Awl & Hide

Tooling & Carving

Pressing pattern and figure into damp vegetable-tanned leather. These guides explain how to case leather to the right moisture so it takes an impression cleanly, the basics of the swivel knife, and how to strike the common stamps evenly instead of leaving a muddy surface. We start with simple borders and a basketweave, move into beginner-friendly figure carving, and cover how to set lettering and small decorative details. Tooling rewards patience and a steady hand more than expensive gear, so the early projects are forgiving by design.

Tooling & Carving

4 guides

Tooling & Carving

How to Carve Leather with a Swivel Knife

Learn how to use a swivel knife for leather carving: parts, grip, blade depth, casing leather, and making clean decorative cuts.

August 7, 2026

Tooling & Carving

Beginner Leather Stamping Tools and How to Use Them

A practical guide to beginner leather stamping tools: which stamps to buy first, how to case leather, and striking technique for clean impressions.

July 24, 2026

Tooling & Carving

How to Wet (Case) Leather for Tooling

Learn how to case leather correctly for tooling and stamping: the right moisture level, how to test it, and how to avoid common beginner mistakes.

July 10, 2026

Tooling & Carving

How to Tool Leather: A Beginner's Guide to Stamping

Learn how to tool leather from scratch: casing veg-tan, choosing stamping tools, setting up your slab, and striking clean impressions every time.

June 26, 2026

← All topics