Leatherwork is only as good as the tools and materials you use — and how well you take care of them. Whether you're just starting out or running a full-time leather shop, a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your gear in top shape.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to keep your leather tools sharp and your materials well-conditioned and ready to work.

1. Sharpening Your Blades

Dull blades = sloppy cuts. Invest in a sharpening stone or strop to keep clicker press dies, round knives, and skivers razor-sharp. A few passes on the strop before every session can extend the life of your blades and give you cleaner results every time.

Pro tip: Honing compound on a leather strop works wonders — and it’s satisfying.

2. Storing Leather Properly

Leather doesn’t love humidity or harsh sunlight. Store your hides flat (if possible) or loosely rolled, and keep them in a dry, cool area. Avoid folding — creases are hard to work around later.

Quick win: Use a breathable cover like canvas to protect hides from dust without trapping moisture.

3. Conditioning Your Hides

Leather is skin — it needs moisture to stay flexible. Use a high-quality leather conditioner every few months to prevent drying and cracking, especially for veg-tan leather. Avoid over-conditioning though; too much can soften the leather more than you’d like.

Take Care, Make Better

With sharp tools and well-kept leather, your work will feel smoother and look cleaner. A little routine care makes a big difference in the long run — and your tools (and customers) will thank you for it.

Got a favorite blade sharpening trick or leather care product? Drop it in the comments — we love learning from fellow makers.

Need tools or conditioners? [Browse our leather care collection here]