Reddit reviews Garland 31002 Rawhide Split-Head Hammer, Size-2

Budget?

under $20 - Books - I highly recommend the Stohlman hand sewing book and his leather cases series, it should be required reading for beginners.

$25 - strap cutter

Garland Rawhide mallets - American made, will last damn near forever, and deliver hard hits to tools without damaging the end of the tool. I mostly use a #2 split head for driving punches and setting rivets, and a #3 unweighted for tooling and smaller work.

Knives - A good utility or rotary is always a good idea, but one thing most beginners won't have is a round knife. Unfortunately, most new ones are crap and don't hold an edge very well. I haven't used a newer Osborne's but I'd trust them over most other brands available today unless you go to a custom knife maker. The other option is a vintage Gomph or Rose brand knife. Unfortunately, they're no longer in business, but Bruce Johnson specializes in selling vintage tools. He is also very helpful if you have any other questions.