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# The Ultimate Leather Working Essentials List for Beginners

By [Black Flag Leather Goods (@BlackFlagLeather)](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather)

835 views · 7 likes · 3 followers  
Published 5 April 2022 · Updated 5 April 2022

Category: hobbies & interests

This is a list of tools I'd recommend for a beginner leather worker. This list is far from exhaustive but it should get you up and running for a fairly affordable price and let you figure out if leather craft is for you.

Check out my video on how to get started in leather work here: https://youtu.be/ZIgxsMtjE8Q

Follow me on \[YouTube\](https://youtube.com/c/BlackFlagLeatherGoods) and \[Instagram\](https://www.instagram.com/blackflagleather/) or you can check out \[my website\](https://blackflagleathergoods.com) where I post additional info to all my videos and have downloadable free leather craft patterns.

## Items

### 1. [Beginner Amazon Tool Kit](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather/68189/the-ultimate-leather-working-essentials-list-for-beginners/0/beginner-amazon-tool-kit)

Item ID: `0`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/vqs3j9fhp1fqbpmxjabh.png)
- Brand: PLANTIONAL
- Video Review: [http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZIgxsMtjE8Q?start=184&end=204](http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZIgxsMtjE8Q?start=184&end=204)
- Function: This is a good leather tooling kit for a beginner trying to get enough tools to get start DIY leather work, that can meet your basic needs for leather craft, clothing, purses, canvas, webbing, jacket etc.
- Essential or Not Essential for Beginners: ESSENTIAL
- Comments: The basic amazon tool kit was the perfect place to start for me since I wanted to do pretty basic leatherworking: making wallets, bags, everyday carry stuff that type of thing. None of these tools are all that great but they do work and the price is hard to beat.
- Link to buy: [https://amzn.to/35ScRjv](https://amzn.to/35ScRjv)
- Quality Rating: ★★☆☆☆

### 2. [Amazon Tool Kit (with tooling tools)](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather/68189/the-ultimate-leather-working-essentials-list-for-beginners/1/amazon-tool-kit-with-tooling-tools)

Item ID: `1`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/knjwxwrxfbaj7yw4gfix.png)
- Brand: BAGERLA
- Video Review: [http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZIgxsMtjE8Q?start=184&end=204](http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZIgxsMtjE8Q?start=184&end=204)
- Function: Leather craft stamping tools suitable for beginner and proficient.
- Essential or Not Essential for Beginners: ESSENTIAL
- Comments: If you're looking to get into tooling leather, this kit has a lot of the tools you will need to get started.
- Link to buy: [https://amzn.to/3rtJX1q](https://amzn.to/3rtJX1q)
- Quality Rating: ★★☆☆☆

### 3. [Owden Maul](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather/68189/the-ultimate-leather-working-essentials-list-for-beginners/3/owden-maul)

Item ID: `3`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/aavgpkbeprlax8qfkxb3.png)
- Brand: OWDEN
- Video Review: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=269&end=304](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=269&end=304)
- Function: Used for all tooling and stitch chisel work
- Essential or Not Essential for Beginners: ESSENTIAL
- Comments: This is supposed to be comparable to a barry king maul. I'm sure a barry king maul is a lot better but for the price, this thing has been amazing. You can check them out on Amazon. The reviews for them are really good.
- Link to buy: [https://amzn.to/3uabZ1t](https://amzn.to/3uabZ1t)
- Quality Rating: ★★★★☆

### 4. [Punching Mat](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather/68189/the-ultimate-leather-working-essentials-list-for-beginners/4/punching-mat)

Item ID: `4`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/rwgn0owzt5wwkqs6zxi1.png)
- Brand: Wal front
- Video Review: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=713&end=812](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=713&end=812)
- Function: Intended to be used as a backing whenever you're punching through leather with pricking irons, chisels, hole punches, etc.
- Essential or Not Essential for Beginners: ESSENTIAL
- Comments: Essentially it's a lot softer than the cutting board is. You can hammer something into there and it shouldn't damage the tools. But I still throw a piece of scrap leather on top of there just because I don't feel like breaking any more prongs on my stitching punches.
- Link to buy: [https://amzn.to/2NQ5QGS](https://amzn.to/2NQ5QGS)
- Quality Rating: ★★★★★

### 5. [John James Needles](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather/68189/the-ultimate-leather-working-essentials-list-for-beginners/5/john-james-needles)

Item ID: `5`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/bketchm9p4uzajvw3qiu.png)
- Brand: John James
- Video Review: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=378&end=401](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=378&end=401)
- Function: Used for leather craft and leather repairs such as harness and saddle repairs
- Essential or Not Essential for Beginners: ESSENTIAL
- Comments: These are kind of the gold standard of needles that you use for leatherwork and these things have just been great.
- Link to buy: [https://amzn.to/3bzA0r8](https://amzn.to/3bzA0r8)
- Quality Rating: ★★★★★

### 6. [Ritza Tiger Thread 1mm](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather/68189/the-ultimate-leather-working-essentials-list-for-beginners/6/ritza-tiger-thread-1mm)

Item ID: `6`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/q6qjj6xei6bsna0vpz5f.png)
- Brand: Julius Koch
- Video Review: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=436&end=477](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=436&end=477)
- Function: Used for hand sewing or stitching leather
- Essential or Not Essential for Beginners: ESSENTIAL
- Comments: Ritza Tiger Thread is a bit pricey for a full spool, but this is the best thread. It's strong and looks really nice. Even though the full spool is expensive, it is 500m long so it should last a while.
- Link to buy: [https://amzn.to/3vfPloA](https://amzn.to/3vfPloA)
- Quality Rating: ★★★★★

### 7. [Wing Dividers](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather/68189/the-ultimate-leather-working-essentials-list-for-beginners/7/wing-dividers)

Item ID: `7`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/z4udo3xsi3alpuxxruw5.png)
- Brand: ZLKSKER
- Video Review: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=228&end=238](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=228&end=238)
- Function: Used for measuring, drawing circles, adding crease lines and it can also be used to make a guide line for keeping your stitches straight
- Essential or Not Essential for Beginners: ESSENTIAL
- Comments: -
- Link to buy: [https://amzn.to/3rXYYGg](https://amzn.to/3rXYYGg)
- Quality Rating: ★★★★☆

### 8. [Sandpaper](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather/68189/the-ultimate-leather-working-essentials-list-for-beginners/8/sandpaper)

Item ID: `8`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/hjdfmw3it8kw335soqvk.png)
- Brand: Bates Choice
- Video Review: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=677&end=711](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=677&end=711)
- Function: Used to smooth the edges on your leather products.
- Essential or Not Essential for Beginners: ESSENTIAL
- Comments: Do not skip buying an assortment of sandpaper. Sanding is an underrated step in leather work. Progressively sanding down to a fine grit before burnishing is one of those things that separates great leather work from the mediocre.
- Link to buy: [https://amzn.to/2QmJNbX](https://amzn.to/2QmJNbX)
- Quality Rating: ★★★★★

### 9. [Burnisher](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather/68189/the-ultimate-leather-working-essentials-list-for-beginners/9/burnisher)

Item ID: `9`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/kfxmc22i5fuagtq3in4c.png)
- Brand: NuCrafters
- Video Review: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=307&end=313](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=307&end=313)
- Function: Used to burnish (smooth-out) leather surfaces and edges through friction
- Essential or Not Essential for Beginners: ESSENTIAL
- Comments: -
- Link to buy: [https://amzn.to/3cUMjhl](https://amzn.to/3cUMjhl)
- Quality Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

### 10. [Tokonole](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather/68189/the-ultimate-leather-working-essentials-list-for-beginners/10/tokonole)

Item ID: `10`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/txjuwtuowspdco2vl8fs.png)
- Brand: Seiwa
- Video Review: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=224&end=227](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=224&end=227)
- Function: Tokonole is a water-based, odor-free, and toxic-free Japanese agent/product which smoothes the flesh side of the leather. Also excellent for burnishing edges.
- Essential or Not Essential for Beginners: ESSENTIAL
- Comments: -
- Link to buy: [https://amzn.to/3tFmg4s](https://amzn.to/3tFmg4s)
- Quality Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

### 11. [Stitching Chisel](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather/68189/the-ultimate-leather-working-essentials-list-for-beginners/11/stitching-chisel)

Item ID: `11`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/dwmgp1dil5utqnuhum9g.png)
- Brand: Aiskaer
- Video Review: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=509&end=563](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=509&end=563)
- Function: Like pricking irons, stitching chisels' main purpose is to set up your stitch placement on your work.
- Essential or Not Essential for Beginners: ESSENTIAL
- Comments: Diamond chisels are the stitching hole maker of choice for most new leather workers. They are strong, easy to use, and affordable. Ensure you don't buy a diamond chisel that is black. The black ones are actually covered in a coating which makes them difficult to go in and out if leather.
- Link to buy: [https://amzn.to/2OTv5Jf](https://amzn.to/2OTv5Jf)
- Quality Rating: ★★★☆☆

### 12. [Stitching Pony](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather/68189/the-ultimate-leather-working-essentials-list-for-beginners/12/stitching-pony)

Item ID: `12`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/nece9ohapgcfpho3b8xl.png)
- Brand: SIMPZIA
- Video Review: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=218&end=220](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=218&end=220)
- Function: Used to keep leather or fabric securely in place when stitching or lacing
- Essential or Not Essential for Beginners: NOT ESSENTIAL
- Comments: Although a stitching pony is not essential, I would still definitely recommend it. It makes saddle stitching much easier.
- Link to buy: [https://amzn.to/3vlU33J](https://amzn.to/3vlU33J)
- Quality Rating: ★★★☆☆

### 13. [Mallet](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather/68189/the-ultimate-leather-working-essentials-list-for-beginners/13/mallet)

Item ID: `13`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/mftuaexvhrnxsedwm9wb.png)
- Brand: YaeTek
- Video Review: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=248&end=270](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=248&end=270)
- Function: Used to deliver concentrated force to a location, often a metal tool that is used in stamping, marking, or cutting the leather being worked on
- Essential or Not Essential for Beginners: NOT ESSENTIAL
- Comments: It is really light. It's really cheap but has the tendency to unscrew while you're hammering. I prefer using a maul, but it's personal preference.
- Link to buy: [https://amzn.to/3dzohZK](https://amzn.to/3dzohZK)
- Quality Rating: ★★★☆☆

### 14. [Strap Cutter](https://listium.com/@BlackFlagLeather/68189/the-ultimate-leather-working-essentials-list-for-beginners/15/strap-cutter)

Item ID: `15`

- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/sgnjyr42ww4knn4pfqma.png)
- Brand: Tandy Leather
- Video Review: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=306&end=323](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtf4Dvjtrk?start=306&end=323)
- Function: Used to cut long lengths of leather material into consistent widths
- Essential or Not Essential for Beginners: NOT ESSENTIAL
- Comments: Saves you a lot of headaches when cutting straps of bags, etc. Not essential, but if you need to cut a lot of straps, it's the only way to go.
- Link to buy: [https://amzn.to/2OIafw3](https://amzn.to/2OIafw3)
- Quality Rating: ★★★☆☆