Why Investing in a High-End French Edger Actually Makes Sense: What One M390 Tool Can Change
Let’s get this out of the way: no one needs a fancy skiving tool to cut leather. But once you’ve tried something that cuts cleaner, stays sharp longer, and just feels good to use—you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Skiving isn’t glamorous, but it’s crucial. A well-done skive makes edges fold easier, layers sit flatter, and projects look more polished. And the difference between “ok” and “damn, that’s clean” often comes down to tool quality.
So today, we’re taking a closer look at the Yorkshine M390 French Edger—a tool that quietly changes your leatherworking flow, especially if you're into detail work. Let’s break down why this one’s different, and who it’s really for.
Skiving Knife vs French Edger: What’s the Real Difference?
Still seeing posts lumping these two together? Yeah, they’re related—but not the same job:
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Skiving knives: great for wide, flat thinning. Think belts, panels, big surface prep.
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French edgers: your go-to for corners, curves, slots, and edges. They're precision tools.
If you ever find yourself trying to shave down a card slot or prep a gusset fold, a good edger changes everything.
What Makes M390 Steel a Big Deal?
You’ve probably seen M390 hyped up in knife communities—and for good reason. It’s a powdered stainless steel with real performance perks:
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Edge retention that actually lasts — you won’t be sharpening every other week
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Tough enough for dense veg-tan — without being overly brittle
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Stainless — so it’s not a rust magnet if you forget the oil
Yes, it costs more. But if you’re tired of babying your blades or dealing with dull mid-project tools, this steel earns its keep.
What Sets This Edger Apart: Smart Design, Not Just Materials
Good steel matters—but design is what makes it usable. And Yorkshine got the details right:
➡ Z-Shaped Neck = Extra Hand Room
That Z-bend? It’s not just a visual quirk. It gives your hand more clearance at the same working angle. That means fewer awkward wrist contortions when working close-in.
✂ 0.6mm Thin Blade Wall
Super thin sidewalls = lower resistance = smoother entry. Whether you’re thinning soft chrome-tan or crisp bridle leather, you’ll notice less drag and more precision.
✔ Flat Blade Edge = Easier Sharpening
Some curved-edgers are a nightmare to maintain. This one’s flat edge lets you resharpen evenly and easily—without weird jigs or custom strops.
Who This Tool Is For
Great match if you:
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Build wallets, watch straps, bags—anything with layered detail
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Work with thick or tough leather and need clean fold lines
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Want a reliable, long-lasting edge that just works
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Are upgrading from mid-range tools and ready to invest smart
Maybe not for you if:
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You mostly skive large, flat areas
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You prefer utility blade-style skivers for quick swaps
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You’re brand new to leathercraft and still learning control
It’s About Feel, Not Just Specs
Sure, the steel and edge geometry are impressive. But the real reason you might love this tool? It gives you confidence. When your blade behaves consistently, you can focus on your craft—not fixing bad cuts or fighting the tool.
If you care about the final product, this is one of those upgrades that quietly but completely changes your day-to-day flow.
About CÍ
CÍ is a boutique leathercraft tool brand based in London, run by twin sisters with a background in design, tech, and a deep love for slow, meaningful work. We build tools that respect your time, your hands, and your materials—backed by thoughtful customer service and global shipping. Every product is something we use ourselves.
References (Harvard format):
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BladeForums. (2023). M390 Steel Review: Edge Retention and Wear Resistance. [online] Available at: https://www.bladeforums.com/
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Reddit. (2024). r/Leathercraft: Best Skiving Tools?. [online] Available at: https://www.reddit.com/r/Leathercraft/
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Fine Leatherworking. (2022). Tool Review: Skiving Knives vs. French Edgers. [online] Available at: https://www.fineleatherworking.com/blog/
