Author Archives: Don Gonzales

My Everyday Swivel Knives for Leather Floral Carving

Posted by Don Gonzales

When it comes to leather floral carving, your swivel knife is the heart of the operation. It’s the tool that defines the flow, depth, and feel of your work. Not matter the leather floral carving session you are doing, the swivel knife is the first and last tool that we use to create the pattern.

In this video, “My Everyday Swivel Knives for Leather Floral Carving,” I walk through the knives I keep on my bench every single day—what I like about each one and how I use them for different styles of carving.

This isn’t about brand names or fancy setups—it’s about what works. I cover blade shapes, comfort, and balance, and how small differences in the handle or barrel can make a big difference in control and fatigue during long carving sessions.

If you’ve been wondering what makes one swivel knife better than another or just want to see how another craftsman sets up their tools, this video will give you some solid insight before you buy your next knife or modify the one you have.

Remember that it’s not how expensive the knife is that makes it a good knife… It’s more the quality of the blade and its shape and function for the task you are trying to accomplish.

How to Make a Leather Ranger Belt | Leathercraft Project

Posted by Don Gonzales

If you’ve been making leather belts, you may have been asked to make a Ranger Style Belt. In this video, How to Make a Leather Ranger Belt, I walk through the full process—from cutting the leather and preparing the edges to stitching, finishing, and adding hardware.

We also cover the “measuring” for a ranger belt. This is a little different than how we do it for a standard belt. Since there is not “fold” for the buckle this changes the sizing… there are also exterior billets that we use and those have to be balanced when the person is wearing the belt.

This belt isn’t just functional—it’s a great way to practice precision, clean stitching, and working with heavier leather. I also share tips that make the build smoother and the finished product look professional.

Whether you’re new to leathercraft or have some experience, this project will teach techniques you can use in lots of other builds, from straps to bags.

If you want to follow along, grab your materials and watch the full step-by-step in the video.

Make a Leather Cowboy Boot Bag | Leathercraft Project

Posted by Don Gonzales

If you’re looking for a solid leather project that’s as useful as it is good-looking, a Leather Cowboy Boot Bag is a great one to tackle. In this video, Make a Leather Cowboy Boot Bag, I walk through the full build step by step—from cutting and layout to assembly and finishing.

A boot bag isn’t just a cool piece to make; it’s a practical one. Whether you’re hauling your boots to a show, rodeo, or just keeping them clean in storage, this project gives you something durable and unique that’ll last for years.

You’ll see how I handle all the leather pieces, line everything up clean, and make sure the handles and seams are built correctly. I also go over a few small tips that make the difference between a good build and a great one—things like edge prep, panel layout, and clean stitching.

If you’d like to make one yourself, we’ve got a pattern pack available in our online store that includes all the cut patterns as well as a collection of leather floral carving patterns. It’s designed to save you time on the layout and give you a professional-looking result, even if you’re not running a big shop setup.

This is one of those projects that’s just plain satisfying to build—and once you finish it, you’ll have something that’s not only functional but looks like it came straight out of a custom shop.

Leather End Punches and Bag Punches

Posted by Don Gonzales

If you’ve ever struggled to get clean, consistent ends on your straps or bag handles, you’re not alone. In leathercraft, the small details make a big difference—and the right leather end punch can save a ton of time and frustration.

In this quick shop tip video, Leather Craft Tool Tip: End Punches and Bag Punches, I go over how these tools work, when to use them, and a few things to watch for when picking one for your shop.

What Are Leather End Punches and Bag Punches?

End Punches are designed to round off or shape the ends of leather straps and pieces. The end punch gives you a clean, uniform curve on strap ends—perfect for belts, billets, or tack work.

The Bag Punch, or Oblong Punch, is designed to create a slot with rounded ends in a variety of sizes. This is used for buckle tongues on straps or anywhere you might need a slot.

Why They Matter

Using an end punch or bag punch instead of cutting by hand helps keep everything consistent and professional. No uneven corners, no guessing where your curve should start—just clean, repeatable cuts every time.

If you’re producing multiple pieces or want your work to look crisp and balanced, these punches are worth having in your toolbox.

A Few Tips from the Bench

  • Keep your punches sharp—a dull one will leave ragged edges.
  • Always punch on a firm but forgiving surface (like HDPE or heavy rubber).
  • If you need to, mark your center line first so every punch is aligned.

Final Thoughts

Leather end punches and bag punches aren’t flashy tools, but they’ll quietly level up your work. Once you use one, you’ll wonder why you ever tried to freehand strap ends.

Which Leather Glue Is Stickiest? | Real Shop Test Results

Posted by Don Gonzales

When it comes to leatherwork, the right leather glue can make all the difference. Whether you’re building saddles, wallets, or belts, a strong bond keeps your project clean and lasting. But with so many leather glues out there, which one actually sticks best?

In my video, Which Leather Glue is Stickiest?, I put a few popular leather glues head-to-head in a real shop test to see which one sticks the best.

The Glues We Tested

For this round, I tested a handful of the most common leather adhesives used by pros and hobbyists alike. Each was applied to the same leather, allowed to dry, and then peeled apart to see how well it bonded.

This wasn’t a lab test—it was real-world use, just like we do in the shop every day.

What We Found

Some glues tack up quick but don’t hold as well under pressure. Others take longer to dry but create a stronger, more flexible bond. In leathercraft, that balance between open time, tack, and final hold matters more than the label on the bottle.

One stood out as the strongest bond in the group… and it was a true surprise to us in both type and application.

My Recommendation

You don’t need the most expensive glue on the shelf—you need one that fits your workflow and leather type. For everyday projects, I like a glue that’s:

  • Easy to spread
  • Quick to tack up
  • Holds tight even when flexed or sewn

I share my personal favorites and show the test results in the full video so you can decide which glue might work best in your own shop.

Final Thoughts

Leather glue is one of those small details that separates a good project from a great one. Take the time to find the adhesive that matches your projects and your process—it’ll save you time and frustration in the long run.

Are We Overthinking Thread Size and Stitch Length in LeatherCraft?

Posted by Don Gonzales

One of the questions I get asked most in the shop is: “What thread size should I use? How long should my stitches be?” And honestly, I think we sometimes overcomplicate thread size and stitch length in leathercraft.

In my video, Are We Overthinking Thread and Stitch Size?, I break down my approach to choosing thread size and stitch length, and why a lot of the “rules” out there aren’t set in stone.

Thread Size Doesn’t Have to Be Intimidating

Leather thread comes in a lot of sizes—69, 92, 138, 207 etc.—and it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers. The truth? Choose thread that works for the thickness of your leather and the project.

  • Thicker leather? Go a little heavier with your thread.
  • Lightweight leather? You don’t need a super thick, industrial thread.
  • Consistency matters more than the number—make sure your stitches are even and strong.

Stitch Length: Function Over Fancy

Stitch spacing is another place people overthink. Wider stitches don’t automatically look bad, and tiny stitches don’t automatically make a piece better. Think about strength, flexibility, and appearance:

  • For bags and straps that take stress, slightly tighter stitches help hold everything together.
  • For decorative work, spacing can be a little looser—just keep it even.

My Opinion

I like to keep it simple: pick a thread that suits the leather and the project, and focus on making each stitch even and consistent. You’ll be surprised how much better your projects look and feel without stressing over the “perfect” numbers.

Final Thoughts

Thread size and stitch length in leather craft is important, but don’t let them paralyze you. Leathercraft is as much about technique and attention to detail as it is about following rules.

Leather Skiving Tools | Options for Every Leathercraft Shop

Posted by Don Gonzales

If you’ve been working with leather for a little while, you know that skiving leather is one of those steps that makes a big difference. Thinning down your leather in the right places helps with folds, seams, and overall finish. But here’s the thing… there’s no single “right” way to skive leather.

The skiving tool you choose depends on what you’re making, the type of leather you’re using, and what feels good in your hand.

In my video, Leather Skiving Tool Options in a Shop, I walk through the different tools I keep around and what each one is best at.

Hand Skiving Knives

The classic skiving knife for leathercraft is simple and effective. It gives you a lot of control, especially for small projects or detailed work. These are great if you don’t mind taking a little more time and enjoy that hands-on feel.

Safety Skivers

A safety skiver is a good option if you’re just getting started. They’re affordable, easy to use, and replacement blades are cheap. They don’t offer the same finesse as a knife, but they’ll absolutely get the job done for general thinning and are perfect for beginners in leathercraft.

French Edgers

If you’re working with heavier leathers, a French edger for leathercraft makes it easier to remove material quickly. It’s perfect for thinning down strap ends or prepping areas where two pieces overlap—like when making wallets or belts.

Powered Skiving Machines

For bigger shops or production work, a leather skiving machine (like a bell skiver) is worth the investment. It saves a ton of time and keeps results consistent. Not everyone needs one, but if you’re doing a lot of wallets, bags, or production runs, it’s a game changer.

My Take

Here’s the truth: I use them all. Sometimes I reach for the safety skiver, sometimes the French edger, and other times I’ll fire up the machine. The important thing is having options and knowing which tool fits the job in front of you.

Final Thoughts

Skiving might not be the most glamorous part of leathercraft, but it’s one of those steps that separates a clean, professional project from a beginner one. Whether you’re using a simple hand skiving knife, a French edger, or a full skiving machine, the right tool will make your work easier and your results better.

LeatherCraft Rivets and Snaps I Use Every Day

Posted by Don Gonzales

When it comes to leatherwork, there are a few pieces of hardware that I just couldn’t live without. Rivets and snaps might seem like small details, but they can make or break a project… literally. They add strength where you need it, hold things together under stress, and give your leather goods a finished, professional look.

In this video, LeatherCraft Rivets and Snaps I Use Everyday, I walk through the different types of fasteners I keep in stock in the shop and why they’ve earned a permanent spot on my bench.

My Everyday Rivets

  • Double Cap Speed Rivets – These are my go to light duty rivets to fasten two pieces together easily while still looking nice on both sides of the project. With lots of finishes available for these, you can match these to the different types of hardware you might use.
  • Copper Rivets and Burrs – When you need something that will never give out, copper rivets are the way to go. These are my choice for more heavy-duty gear like saddles, tack, bags, etc. They are also available in brass for that classy look that matches polished brass hardware.

The snaps that I Use

  • Line 20 Snaps – These are a smaller version of the Line 24 snaps and work great for journals, small pouches, and other small projects where the closure needs to be a bit smaller but still secure.
  • Line 24 Snaps – These are a step up from the line 20 snaps in size and strength. I use these on many projects including bags, larger journals, hoof pick holders on saddles, and more.
  • Segma Snaps – These are a great belt snap. Small and secure, they work great and look great for belts and come in many different finishes.

A Few Quick Tips

  • Always match your rivet or snap post length to the thickness of your leather project. Too short and it won’t hold, too long and it will sit loose or bend over.
  • Invest in the right setters and anvils for the particular fastener you are using. Good tools make a difference in this case.
  • Test hardware on a scrap piece first before setting on your project.

Final Thoughts

These fasteners are nothing fancy, but they are reliable. I’ve used them for years and they have worked well for me in my work. If you are new to leathercraft, I would suggest starting with double cap rivets for smaller projects and using copper rivets for bigger projects. Learning how to use fasteners properly and how to set them is crucial for your leather crafting journey. Try different ones and see how they work for your work.

Here is a full video that we posted on our YouTube channel that explains in depth all of these fasteners. Check it out and put some of these to work at your bench.

Make a Leather Tortilla Warmer

Posted by Don Gonzales

Craft Your Own Leather Tortilla Warmer with Our Latest Project Video

The world of leather craft, is not just about making horse tack, belts, and wallets; it’s also about creating pieces that add a unique touch to everyday life. That’s exactly what we’ve done with our new leather tortilla warmer. This project is perfect for anyone looking to blend functionality with craftsmanship, offering a unique and stylish way to keep your tortillas warm.

Our newest video on YouTube, “Making a Leather Tortilla Warmer,” takes you through the entire process of making one of these. From selecting the right leather to the final stitching, we cover every step making it easy for LeatherHeads of all levels to follow along. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, this project is bound to pique your interest.

Why a Leather Tortilla Warmer?

Leather is not just durable; it’s also an excellent insulator, making it the perfect material for a tortilla warmer. However, what truly sets this project apart is its uniqueness. Fabric and ceramic dominate the kitchenware scene, a leather tortilla warmer stands out, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical use. This is a product that will make an outstanding gift or item that your customers will surely have to have.

For the Love of Leathercraft

This project is more than just a leather tortilla warmer; it’s a merging of leather craft and cooking. It’s about taking the skills and techniques of leatherwork and applying them to create something not only beautiful but also useful in the kitchen or around the barbecue pit. It’s a testament to the versatility of leather craft and its potential to transform ordinary items into extraordinary pieces.

Get Started Today

Eager to start crafting your own leather tortilla warmer?

Check out the full project video to see how to make one in your shop.

We do offer a pattern pack for sale as a companion to the video. This pack includes all the patterns and and a collection of floral tooling patterns to craft your very own leather tortilla warmer. Click Here to purchase your copy of the pattern pack for this project.

Whether for yourself or as a gift, this leather tortilla warmer is sure to impress. Crafting a leather tortilla warmer is not just about creating a functional item; it’s about expressing creativity, honing your leathercraft skills, and making something truly unique. So, why wait? Dive into the world of leather craft with this fun, unique project that both you and your customers will love.