About Awl & Hide

Leathercraft for absolute beginners — choosing your first hide and the few tools that matter, cutting clean, hand-stitching a proper saddle stitch, tooling and dyeing, burnishing an edge you're proud of, and finishing real projects you'll actually carry.

Awl & Hide is an independent resource focused on leathercraft and leatherworking for beginners — hand stitching, tooling, dyeing, edge finishing, and starter projects. We publish practical, carefully researched guides for readers who want clear answers without the fluff — whether you are just getting started or looking to sharpen what you already know.

What we do

Every article is written and edited to be genuinely useful: accurate, easy to follow, and grounded in real-world experience. We cover topics across Getting Started, Cutting & Stitching, Tooling & Carving, Dyeing & Finishing, Hardware & Materials, Projects and update our guides as best practices evolve. We are not affiliated with any of the brands, products, or organizations we may reference; mentions are for the reader's benefit, not an endorsement.

Who writes Awl & Hide

Awl & Hide is written by Silas Thorne. Silas hand-stitches leather goods at a corner workbench and writes leathercraft guides that start with cheap tools and scrap hide.

How we stay free

Awl & Hide is supported by advertising. We display ads (including ads served by third parties such as Google AdSense) so that our content can remain free to read. Advertising never dictates our editorial recommendations. See our Privacy Policy for details on how ads and analytics work on this site.

Editorial standards & disclaimer

Awl & Hide is an independent resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any leather supplier, tool maker, or commercial brand. Always follow the safety guidance for the dyes, finishes, and sharp tools you use.

Our content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always use your own judgment and consult a qualified professional where appropriate.

Get in touch

Questions, corrections, or feedback are always welcome. Reach us at runbookify@gmail.com or visit our contact page.