Knives and Cutting Tools

Round and Trim Knives

String Bleeders

String bleeders are used to make slits in leather for "bleed knots". The sharp point and edge cut the slit and the thick blade helps to hold it open to feed the other lace end through.

Rein Trimmers

Rein trimmers need a little explaining. Yes, they look like an overgrown common edger. They can be used for trimming excess linings from chrome tan, vegtan, or woolskins for saddle skirt lining. They also do edge beveling on heavy leathers. They also can be turned so the cutting edge is vertical and used like a knife. Hold them with the bottom next to cut and they track straight. Turn them "toes-in" and they cut a smooth curve (think hand cut English points on straps for instance). The cutting edge is protected in the notch and they will not cut into underlying leather. There is a reason that every old time saddle and harness maker back in the day had one.

 

Horn Trimmers

Useful to trim around the edge of the saddle horn in a single pass. The #1 size is good for thinner horns like barrel racing or cutting saddles.  The #2 size is good for horns with a thicker filler like roping and cowboy saddles.