4 Ways to Use the C.S. Osborne Skiving Knife No. 469

4 Ways to Use the C.S. Osborne Skiving Knife No. 469

Whether you're a seasoned leatherworker or just getting started, having the right tools in your kit makes all the difference. The C.S. Osborne Skiving Knife No. 469, available from British Leather Supplies, is one of those essential tools that earns its place on your workbench time and time again. Beautifully balanced and crafted to a high standard, this skiving knife is a genuine workhorse for anyone working with leather. Here are four ways you can put it to good use.

1. Thinning Edges Before Folding

One of the most common uses for a skiving knife is thinning the edges of leather before folding them over. When you're constructing wallets, bags, or any piece where a leather edge needs to be turned and glued, a thick fold creates an unsightly lump that's difficult to finish neatly. By running the No. 469 along the flesh side of the leather at a shallow angle, you can reduce the thickness gradually and achieve a smooth, even fold without the bulk. The result is a cleaner, more professional finish that would be impossible to achieve without proper skiving.

2. Preparing Seam Allowances

Wherever two pieces of leather meet in a seam — whether stitched or glued — skiving the seam allowances beforehand helps keep the overall thickness manageable. This is particularly important when working with heavier, vegetable-tanned leathers, where multiple layers can quickly build up to an unworkable thickness. The sharp, angled blade of the No. 469 lets you work precisely along a marked line, shaving away just the right amount of material to ensure your seams lie flat and your stitching sits neatly. It's the sort of preparation step that separates a truly well-made piece from one that looks amateurish at the joins.

3. Creating Bevelled Ends for Straps and Handles

When attaching straps, handles, or loops, the end that doubles back on itself needs to be thin enough to stitch through without creating an uncomfortable ridge. A skiving knife is ideal for creating a long, tapering bevel at the end of a strap, so that when it's folded and stitched, the transition from one layer to two is virtually seamless. The No. 469's blade geometry makes this kind of long, sweeping cut easy to control, allowing you to achieve a consistent taper across the full width of even a wide strap.

4. Reducing Thickness for Inlay and Overlay Work

If you enjoy decorative leather work — such as inlays, onlays, or tooled overlays — you'll know how important it is to work with pieces of consistent, appropriate thickness. Decorative pieces often need to be thinner than the backing leather so they sit flush rather than proud of the surface. The No. 469 excels here, allowing you to carefully reduce a piece of leather to just the right thickness before applying it. Because the knife offers excellent control, you can work on smaller, more intricate pieces without fear of cutting too deep or leaving an uneven surface.

A Few Tips for Getting the Most from Your Skiving Knife

• Keep it sharp. A skiving knife is only as good as its edge. Strop it regularly on a leather strop loaded with honing compound, and sharpen on a whetstone when needed.
• Work on a firm, flat surface. A cutting mat or a piece of marble gives you the stable base you need for consistent, controlled cuts.
• Angle matters. For most skiving work, a shallow angle between the blade and the leather surface gives you the best result — too steep and you risk cutting through the leather entirely.
• Practice on offcuts first. If you're new to skiving, spend a little time on scraps before working on your main piece. It's a skill that improves quickly with practice.

The C.S. Osborne Skiving Knife No. 469 is available now from British Leather Supplies. Whether you're tackling your first leather project or adding a quality tool to a well-stocked workshop, it's an investment that will serve you well for years to come.

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Post authored by Becky Cocker, leather artisan and owner of British Leather Supplies. If you'd like to explore a curated selection of quality leather tools and sewing supplies, check out our collection at British Leather Supplies. We’re here to help you take your leatherworking skills to the next level.