiving knife out of it! At least then I would know it would hold an edge and cut! :)

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

@@ZippedUpKitz I am working on a new video that you would want to watch then. I have found a Japanese skiving knife that performs beautifully at a very reasonable cost! Under $50!! I need to finish recording it tonight so hopefully I’ll have it uploaded by Wednesday

[@ZippedUpKitz]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks awesome :) I will definitely take a look at it. As of right now, I’m am seriously thinking of forging one myself! Although it may be more expensive to get grandfather's forge up and running again!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

@@ZippedUpKitz keep an eye out the video will be out this week!!

[@stwilhite1]

Bingo. Thanks buddy.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Anytime!

[@graphguy]

Very helpful. I found, for me that going with the length of the edge works better than going across the edge and works well. With that said I would rather have a $1000 machine skiver - taking a 30 minute job down to 2 minutes!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

The Bell skivers look like they do great work, but for me I cannot justify the price

[@graphguy]

Michael Mays Leatherworks I hear ya. I am just a serious hobby guy. If I was into selling products - maybe, but I would have to be selling a lot! Thanks again!

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I sell items fairly often, then again sometimes there will be months inbetween orders. If I landed a commercial deal selling bags or another item to a store, then it might be worth it to help speed up production.

[@maryfrederickson9400]

Where is the link please?

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

The link is in the video description. Thank you for watching.

[@snorttroll4379]

Why do so many call products things like jewellers rouge in stead of what it actually is finely ground iron 2? oxide (rust) and wax

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

because it is marketed as 'jewlers rouge', and is used to polish tools. I hope that helped !!

[@snorttroll4379]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks cool do you know what is in it?

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

@@snorttroll4379 honestly, no I do not. I use it because it works when stropping my blades on leather. Same reason I use oil on my sharpening stone.

[@annamurray7514]

*writes down full title* "I'll put a link below" Me: dammit

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Lol, I hope this helped

[@dumfist]

For anyone else looking to purchase this knife, here's its Amazon link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LD4PC2D

[@w.scottsherman1358]

It will make your skiving easier on a granite or marble surface.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I have a marble slab, a granite slab, and my cutting mat. I’ll skive on all of them and honestly there’s very little difference

[@Bootbitch]

Hun I hate to break it to ya but you’ve got the wrong side up on the blade. With the Japanese skivers the beveled edge is supposed to be down towards the leather.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

As long as you get consistent results I don't see why it matters. Thank you for watching & your comment.

[@ianknight2053]

I have one of these cheap knives. Very good but the handle is a little too fat.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I have fairly large hands, it seems to feel very comfortable in my hand. I would assume you would be able to sand it down though To better fit your hand size.

[@ianknight2053]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks I have large hands too but with the large handle on this knife it’s difficult to get a shallow angle for some skives.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I understand what you mean now and yes that can be somewhat of an issue.

[@ianknight2053]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks It’s still a good cheap knife though. I might change or reshape the handle. Thank you for the video from the U.K.👍🏼

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I do agree that the handle is a little thick. But I have been able to perform all of my skives with minimal effort. If I am doing a very shallow skive I do completely have to change my grip to get that low angle. I might upgrade to one of the more professional skiving knives in the future, maybe one from Japan. But this skiving knife has served me well over the years.

[@ItIsTim]

im gonna get me a ninja skiver too

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

nice

[@plscrymore702]

Wouldn't it be easier, if you turn the knife around, like japanese leatherworkers do? Like that, there is no risk to cut through the leather

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I had just received this knife & was demonstrating how easy it was to learn. I do use the blade the other way now. Thanks for your comment!

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

nicely done on this video sir, I've been looking for a better option, i have been doing leather work a really long time, not enough to justify a skipping machine, but looking around again, i found your video, so i am going to try it before i buy a 1000 dollar machine.. those first two tools are junk, they may work great for something, tandy sales possibly, but they are not good skivers,. thanks for sharing already added to my cart, should be here sunday :) work it similar to a chisel, bevel up,. thank you sir. i so appreciate you sharing this, your a good man. loved your video , so we subbed your channel as well. yes sir, your right this works, shame on tandy for pushing that other junk for so many years, they know those tools don't work. thanks again, have a blessed week. dale. ha, yeah i have several for sale too buddy :)

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Thank you for watching the video and for subscribing. Skiving is one of those skills that is hard for people to pick up, but it is an integral part of leather working. I am working on a new video right now where I'm showcasing an English Style bookbinder's skiving knife. Looking to have it uploaded sometime this weekend

[@ItIsTim]

they sale a 600 dollar skiver machine on amazon.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

a lot of the cheaper shivers are very difficult to use or do not produce a quality cut. a bell skiver is the exception, but will run you at least $1000-$1200

[@ItIsTim]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks Yeah, will definitely look into that.

[@andrewgarrett4959]

I sharpened the edge on an old putty knife. Same thing.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Nice! Glad that works for you. Thank you for watching.

[@suziebattista6394]

I purchased a costly purse from a well-know, national brand. The seams will not lay flat due to leather thickness .. I love the purse & have even exchanged it once with them. I’ve opened the lining & have access to seams… can they be ’sliced’ without taking the seam stitches out ? Thank you

[@GuiorPhotography]

I just opened mine and jabbed by finger tip haha

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

uh oh!! be careful! 😁

[@joebroderi]

time is money ....

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

It is indeed!

[@salvatoremele4253]

Ciao peccato che non conosco inglese 😊

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

mai troppo tardi per imparare

[@snorttroll4379]

this video could be edited down to 20 seconds.

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I’ll be happy to watch your video on skiving Leather would you like to provide me a link

[@383_miyasan]

It is not a knife made in Japan 「Made in China」 日本製の革包丁ではありません。 日本でAmazonに注文しても中国から届きます。 MADE IN JAPAN↓ 「Craftsha」⭐⭐⭐ 「Seiwa」⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I do not believe I said it was made in Japan, but it is still considered a “Japanese style” skiving knife. As they copied the design of skiving knives, like Seiwa and Craftsha. I would like to eventually upgrade to one from Japan, but the cost of a lot of them was out of my budget. Thank you for your comment

[@383_miyasan]

@@MichaelMaysLeatherworks 日本製のナイフなら、もっと綺麗に革の加工が出来ます。 切れ味が違いますよ！試して見てください。 The knife made in Japan is different from the sharpness. Try and see. My English is poor.Very sorry

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I plan on getting one in the future. Thank you for leaving a comment. Definitely appreciate you taking the time to watch my videos.

[@user-zq6hc6ei8x]

Ни хуя не понятно

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

Sorry I don't know what that means.

[@ZippedUpKitz]

Those "Super Skiver" SUCK… period… complete waste of money…

[@MichaelMaysLeatherworks]

I agree 100% !!! Thank you for watching and leaving a comment