Thread: Getting a clean cut on Latigo leather... A question for the leather craftsmen

Originally Posted by Hart

I've no experience but this comes to mind:

If it weren't a 20" cut, that might work. Because of the length, I see this making a jagged cut..

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I've had success making clean and uniform cuts on strop leather using a tool I have from when I was a pro carpet installer. A loop pile cutter with a slotted blade installed. Probably not worth the $ it would cost you for this one off application, but it will do the job if you understand how to use it. Use a chalk line to mark your cuts, adjust the cutter to the proper height, and follow your line. With a new blade it is like butter.

I once had a knife like this.. back when I was laying carpet. Long gone at this point and I would bet a pricey item these days.

Originally Posted by 32t

I use one of these to cut strops etc.

Tandy Leather - Craftool Strap Cutter

I am sure you could rig up some sort of homemade version.

Anyone around here know how to get a nice sharp blade???

Yes, hard to beat a purpose built tool. That's what I figured my local shoe maker would use. paying him to make two straight cuts couldn't be $30.. could it?

Originally Posted by Chevhead

Level on top of the strop, c-clamped to hold it and a cheap snap exacto (sp?) knife?
Like cutting drywall.
Don't know....seems like it would work!

That's exactly what I would do if left to my own ways. However, Latigo is pretty thick. Even the sharpest of my snap blade knives wouldn't get through it in one pass..