The Leatherworker's Daily Tool Care Checklist (Yes, Sharpening Counts)

Let’s be real: a clean, well-oiled pricking iron and a sharp blade can make or break your day. When your tools are working with you, the craft flows. When they’re not—well, you know the pain: frayed edges, ragged cuts, uneven stitches. So, if you’re someone who works with leather day in, day out (or even just on weekends), here’s your friendly but firm reminder: tool care isn’t optional. It’s part of the job.

This post breaks down a realistic, zero-fluff maintenance checklist for leatherworkers who actually use their tools. We’ll also throw in some solid sharpening tips along the way, especially for those elusive skivers and bevelers.

Why Daily Maintenance Matters (And What Happens If You Skip It)

First off, let’s talk consequences. Neglecting tool maintenance leads to:

• Reduced precision

• Higher risk of damaging leather

• Slower, less enjoyable work

• Shorter tool lifespan

On the flip side, a few minutes of care can boost your performance and keep your setup in top shape. Think of it like stretching before a match. Not glamorous, but essential.

Daily Leathercraft Tool Maintenance Checklist

This is your five-minute daily ritual:

1. Brush Off the Dust

Use a soft brush to remove leather fibers, dust, and debris. Especially from stitching irons, punches, and any tool with fine teeth or edges.

2. Wipe and Oil Metal Surfaces

A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth can prevent rust and keep your tools feeling smooth. Don’t overdo it—just a thin film is enough.

3. Check Sharpness (Seriously)

Run your finger lightly across your edge tools. If there’s drag or burr, it’s time to strop or sharpen. A blunt blade is worse than no blade.

4. Inspect for Damage

Look for loose handles, bent teeth, or chips. Catching a crack early can save your pricking iron from snapping mid-project.

5. Clean Your Cutting Mat & Workbench

Dull mats dull blades. And a cluttered bench dulls your focus. You deserve better.

About Sharpening: Let’s Talk Real Life

Sharpening is where a lot of folks drop the ball—not because they don’t want to do it, but because the process feels intimidating. Files? Grit stones? Leather strops with weird compound bars? It’s a lot.

But here’s the good news: for most tools, you don’t need an entire sharpening dojo. What you do need is consistency and the right setup. Which brings us to...

A Sharpening Setup That Actually Works

If you use Yorkshine knives, skivers, or bevelers, the CNC Sharpening Board from Yorkshine is worth your time. No fluff, no guesswork—just a clean, stable board with slots precision-cut to fit your tools. Here's why we (and a lot of pros) like it:

• Fits Like a Glove: Each slot matches common Yorkshine tool sizes, so your blade sits flush and stable.

• Pre-cut veg-tan leather with 3M backing: No trimming, no glue. Stick it on and start stropping.

• CNC-machined aluminum: Durable, lightweight, and sleek. It holds up over time.

• Table-safe: Non-slip and won’t scratch your desk.

• Portable & workshop-friendly: Hang it, carry it, or stash it in your kit.

This isn’t just a board—it’s a workflow upgrade. When you can strop your tools quickly and consistently, you’ll actually do it. And that means sharper blades, smoother cuts, and less frustration.

Final Thoughts: Make It a Ritual

Tool care doesn’t have to be a chore. Think of it as your opening move for the day—a quiet moment to check in, reset, and prepare your gear for whatever project is coming next.

Don’t wait until your knife drags or your edge creaser slips. Build a habit. Your tools (and your future self) will thank you.

About Us: CÍ Handcraft

CÍ is a curated boutique for serious leatherworkers and everyday makers. We collaborate with some of the best independent tool brands out there—like Yorkshine and Maxita—and we also manufacture our own designs in our workshop. From hot foil stamping machines to skiving tools, from pricking irons to portable stitching ponies, we’ve got your craft covered.

We ship globally (with free shipping in most cases), and we back our tools with long-term support. Whether you're just starting out or upgrading your pro kit, we're here for the long haul.

Browse all our tools here: ciofficial.com

References

Koji, T. (2021). The Fundamentals of Leather Tool Maintenance. Tokyo Leather Institute.

Smith, L. (2020). "Tool Longevity Through Routine Care". Journal of Handcraft Studies, 15(2), 88–97.

Reddit r/Leathercraft. (2024). "Sharpening skivers and bevelers - what's your workflow?" Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/Leathercraft/

Facebook Group: Leatherworking Tips & Tools. (2023). "What’s your go-to stropping setup?" Retrieved from https://facebook.com/groups/leatherworking