Crafting with Confidence: Elkwood Leather's Cardholder Build Using CÍ Tools
In the world of leathercraft, tools aren't just tools—they're the foundation of precision, confidence, and craftsmanship. When a respected leather artist like Elkwood Leather chooses to use your products, it speaks volumes.
Known for his clean, elegant designs focused on cardholders, wallets, and accessories, Elkwood Leather is a well-known name in the leathercraft community. His recent post featuring our tools captured exactly what we strive for:
“Putting my new sanding machine, pliers, and mallet from @ci.objects to good use 👌🏻”
“They’re an incredible local, family-run company with a top-notch selection of leatherworking tools—and they ship worldwide! ✨”
Watch the full build here: Instagram Reel
The Three Tools That Helped Bring the Cardholder to Life
1. 8000RPM Adjustable Leather Burnishing Machine
This compact yet powerful burnishing machine plays a crucial role in edge finishing. With variable speed up to 8000RPM, it offers control and consistency when working with different types of leather. Elkwood used it to smooth and polish cardholder edges—a step that's subtle to the untrained eye but essential for a refined finish.
User feedback highlights:
"Great for small studio setups and delivers consistent, clean results. The speed control is really helpful when working with delicate edges."
"It took my edge finishing to another level. It’s quiet, stable, and doesn’t take up too much space."
This kind of tool makes a difference in both workflow and final appearance. As many Reddit users and leathercraft forums have discussed, clean edge burnishing is one of the hallmarks of professional-looking small leather goods.
2. 2nd Generation Leather Flat Pliers
Developed in collaboration with Nattools, these flat pliers are engineered for precision work without marking the leather. They help ensure firm bonding after gluing, and are perfect for flattening seams and aligning stitch holes before hand stitching.
User feedback highlights:
"Solid grip with a smooth jaw. Doesn’t leave marks on soft leather and feels great in hand."
"I use these pliers on nearly every project now—especially helpful when making slim wallets or cardholders."
On Facebook and leatherworking groups, flat pliers like these are often recommended by experienced makers as essential for keeping layers flush and stitches neat, especially when working with curved seams or thin materials.
3. Exquisite Leather Mallet Hammer
This mallet is a shop staple. With a polished wooden handle and a stainless steel core wrapped in durable PP, it delivers a satisfying, low-rebound strike. Elkwood used it to drive stitching chisels cleanly through the leather, keeping his layout precise and clean.
User feedback highlights:
"Good weight and feel. Doesn’t bounce and really helps with accurate chisel work."
"Looks great and works even better. It’s become my go-to mallet."
According to articles in Leather Crafters & Saddlers Journal, mallet quality directly affects control and fatigue during long stitching sessions. For cardholder projects, that means fewer mistakes and cleaner holes, every time.
Real Tools for Real Makers
Across forums like Reddit and groups on Facebook, makers regularly emphasize that having the right tools improves not just the end result but also the joy of the process. Consistency, control, and comfort matter more than price alone—especially when it comes to hand tools and edge finishing.
Why CÍ Tools?
We’re a family-run shop based in London, focused on providing reliable, thoughtfully designed leathercraft tools. Whether you're a hobbyist or a full-time artisan, we believe good tools should feel right in your hand and stand the test of time.
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🏡 Family-run, independent brand
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🌐 Worldwide shipping, taxes included
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✅ Professional-grade tools and long-term support
Want to Learn More?
Browse the tools featured in this post:
References
Elkwood Leather (2025). Instagram Reel. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH3w5zpshCI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Reddit (2022). Ranking Tool Brands by Quality. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/Leathercraft/comments/rvirk3/ranking_tool_brands_by_quality/
Leather Crafters & Saddlers Journal (2024). The Importance of Striking Tools in Small Leather Goods. Retrieved from https://leathercraftersjournal.com/
