Swivel Knife

It's a knife...and it SWIVELS!

This tool makes it easier to cut curves and swooshes when preparing your leather for the art of traditional tooling.

To hold it, put your first finger into the 'cup' on the top, then hold the barrel of the knife between your thumb and second finger.

The pressure downwards, that pushes the blade into the leather surface, comes from your first finger pressing down into the cup, the direction of the blade is controlled by twisting the barrel with your thumb and second finger.

The technique I teach, is to put the blade edge flat onto the surface of your leather, holding it nice and vertical.  Then you need to tip is slightly forwards, so it is sitting slightly more onto it's point, keep a firm downward pressure, and begin pulling the blade towards yourself, cutting as you go.