The Leather Element: Cutting Clean Edges

In this weeks' video, Chuck gives some helpful hints on cutting a straight edge onto a hide and then cutting straight straps from there. We also show how to cut soft, thin leather without getting a "rippled" cut.
4' Straight Edge: www.weaverleat...
Non-Slip Tape: www.weaverleat...
Wooden Strap Cutter: www.weaverleat...
Steel Square: www.weaverleat...
#TheLeatherElement

[@SinaFunks]

Well I thought I knew how to cut a straight line in leather but then I hesitated and thought "hmm maybe I should check KZbin"And boy am I glad I did! This video is pure gold 👍🥇and I think you saved my hide on this. 😁Thank you so much! (liked and subscribed) 😎 🫵🪨🤘

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, we're so glad it was helpful!

[@grarglejobber7941]

Aw man, after being told to get a cork-backed ruler again and again in the beginner's vids and guides I was looking at, I still wasn't satisfied with its grip, so I saw some grip-tape at my hardware store and bought a roll. It was perfect for me, but when I went to go make a post about it on reddit and a few leather forums, I was told not to do it again and again. They said it'd scratch the leather, but so long as I didn't apply heavy pressure and made sure it never slipped around, it worked really well. One man's trick is another man's mistake, I suppose.

[@MrHondoMan]

Grand Video Chuck, as always. One wee thing I think would have helped beginners (which your videos are often aimed) is to keep the knife straight. I often see beginners angle the blade a wee bit (only a few degrees), which of course, doesn't offer a consistent edge. Just a thought.

[@austinknowlton1783]

This is probably the most helpful five minutes on KZbin when it comes to leather working.

[@digitaIgorilla]

Cheers Chuck, always informative. Confidence in cutting is a huge plus.

[@CustomWadeSaddles]

Awesome. I was having trouble on pencil roll cantles.

[@TheLastMinuteSurvivalist]

Love your enthusiasm Chuck! Your videos are an inspiration and are very helpful. Keep at it and God bless.

[@yubidubi]

Those strap cutters are INCREDIBLE!!!!

[@allierae1010]

I love this dude

[@casper1240]

Fascinating to watch ,you make it look so easy

[@rexanderson8225]

Chuck your knowledge is just what I need for inspiration.

[@Tzazilas]

Nice to see you again Chuck! This anti-slip tape is a great idea to upgrade our rulers. Thanks!

[@gshanmalik6379]

Please can you tell me what is that non slip tape?

[@thaboo5070]

Shout out to you guys always making new stuff

[@christophergould3673]

After watching this I realise I've been using mine wrong. Thanks for info Chuck.

[@shrumby7231]

Thanks Chuck. This video was a huge help.

[@bennetaiken9849]

Super video Chuck! Very informative! Thx!!

[@youveryniceman]

Very Informative for a novice like me! thanks

[@ArcticArsenal]

Great video! I have one of those strap cutters, and it must have 10,000 miles on it. I'm going to get some of that grip tape. That's a great tip!

[@alanrouse8301]

I bought that strap cutter a few years ago, and you are right. It is one of the most used tools. Love it. Thanks for your tips. They are always helpful.

[@roymichel528]

video on box stitching would be spectacular

[@janiceroyle8640]

Excellent video there Chuck. Love your presentations and its just what i need to kick-start my next project. Sometimes....its those little extra taps of skills you have that help get me along the way. A beer always :)

[@JMRichard92]

a video on different kind of stitching and their application would be great if you don't already have one

[@barbaradvojatzki2852]

Another awesome video! Very helpful! Thank you so much!

[@joerunyan2438]

Thank You Chuck for a great video, very helpful!!!

[@OMEGATEAM473]

I love all of your stuff! But can I request that you show us how to make a leather cloak like you had in a few videos past! Thank you so much for all you and your team do for us!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you for the suggestion - we will see about adding this to the list!

[@ginnysimpson5232]

Great info.

[@kathrynnewton8721]

Thank you! I've struggled with cutting suede had to resort to scissors but still ait ragged on the curves!

[@mariaemilianegron]

Thank you

[@cepkostar]

I am here only beacuse of Chuck

[@ArcticArsenal]

Chuck is great! I love his enthusiasm!

[@karlhungusjr1]

i would like a video like this, but about cutting curves. my curves always look horrible to me. same with my beveled corners.

[@georgeibrahim7848]

Me too! 😂 I tried a sheath for my training karambit... Oh my. Massive Fail! The curved part....

[@TheLeathersmithShop]

Do you mark your curves or cut them free-handed? I always use a template to draw my curve lines with a scratch awl, then use a bunch of small straight cuts instead of trying to follow a curve with the blade. You can also use sand paper to tidy up your cuts if you need to ;)

[@ruslanrodionov28]

Спасибо!

[@leecherlarry]

Can you make a video on making a leather sheath for a 6inch steel rule?

[@sbornot2b]

Got to get me some anti slip tape!

[@maggiealena]

Helpful tip: Sharpen once, strop forever! After ever cut. Your blades will last much longer and stay super sharp. I can't remember the last time i sharpend a blade. Exacto blades samething strop your blades after each cut or after each project making all your immedate cuts. and you will save hour of labor. I purchased 50 razor blades 8 yrs ago. I used 10 a month my first year. Once i was taught to strop my knife after using it in the kitchen, i said to myself? Self! If my kitchen knives can remain this sharp, i wondered if it worked on razor blades too? Sure enough it worked on razor blades too. I hope this tip helps.

[@jasonlamann]

There are many tips/tricks for cutting veg-tanned leather, but what about any tips/tricks for cutting chrome-tanned leather.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Great suggestion! We will add this subject to the list for possible future Leather Elements.

[@mikedionne5694]

When you are using the Weaver strap cutter, what side up when cutting?

[@wendywheaton1273]

What would be a good table for this that folds

[@indaba1960]

Nice video about something I struggle with - thanks - the tape you mention on the bottom of the rulers and squares - could you tell me what it is or do they come with it? Many thanks

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Adrian, We have the steel square available with or without the non-slip tape but the 4' straight edge does not come with the non-slip tape. We'll link the tape below, it's got a rubber grip type of feeling and won't scratch the leather. www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/77-7325/non-slip-tape-1-x-4/pr_54884

[@brunocunha6456]

Amazing tip about the non slip tape. But i live in Brazil and we speak portuguese here. I dont know if i translate this to portuguese if its gonna make sense to the suppliers. What is it made of, rubber? And a ideia from a video. About polishing edges. I am having some some problems making non veg tan leather edges shine bright like the veg leather. Thank you very much. You and your videos rule!!! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Bruno, Yes, the non-slip tape is kind of like a rubber grip type of material. It is not abrasive so it won't scratch the leather. Thank you for watching!

[@TheLeathersmithShop]

A lot of non veg tan leathers won't burnish. Try a product like Edge Coat for those.

[@brunocunha6456]

@@TheLeathersmithShop thank you very much. I will try for sure!!! 👍👊✌

[@johnwildermuth3136]

One of these years™ I'm going to have the money to put a quarter inch of boiler plate on the workbench and electromagnets on the straight edge.

[@mikedionne5694]

Where do you get the non slip tape?

[@nycroninoj]

Hello Chuck - I love your lessons. I have a newbie question that's been plaguing everything I try. So my problem is this: if I intend to make some type of sleeve for iPhone or tablet, I don't know how much larger than the actual item must I cut the leather. I know that when it's all done, ideally the stitch will be about 1/8" from the edge but I get concerned about how much space should there be between the stitch and the item that will make it fit snug. If the item (tablet) is 6 1/4" wide X 10 1/4" long, how much extra should I cut the leather to accommodate the item + stitch? Thanks, Joseph

[@shhhjj2769]

What cutting base u used? Pounded wood?

[@CasaErwin]

I have to get me some of that non slip tape. Question: Is there such a thing as a curved needle (similar to an upholstery needle) for stitching leather with a rounded point?

[@njneer]

Is the non slip tape you use the same as what's used for the edge of stairs etc? I'm worried it might mar the leather. Or is there a different non slip tape that works better?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Greg, The one I use is not abrasive - it's more of a rubber grip. I'll link the one we have available below! www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/77-7325/non-slip-tape-1-x-4/pr_54884

[@njneer]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply thanks

[@mustaphahadji5809]

Please am in Ghana and I want to buy some of your cutting tools so help me

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hello! Here are links to the tools used in this video. You can add shop from those links. We can ship directly to you in Ghana. 4' Straight Edge: www.weaverleathersupply.com/c... Non-Slip Tape: www.weaverleathersupply.com/c... Wooden Strap Cutter: www.weaverleathersupply.com/c... Steel Square: www.weaverleathersupply.com/c... Thank you

[@cocheeze69]

What are you using on the back for the ruler?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Curt, It's a non-slip tape. It's linked in the video description if you'd like to check it out!

[@rekhasharma-xo8hz]

how about shaped edges?

[@natillas18]

I have very tiny hands and no strenght at all. Any tips?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

For cutting, make sure you have a sharp blade - if you have that it really doesn't require much strength. For hand stitching, yo can always use pliers to pull the needles through. Once you get started, you will gain strength as you go!

[@luc1ferblack]

would probably clamp the ruler down lightly

[@dougdavis8367]

Thank you but how to cut a curve particularly thin leather please.

[@morgan5941]

Good sharp heavy duty scissors work well.

[@iamtheboy881]

how often do you change the strap cutter blades? Every project or less often?

[@talexander7217]

I don't know about anyone else, but I've been using mine for a year on the same blade. It still cuts like new.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Russell, You'll be able to tell when the blade is getting a little bit dull. It kind of depends on how many straps you're cutting for each particular project but when it starts getting difficult to get that initial cut then you'll want to change the blade. Hope that helps!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Wow, Tony - that's awesome!

[@gshanmalik6379]

I want to know what is that non slip tape where can i buy?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi there, We sell it on our site, we'll link it below for you: www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/77-7325/non-slip-tape-1-x-4/pr_54884

[@georgeibrahim7848]

My stitching holes always look crap! Lol Even when I allow 3.5mm from edge, after completing they end up like 1 to 2mm away from the edge.... More practice? Lol

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi George, practice is always the best thing to do but also using either a wing divider or stitch groover to mark your stitch lines will help keep the chisels holes straight. Hope that helps!

[@georgeibrahim7848]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply Yeah I do mark my line with a wing divider. Thanks Chuck! 👍🏽

[@TheLeathersmithShop]

I used to have this problem on thick items with multiple layers. It's hard to keep your chisels straight up and down when you punch through something thick. I found that punching through each layer individually helps sometimes. Other than that, practice is your best bet.