Leather Splitter Review

This affordable leather splitter might be of interest to those who can't justify spending many hundreds of dollars on a more expensive model.

[@michaelvoshell6911]

I have one exactly like that that I purchased recently. I've been practicing to try and get my skiving right. I did change out the blade to the black olfa blades that made a huge difference. However I'm still having problems actually slicing through the strap itself. Or pairing off way too much making the end of the strap unusable. I see your technique is holding down the strap as you're getting ready to pair it. Hoping that helps as I've gone through several straps intended to make dog collars out of for large dogs and have ruined numerous pieces of leather already. The one thing I wish these had was an adjustment that could be made keeping the blade level to the roller with one screw instead of two. Also the blades that came with mine were garbage thus why I replace them. Thanks for the video. Going to try your technique and see how it works for me. 😊

[@edcubberly8907]

I bought the Olfa black blades and they work like a charm ! Super sharp as advertised. Thanks for a great instructional video !

[@labrat7357]

I bought an Osborne 86 splitter in 1975 and never used it because it was so poorly finished/engineered with crooked screws not properly lining up with the stops and castings that were rougher than a USSR casting. I was later given an old Osborne with its sliding wedge adjustment and it was simply worn out after many decades of use. Finally I sold the Osborne 86 for three times what I paid, as it was "mint" , and bought a "Cowboy" splitter with adjustment knobs on both sides. It is made in Asia somewhere and is very well made and finished and even had a sharp blade, it does everything it is supposed to and only cost around $250. This little splitter looks to work well and would be ideal to cart around to a craft group. I think it is time to buy one. Thanks for the video.

[@gerardolramos]

Thank you for this video. I just bought one and I had difficulty in making a consistent split, but your video showed me how it's done.

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

That's great to hear! Glad it helped you.

[@Spectt84]

Thanks for the demo. I've always wondered how well these work. I was uneasy based on the old saying "you get what you pay for"... But it appears here, you at least get enough to get the job done. If you do a little digging you can find them incredibly cheap. I just found one that is $50.99 shipped to the door. Going to give it a try.

[@rollingstockco8223]

Thank you so much for this video review, I seen this unit on Amazon and I feel more comfortable ordering it now seeing how well it works for you. Leather is my part time business and I work full time at a machine shop (in Canada) so once it arrives I'm going to do some reverse engineering on it and consider building my own prototype. If all goes well, maybe I can offer some up for sale. Again, thanks for sharing your feedback on this unit.

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

Thank you! I've seen some of your creations on our Canadian Leather Crafters page - awesome stuff! Keep me posted on your leather splitter engineering!

[@rollingstockco8223]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft Will do! Thanks!

[@tariqhassan387]

Width of frame is 6 " ?

[@nerdsofthefist]

Update? Did you make any to sell?😂 if so..

[@Xiskya]

Hello! I have one like it and I can't divide vegetable leather to 0.8mm thick. My leather is 1.2mm and I want to wear it up to 0.8mm. Is it possible with this machine? I have moved the screws and it slides without dividing anything. What can I do? Thank you.

[@johnmutton799]

Can you make tapered cuts?

[@tariqhassan387]

It can taper?

[@tilbert66]

Thank you so much

[@zefdin101]

Thanks! Nothing extra, just the facts. I appreciate it!

[@iwaristama6064]

Hello, do you need to split the leather with faster pull or slow? I try with faster pull it sometimes split it more than it have to

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

I pull slow and make sure to pull the leather down so it is very tight to the roller, both on the side feeding into the roller and on the side coming out.

[@user-ju3tz5pv7z]

I only see that narrow pieces of leather are completely linked but I make bags and only need to thin out the edges .Is that possible. So yes: how?

[@miguelmartinezvalle774]

Hello, it's a very good machine for my job I am interested in it and I would like to know where I can find it and what its price is.

[@BornIntoThis20]

Looks interesting. Is it okay to split small panels for wallets linings (goat for example) arround 10 cm width max, even if the panel not long enough to bend it like you do to get a more efficient split? Do you find blades need to be changed quite often? I usually use black "extra sharp" ones from NT or others but not sure how long it would last used in a splitter!

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

The black blades I use last a long time, especially if you're not splitting really tough, thick leather. You can split smaller pieces, by splitting the one half going one way and then the other half the other way. What I do for things like wallet interiors is to split a longer piece of leather and then cut my panels out of that strip with clicker dies.

[@BornIntoThis20]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft Thanks for your answer. Have you tried with panels widths arround 8cm? (to split 4ounce to 2 for example) I can't find any video showing more than straps spliting with this machine. Results wouldn't be regular enough or too much strengh needed maybe?

[@oakridgereview1359]

Hey, what max width can you skive in this? Can you fit 4 1/8 inches in it? Is the blade the limiting factor or the frame?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

Frame is the limiting factor, plus the amount of "pull" you need. I don't go wider than 3", although the full width you could go is 4".

[@GoblinsWorkshop]

Thank you for the video. Is the blade easily replaceable?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

Very easily. Takes about half a minute. Loosen the two bolts, take out old blade, insert new blade, tighten bolts. The only thing you have to watch is not to cut yourself as you hold the new blade up against the bolts as you tighten the bolts. The blade has to touch both bolts so that it is even, otherwise it won't cut properly. You could wear gloves or use a scrap piece of leather to hold the blade in place until both bolts are tightened.

[@mikep5336]

Wondering if you can edge skive like for a bag.

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

Hi Mike. You cannot tilt the blade, so I don't think there's any way to edge skive.

[@user-a33kixd2wq44]

looks very interesting for me. Thank you for the video! I want to split the panel for wallets which is 9cm. I don't know whether the width can fit in this machine. Looking forward to your reply!

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

I have split 9cm wide pieces, but that is the absolute maximum width you can split.

[@user-a33kixd2wq44]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft thank you for the information. I will have a try. At least it works for belts, which is enough for me.😄👍

[@danielmorris7892]

When splitting long belts this machine will cut the strap in half. Any suggestions?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

For firm leather like belt leather, and full length, I usually use my bigger hand crank splitter. I find that these smaller splitters work best with leathers that have a softer temper. The reason being, that they work best when you can hold the leather down on the back side as it feeds over the roller, so the leather comes up and goes over the roller, touching about 1/4 of the circumference of the roller. With stiffer leather it's difficult to "bend" the leather around the roller, so to speak. When I do split stiffer leather I take very little off at a time and make several passes to get it to the thickness I want, but only shorter distances, like buckle ends on belts. These splitters do have their limitations with heavier leather when doing long splits.

[@alvaroavalos2200]

Thanks for this video

[@gibby6904]

What is the brand name of the model with the ball bearings? I've looked on Amazon and none of them mention the ball bearings.....they all look the same?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

There is no brand name on these. You have to ask the vendor.

[@pablovargasborche1796]

Hello! There are several of these models on Amazon. Could you tell me which one you bought? Mainly because of the difference in the rollers. (I hope I have translated correctly) Best regards from Uruguay 🇺🇾

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

I have never ordered them from Amazon, so I don't know which one it would be. I have ordered directly from China, but the pictures didn't always match what i received, so you can't trust the pictures. I have stopped ordering them because of how unreliable the vendors are, even though I like the machine.

[@TheGizmoGremlin]

Thanks for that presentation. Is it also possible to go down to 1 ounce when using high quality veg tan? Thanks in advance!

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

Yes, I have split down to 1 oz. You do have to be careful when splitting that thin, not to go through, by keeping the leather stretched over the roller.

[@TheGizmoGremlin]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft Thank you!

[@CarlosGonzalez-qu9yo]

cuanto cuesta la maquina

[@friedgizzard]

I bought one and can not get it split anything.

[@edcubberly8907]

Great Video ! How wide is the blade ? Can you post a link as to the company name, model # and where to purchase. Thanks !

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

The blade is 4" wide, but I have only split up to 3", and that only with soft (milled) leather. I've purchased them from AliExpress, but from different companies. They can also sometimes be found on eBay or on Etsy. I don't think there's a model number.

[@PowerUpGamingCanada]

How do we go about getting one?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

I have a few of them in stock. Email me at [e-mail] and I will send you the details. Our shop is now closed until Monday, August 30th, so after today I won't be able to respond until then.

[@alekscobaj5928]

Hello Congratulations on the video. You can send you eBay links or Amazon where I can buy this machine with roller with bearing. Thank you

[@user-up1fl3nx2l]

Hey, do you know why i can t do less than 1.5 mm

[@Xiskya]

I have a 1.2mm leather and I have not been able to lower it to 0.8mm

[@sadiqsabia1]

Was inspired by the video and bought one. How Did you tune to get it split like that. Mine just rolles out the leather without cutting anything

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

It sounds like either your blade is not installed properly or the adjustment screws that set the distance between the blade and the roller are not set properly. If you send me a closeup picture of what yours looks like I might be able to see what's going on. Send it to [e-mail]

[@sadiqsabia1]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft would do. Thank you for replying

[@Xiskya]

The same thing happens to me but only if the leather is less than 1.6mm thick.

[@SG-Photography]

Thanks for the video. Where are you in Canada ?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

Northern Alberta. Are you in Canada as well?

[@RMHSChem]

Can someone send a link for the black replacement blades that have been discussed? Thanks!

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

Here's where I buy them in Canada: www.homedepot.ca/product/olfa-18mm-snap-off-ultra-sharp-black-blades-50-pack/1000423082

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

And here's a link to them on Amazon: www.amazon.com/OLFA-9069-UltraSharp-Snap-Off-Heavy-Duty/dp/B000LE3V74/ref=sr_1_2?__mk_es_US=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=3AIPXQ91BP2BB&keywords=olfa+ultrasharp&qid=1649891551&sprefix=olfa+ultrasharp%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-2

[@RMHSChem]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft Thank youi! The fact that they are snap off - does that impact the skive?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

@@RMHSChem no, I have never seen that affect it in any way.

[@lbdeuce]

Hi, I was wondering if i could bounce some things off you about this splitter. I bought this guy namely for 1.5": strips of 15oz hermann oak saddle skirt. its what i make my belts out off. Primarily i wanted to dress the flesh side while taking a minimal about of weight off. Just to clean it up. Generally I clean up the flesh side by hand just to make it presentable and knock off all the membranous bits off . I also would like to use it to skive the turn of the belts as well. well, I cant get it to skive consistently. Ive been able to successful skives some test pieces but its just not consistent and ive ruined 3 project and a lot of leather. im wondering if 1.5" 15oz hermann oak is just to much for the machine. im considering sending it back. Maybe you could help me trouble shoot it? Hope so! thanks.

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

Hi there. I use mine primarily for soft (milled) leather up to 3" wide. I have used it for the turn on 10-12 oz HO belts, but never for the full length of a belt. I have a hand crank splitter for that. When splitting longer thin pieces, I find that I need to hold down the side that feeds into the blade, as well as pull down on the side coming out, so it has lots on contact with the roller with a considerable amount of tension. Then it works great, but I imagine that's hard, or impossible, to do with saddle skirting. You could also play around a bit with the position of the blade, maybe bring it out just a touch further, but I realize you don't want to waste too much leather for testing, and for sure no more real projects. I'm not sure what else to recommend.

[@lbdeuce]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft thank you for getting back to me. I couldnt get it to perform adequately. I think it may not be up to that task so i am sending it back. thanks again

[@matthewpfeiffer7948]

I’ve had the same issue recently making belts with herman oak. Ruined 2 belts when thinning down the turns. Blade might have been getting dull, can’t really say for sure. I will say that by leaving 2-3 extra inches on the end to pull down on when slicing helps.

[@lowspeak]

Looks good, did you get it from AliExpress? Might purchase one.

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

You can get them though AliExpress or on eBay. I'm selling them locally and shipping within Canada.

[@davidbratcher9822]

Looks good, but what exact brand is this? I've been looking for something like this

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

I'm not sure if there's an exact brand. There may be a number of Chinese companies that manufacture these, but I have not seen any with a name on them. I'm not importing them any more because of lack of consistency in both shipping and quality. If you can get one that is well made, it's still a good and useful tool.

[@Xiskya]

There is a brand that is reliable and sells them of quality. It's the WUTA brand

[@casswinn345]

I'm interested in purchasing one from you. how can I proceed with that?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

Hi Cass! Send me an email at [e-mail] and I will message you the purchase options. If you are in Canada payment can be made by etransfer. If you are in the US it's easiest to use PayPal.

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

You can also private message me through my Facebook page called Saddle Hills Leathercraft.

[@djecpamba]

I’ve been looking at this model for a few weeks. Can you tell me where you purchased the unit with the ball bearings? Great video by the way; this has helped with my decision making process. Donald.

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

I found them on Aliexpress.

[@djecpamba]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft I found one on eBay which had the bearing mounted roller but no blade or hex wrenches. Not a deal breaker since I have and can buy the blades. Again, your video was helpful. Thanks.

[@djecpamba]

Tried it out with the black blades, works like a champ! I’ve been splitting a lot of my scraps to get the hang of the process. Your video was very helpful. Donald

[@thamwong4016]

@@djecpamba Are you still using this machine? Does it really work? I bought similar one and it never works. It always tears apart the leather piece half the way. This one looks pretty okay. Thanks in advance for your advice.

[@djecpamba]

@@thamwong4016 Yes, I still use it. It helps to have the sharper black blades. Donald

[@patriotcam1776]

Did I miss it? Where do I get one. Who makes it?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

They are made in China. You can find them on Aliexpress, Ebay and Etsy. I sometimes have them in stock as well.

[@flyflung]

Is there a brand name?

[@silviatri1964]

Io ce l'ho pure, mi trovo benissimo, unico problema è il regolare lo spessore di taglio, perché non c'è una graduazione ai lati, e quindi non si saprà se è uguale in entrambi i lati

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

That's a good point. If I look through between the roller and the blade I can usually tell if the sides are the same. Also, you can feel if one set screw touches before the other one when you slowly let go of the handle. I still often use a test piece on wider pieces of leather to make sure it's the thickness I want and is even side to side.

[@silviatri1964]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft si esatto anche io uso dei pezzi di cuoio prima per fare la prova del taglio 🔝

[@irapelletier5506]

Nice to have a cheaper option

[@edcubberly8907]

I purchased this machine but the blade is extremely dull. Do you have a video or can you make a short video on how to sharpen the blade ? Thanks !

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

I buy the black extra sharp OLFA blades. They come in packages of 50 at Home Depot and are super sharp.

[@edcubberly8907]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft how many mm’s ? Thanks

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

@@edcubberly8907 it's the 18mm blades.

[@edcubberly8907]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft oh, I ordered the 9mm blades. Do I have to drill holes in them to secure it to the splitter ?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

@@edcubberly8907 nope, the 18mm ones just butt up against the screws in the back.

[@tonyb83]

Useful review thankyou. Just one minor point though, when you measured the thickness with the gauge it was not perpendicular to the thickness of the leather.

[@tariqhassan9672]

can we taper leather with this tool & where can we buy it, website etc ?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

I can sell it to you. Send me your mailing address and I will give you a quote with shipping.

[@tariqhassan9672]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft This can do Lap Skive , Can you send demo ?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

@@tariqhassan9672 what is a lap skive?

[@mohadhassan5458]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft Lap Skive half inch cut just like tapering , understand

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

@@mohadhassan5458 it's not easy to taper with this splitter. It splits best to the one thickness it is set at, but you can set it in several increments, and starting a little further out each time, and make a taper that way.

[@nerdsofthefist]

Sold.

[@sahilmahajan1579]

Sir price and delivery process

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

Which country do you live in?

[@trekgod3]

The price on these has really come down. They are now between $45 and $50 US on ebay. I just ordered one to split leather that is too thick to run thru my cricut machine for engraving

[@guzzirob]

Just bought one exactly like one shown in vid from Ebay. $40, free ship. Works really good.

[@shanehester4852]

Did you say Olfa blades? What was the replacement blade name?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

Yes, it takes the regular 18mm OLFA blades. The best ones to get are the super sharp black OLFA blades.

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

www.homedepot.ca/product/olfa-18mm-snap-off-ultra-sharp-black-blades-50-pack/1000423082

[@shanehester4852]

Do you think it’ll split 1” wide 14oz strap ends?herman oak

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

@@shanehester4852 I don't doubt it, but I'll give it a try when I get back home later and let you know for sure.

[@shanehester4852]

Thank you so much

[@nawaidkhan9953]

i am in Toronto how can i buy that Leather Splitter ? Can i pay by PayPal ?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

Hi Nawaid. I'm not selling these any more because of import issues, getting them reliably from China. You can find them on AliExpress, eBay and Etsy sometimes.

[@nawaidkhan9953]

Thanks for Reply take care

[@tariqhassan387]

where can we buy this ?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

Where are you located?

[@tariqhassan387]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft USA

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

@@tariqhassan387 I can send you one. Including shipping it is $104 US. If you are interested, please email me at [e-mail] and I will let you know about payment, etc.

[@mohadhassan5458]

@@saddlehillsleathercraft price & shipping cost ?

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

@@mohadhassan5458 including shipping to the US from Canada the total is $108 US.

[@oakridgereview1359]

Ah, yes, My hero!!! Thank you so much!

[@kumarkunhukelu4553]

I doubt the endurance of the blade...cost of blades..

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

The best blades for longevity and sharpness are the black "extra sharp" OLFA blades. You can buy them in a pack of 50 for about $30 Canadian, and that will last for a very long time.

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

www.homedepot.ca/product/olfa-18mm-snap-off-ultra-sharp-black-blades-50-pack/1000423082

[@nawaidkhan9953]

your email is not working

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

Which email address are you using?

[@nawaidkhan9953]

Send it to [e-mail]

[@nawaidkhan9953]

i am in Toronto how can i buy that Leather Splitter ? Can i pay by PayPal ?

[@SpartanB88]

Messaged your contact page on your website

[@saddlehillsleathercraft]

I replied to your message. Did you get my reply?

[@arlindolima9373]

gastei.

[@ldscpr]

No to China.