Solutions to Common Problems in Hand-Carving Leather

During the carving process, artisans often encounter problems such as improper use of tools, uneven depth of the design, and difficulty in repairing small details.This book covers practical skills like selecting a carving knife, adjusting the embossing of the leather, and repairing damaged designs, all of which will help leather carvers solve common problems and increase their success rate.

If you don't choose the right tools, will the carving always go awry?

Many beginners use the wrong tools, either not being able to cut the leather at all or cutting right through it.Here are three suggestions:

How to choose a knife that feels right in your hand.

Don't blindly follow the recommendations of "Internet celebrities" and choose a knife with a long handle if you have short fingers.It's recommended that you first try the handle in a store before making a purchase, and if you can, get a model that has replaceable heads.The most commonly used are the U-shaped and straight knives, and with these two you can handle 80 % of designs.

The wrong tools are being used.

Some people complain that the patterns on their hammers are too blurry, but it's really just that they're using the wrong kind of hammer.A nylon hammer is better for beginners than a metal one. When you strike, remember to "tap lightly and pull back quickly," just like when you play the piano.When working with thick leather, he first moistens the leather with a sponge for five minutes before beginning to hammer.

Don't underestimate the value of the tools.

The carving pad should be at least 3 mm thick, otherwise it will leave marks on the work surface.Don't use ordinary 502 superglue to fix the skin, as it will permeate and stain the skin.I recommend double-sided tape specially designed for leatherwork, which leaves no residue and can be used repeatedly.

How do you handle the varying depths of the patterns?

I fell into that trap myself once, and later discovered that the key is in three details.

The angle of the blade is determined by the patient's condition.

For soft hides, he cuts at an angle of 45 degrees; for hard ones, he has to raise it to 60 degrees to get enough force.The rule of thumb is: "Cut the soft skin at an angle, cut the hard skin vertically," and stop after two cuts to check if the slices are even.

There is a knack to controlling the force.

Don't use brute force! Relax your wrist as if holding a brush. Stop when the blade has penetrated a third of the way into the hide.When you come to a tough spot, don't push hard. Clean the blade and apply a little lubricant.

The position of the lighting is also important.

The light should not be directly above the work, but should come from the side at 45 degrees.When carving at night, it's best to use a warm light bulb, because a cool white light will make the skin surface reflect and make details harder to see.

If the pattern is engraved incorrectly, can it be corrected?

Don't worry! As long as the skin isn't cut through, these methods can save 70 % of the pieces.

Shallow scratch repair.

Three thin coats of leather filler are applied with a cotton swab, and then the surface is polished with a polishing stick after each coat has dried.Finally, when applying the colored paint, add a drop of water to make the color transition more natural.

A simple way to fill a deep groove.

Then the leather is cut into tiny pieces and mixed with clear leather glue, and the mixture is used to fill the grooves, like plastering a wall.After drying, the pieces are first roughly sanded, then polished with a jade stick, and finally sprayed with a fixative to prevent cracking.

A design error.

I once carved a leaf into a zigzag pattern, but when I followed the veins and turned it into a lightning bolt, it was even more impressive.Remember that in carving there is no such thing as absolute error; a few decorative lines or a few dents can turn a rotten piece of wood into a masterpiece.

How to prevent cracking and peeling.

Humidity control is a must.

Can you do carving in the winter with the heat on in the north? If the skin is below 15 % moisture, it will crack. Put a bowl of water next to your workbench. Every ten minutes you should spray a mist of water over the surface of the skin.On the contrary, in the south, when the rainy season comes, you should use a fan to dry things out.

There are special techniques for putting away the knife.

Ninety percent of the time, the ragged edges are the result of a trembling hand when the blade is withdrawn.As the artist approaches the edge, he switches to a "push" rather than "pull" stroke, like using one's fingernail to peel a sticker off of a surface.

The edges can't be left unsealed.

Don't wait until the entire piece is finished to apply the sealer. Apply a light coating after each section is finished, especially in the recessed areas.It is recommended that you use wax to seal the edge of the board, which will prevent cracking and increase the gloss.