Edger
Edge Beveler and French Skiving Knife — For Clean Edges and Precise Skiving
In leathercraft, an edge beveler is an essential tool for rounding the sharp edges of leather. By removing a thin strip from the edge of the leather, it creates a smooth, comfortable-to-the-touch and much more attractive finish. Most importantly, it prepares the leather for the application of edge finishes such as dye, tragacanth gum, Tokonole or beeswax. The French skiving knife, on the other hand, is used to thin the flesh side of the leather, which is particularly useful when installing hardware or stitching. Whether you are a professional leatherworker or a passionate leathercraft enthusiast, these tools will help you achieve perfectly finished edges.
Our Different Edge Bevelers
- Classic edge beveler — the basic tool for beveling and rounding the edge of leather. Available in several bevel widths depending on the thickness of your leather and the desired finish.
- French skiving knife — its shape allows you to thin (skive) the flesh side of the leather, making it ideal for thinning areas that will be folded, stitched or fitted with hardware.
To keep your tools sharp, consider our sharpening board: a well-sharpened edge beveler removes a clean strip effortlessly without tearing the leather. Then complete your finish with our edge finishing products, our leather burnisher and our complete range of leather cutting tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Edge Bevelers
What Is an Edge Beveler Used For?
An edge beveler is used to remove the sharp edge from the edge of leather by cutting away a thin strip at approximately 45°. This rounds the edge, makes it more comfortable to the touch and prepares it for an edge finish such as dye, gum or wax. It is a key step in achieving clean, professional-looking edges on all your leathercraft projects.
What Is the Difference Between an Edge Beveler and a French Skiving Knife?
A classic edge beveler bevels the edge of the leather to round and finish it. A French skiving knife, on the other hand, is used to thin (skive) the flesh side of the leather over a larger area, making it possible to thin areas intended for folding, stitching or installing hardware. Both tools are complementary when working on leather edges and assemblies.
What Size Edge Beveler Should You Choose?
The bevel width should be chosen according to the thickness of your leather: a small size (0.4 to 0.8 mm) for thin leather and a subtle finish, and a larger size for thicker leather or a more pronounced bevel. If you work with different leather thicknesses, a set offering several sizes is the most versatile option.
How Do You Maintain and Sharpen an Edge Beveler?
An edge beveler must remain perfectly sharp to remove a clean strip effortlessly. Over time, the blade becomes dull: regular sharpening on a sharpening board (using polishing compound) restores its edge. A properly sharpened tool glides through the leather, while a dull tool tears the fibers and produces an uneven edge.