Yes, for thin to medium leather
An X-Acto or craft knife works well on thin to medium leather. It is a good tool for small pieces, detail cuts and templates. A #11 pointed blade is the usual choice, and a #10 curved blade suits some curves.
Lighter leathers are the easiest to cut. You can work up to about 4 to 5 oz (roughly 1.6 to 2 mm) with a craft knife, but expect several passes as the leather gets heavier. Thick leather is a different job, and a sturdier tool is the better choice there. See what you can use to cut leather for the options.
What a craft knife does well
- Tight curves and corners, where a thin pointed blade gives good control
- Small pieces and pattern templates
- Window cutouts and filigree, where you cut away areas of the design (see filigree leather carving)
- Light trimming of edges
Blades and handles are inexpensive and widely available, which makes this a low-cost starting point.
Where it falls short
- It is not a swivel knife. A craft knife can’t make controlled curved carving cuts. For that, see how to hold and cut with a swivel knife.
- The blade flexes. Pressing hard with a thin blade can make it wander off the line or snap.
- Thick leather is tiring. It needs many passes, and on heavy hides the cut can slant (undercut) instead of staying square.
- Leather dulls blades quickly. Plan on changing them often.
How to cut cleanly
- Use a metal straightedge for straight lines. A steel ruler with a cork or non-slip back holds best. For more on guiding the blade, see how to cut straight lines in leather.
- Cut on a self-healing mat or poly board, not on a stone slab.
- Hold the blade vertical (at 90° to the surface) for square edges.
- Make several light passes rather than one hard pass.
- Change blades often. Stropping can extend a blade’s life a little, but many makers simply replace them.
Better tools for thicker leather
- Utility knife with a sturdy blade, for medium to heavy leather
- Round knife or head knife, for heavy-duty cutting and gentle curves
- Strap cutter, for cutting straps and belt blanks to width (see how to make a plain leather belt)
- Rotary cutter, for long straight cuts, though it struggles with tight corners. Rotary cutters work well on soft chrome-tanned and garment leather.
If you decide a swivel knife is the next tool to buy, our buyer’s guide to swivel knives covers blade widths and budgets.
Safety
- Always cut away from the hand holding the ruler. Keep your fingers behind the ruler edge.
- Snapped blade tips can fly. Wear eye protection on hard cuts.
- Dispose of used blades in a closed container.
Our beginner’s guide to leather carving lists the cutting tools in a basic kit.