AY Honors/Leather Craft/Answer Key

Leather Carving

Carving leather really entails using metal implements to compress moistened leather in such a way as to give a three dimensional appearance to a two dimensional surface. The surface of the leather is not intended to be cut through at all, such work being known as filigree.

The main tools used to "carve" leather include: swivel knife, veiner, beveler, pear shader, seder, cam, and backgrounder. The swivel knife is held like a pencil and drug along the leather to outline patterns. The other tools are punch-type implements struck with a wooden or raw hide mallet. The object is to add further definition by them to the cut lines made by the swivel knife.

In the United States and Mexico, the western floral style of carving leather predominates. Usually, these are stylized pictures of acanthis or roses. California, Texas, and a few other styles are common. By far, the most preeminent carver in the United States was Al Stohlman. His patterns and methods have been embraced by many hobbiests, scout troops, reenacters, and craftsmen.