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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Hood on September 01, 2007, 11:01:00 PM

Title: How to "skive" leather
Post by: Hood on September 01, 2007, 11:01:00 PM
I have an old Bear bow that I want to put a new leather handle on and try to make it look somewhat original. I believe they used a method called "skive" to taper the leather down or make it thinner.

I don't really want to purchase any special tools for this and I'm not sure how it was done. Any ideas?

Thanks, Robert
Title: Re: How to "skive" leather
Post by: Pat B on September 01, 2007, 11:41:00 PM
If you are wanting to skive along one side a good sharp knife blade held at an angle and drawn along the length will do the trick. A thin, flexible blade will work best.  I know Tandy Leather Co made a simple, inexpensive skiving tool.    Pat
Title: Re: How to "skive" leather
Post by: robtattoo on September 02, 2007, 02:51:00 AM
The easiest way I've found for skiving the edges of my knife-sheaths isto cheat & use a belt sander!
I hold the leather tight to a board, to keep pressure even on the belt & just slowly work my way down the leather at a slight angle. It leaves a nice even edge with no drama  :D
Title: Re: How to "skive" leather
Post by: Hood on September 02, 2007, 08:16:00 AM
Thanks Guys!
Title: Re: How to "skive" leather
Post by: mike g on September 02, 2007, 11:46:00 AM
Rob....
Ya beat me too it, I was going to suggest that he could sand the rough side of the leather....