Basic Leather Working : How to Use a Single-Action Tool on Leather Working

Before beginning any leather working project, you should understand how to use a single-action tool. Learn how to perfect your leather working skills in this free video series.

Expert: Amanda Claire
Bio: Amanda Claire is a leather artist currently living in Austin, Texas, where she specializes on custom pieces that blend traditional technique with modern designs.
Filmmaker: MAKE | MEDIA

• Category

  Howto & Style

[Ranteal]

Ha Ha Wacking it!! Ha Ha Shaft!!!

[nathansmcfall]

Whomever told you of such a thing as single-action leathercraft tools lied to you. I've been doing this for years and I rarely strike a tool only once (unless it's small like your star here). The impression depends on the quality of the leather, if the moisture content of the leather is fading (as it will while you work) and the tools you use. But even if all is perfect, large stamps ALWAYS require at least a second strike. Focus on modelling the leather, not making light surface impressions.

[hokanut]

I'm just impressed she still has all of her fingernails. I've now got two black and blue nails that'll soon be falling off! lol

[Tim Johnston]

not that good of an impressiong UNLESS YOUR A MAN with muscles!!! >.>

[glstoddard88]

not only that look at what she is stamping on i doubt that's granite or marble

[supadub16]

for example 2 silversmiths achieving the same level of detail and work, one using and hammer and chisel (both single action tools) and one using a modern air chisel ( double action tool). the one using both single action tools is the better craftor and always will be. leather working is the last craftmanship that hasn't been replaced with modern tools in most cases. single action tools are the purest form of crafting with the craftor being the most important tool lol /thumbs up

[supadub16]

your confused and so many craftsman would disagree with you. she is using all single action tools. a hammer and stamp are both single action tools that won't work independantly from eachother and which is why YOU think they are double action tools. don't try to correct someone with your ignorant misguided information and respect your fellow craftors. all of the our beautiful sculptors and craftors from the past worked with single action tools.

[muse0234]

Have you tried using a dead blow hammer for the "single-action" tools? Its from metal working and may give better results than a wood or raw hide hammer.

[Mike Schmelzer]

Thank you for posting these helpful videos. Where do you purchase your leather and tools?

[blucotech]

You are arguing that it's more than one action not me so by YOUR logic burger flipping would be infinite. You are trying to count actions that don't involve the tool (swinging the hammer, sitting, breathing). Only actions involving the tool in it's intended purpose (tool movement) can be counted. A knife is dual action because you press down and pull back. This is really simple but now I feel like I'm arguing with a liberal. If you don't get it you're not gonna.

[nathansmcfall]

Not arguing with you just telling you you're wrong and over complicating a simple issue. BTW the tool is "involved in" being struck AND reacting to the strike. Bottom line is that in the context of leather work calling a tool single-action is #1 not at all a common term and #2 not very descriptive of the overall process. Again, based on your logic, the knife example you gave results in only one net "action" - that of cutting. Burger flipping could involve infinite actions based on your logic