Reddit reviews Japanese Leather Skiving Knife - Shirogami - Razor Sharp!

Here's my starting out basics list:

Must have:

A cutting mat - I have this Cutting Mat which has both standard and metric measurements, very handy for watch straps which are in mm

Ruler - Something like this you probably want cork-backed metal for non-slip and to protect the leather surface, size is up to you

Cutting Tool - I recommend both a very sharp knife like a Stanley utility knife which you probably already own, plus a Rotary Cutter - way more useful than you realize. This is a deep rabbit hole, there are a huge selection of fantastic cutting tools out there, I would say if you get serious this should be an early upgrade but for getting started, a rotary + detail knife is a good start

Wing Divider - Marking patterns, stitch lines, a million other uses, something like this

Fastening - if you're stitching, you need waxed thread and blunt tip needles, as well as an awl (this is one tool that is not worth cheaping out on, get a Barry King and be done with it) and a set of pricking irons, generally a 6-prong (or so) for long straight runs, and a 2-prong for corners. I'm not recommending a specific brand here because the price range is large, and I think there are a lot of newer players making good quality products. I started with Seiwa chisels and they served me well until I upgraded to Muxi Irons, will probably go KS blade punch at some point.

Alternately you can use rivets and a rivet setter (make sure the sizes match); either way you'll want contact cement as well, barge or weldwood are good choices from any hardware store

Helpful items:

Wax paper - you can use it to get nice straight lines with your contact cement

Stitching Pony - I did without one for the first few months but it's a lifesaver, this would be an early priority if you're stitching things

Thread nippers - cheap and convenient These

Skife/Skiver/Skiving knife - Used to thin the edges of pieces and reduce bulk/combine more seamlessly This or This

Isopropyl alcohol - used for cleaning surfaces and diluting dye, if you choose to dye your pieces

Other stuff:

Edges - Edge finishing is whole art in itself, there are different techniques depending on preference and the type of leather used, and accordingly will require different tools. If you're going for the rustic look, you can leave your edges unfinished. Where I live in Portland, lots of people actually prefer that look, but to each their own. Veg tan is most often finished by burnishing the edges, with involves sanding until completely smooth, then wetting with water or gum tragacanth, and rubbing briskly with something smooth, generally a wood burnisher, followed by some wax and another burnish with something like canvas to seal the edge. Chrome tanned leather is generally finished with edge paint or by rolling the edge over so there is no exposed edge.

Dying - If you're using fiebings, MAKE SURE you get the "professional oil dye" line, the standard line bleeds color like crazy. It's an alcohol-based dye so you can dilute with isopropyl/rubbing alc and you can also combine colors without issue to create your own. Two coats gives a nice deep color, and once it's dry buff it with a dry cotton rag to get off any excess. I use pieces of 2" foam to apply it, those tiny daubers don't do much for larger pieces. Also get some nitrile gloves, you'll thank me later.

Beyond that, you start getting into lots and lots of specialty tools, which you'll be able to identify when you get there for specific application. But hopefully this helps and gives you a basic rundown.

> https://www.rmleathersupply.com/products/copy-of-fil-au-chinois-lin-cable-waxed-linen-thread-size-632

How does the needle sizing work? Would you suggest size 0? I'm used to medical needles where the smaller the gauge the thicker the needle.
Would a 3 prong punch and single be enough?

What are the wing dividers used for?

Is this a decent skiving knife? https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01FP7BQ82/ref=ox_sc_act_title_12?smid=A3UVIPLX0HCKB&psc=1

Is the leather glue I posted good or should I use something like this? https://www.rmleathersupply.com/collections/dyes-glue/products/water-based-leather-glue-glue-spreader-really-strong-and-dries-clear

What do you use to make plastic templates?