How to Use the C.S. Osborne All Purpose Leather Knife No. 67-2

How to Use the C.S. Osborne All Purpose Leather Knife No. 67-2

Whether you're a seasoned leatherworker or just starting out, having the right cutting tool in your hand makes an enormous difference. The C.S. Osborne All Purpose Leather Knife No. 67-2 is one of those tools that earns its place on the bench quickly — a robust, well-balanced knife that handles a wide range of leatherworking tasks with ease. You can pick one up from British Leather Supplies, who stock it as part of their excellent range of professional-grade tools.

A Bit About the Knife

C.S. Osborne have been making leatherworking tools in the United States since 1826, and the No. 67-2 is a testament to their long-standing commitment to quality. It's a large all-purpose knife with a curved, wide blade that tapers to a fine point. The handle is shaped for a secure grip, and the steel holds an edge well — important when you're making long, clean cuts through vegetable-tanned leather or heavier hides.

The "all purpose" designation is well-earned. This knife can be used for everything from rough cutting to detail work, making it a genuinely versatile tool rather than one with a narrow use case.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Before putting the knife to use, gather a few essentials:

• The C.S. Osborne No. 67-2 knife
• A self-healing cutting mat or a firm leather-cutting board (a thick piece of marble or a dedicated cutting stone works well)
• A strop and stropping compound, or a whetstone, for keeping the edge keen
• Your leather — vegetable-tanned is ideal for beginners as it cuts cleanly and predictably
• A metal ruler or straight edge for guided cuts
• A silver pen or pricking iron to mark your cutting lines

Step 1: Sharpen the Blade First

The No. 67-2 may arrive sharp enough to use, but it's always worth stropping the blade before your first session. Run the blade along a leather strop loaded with a fine polishing compound — spine first, then edge — using long, even strokes. Repeat on the other side. You're looking for an edge that will cleanly slice through a piece of paper without snagging or tearing.

A sharp knife is a safe knife. A dull blade requires more pressure, which leads to slipping and uneven cuts. Don't skip this step.

Step 2: Mark Your Lines

Use a silver pen, a creaser, or a pricking iron to mark where you intend to cut. For straight lines, always use a metal ruler — a plastic one can be nicked by the blade and will quickly become useless. For curved cuts, you can use a French curve or simply freehand the line if your eye is reliable.

Take your time at this stage. A well-marked piece of leather is much easier to cut accurately.

Step 3: Position Your Leather Correctly

Lay your leather flat on the cutting surface, grain side up. Make sure there are no bumps or folds beneath it. If you're cutting a large hide, it's worth dampening it very slightly on the flesh side to reduce movement, though this isn't always necessary with firm vegetable-tanned leather.

Secure the leather with your non-cutting hand, keeping your fingers well clear of the cutting line — use a metal ruler as a barrier whenever possible.

Step 4: Making the Cut

Hold the No. 67-2 the way you'd hold a kitchen knife — with a firm grip around the handle and your index finger resting lightly along the spine for control. The curved blade means you have two options depending on the cut you need:

For straight cuts: Use the flatter portion of the blade near the heel, running it along a metal ruler. Apply steady, even pressure and draw the knife towards you in one fluid motion. Avoid sawing back and forth — aim to cut through in a single pass if the leather thickness allows.

For curved or freehand cuts: Use the forward curve of the blade, rotating your wrist slightly as you follow the line. Let the weight of the knife do some of the work; you shouldn't need to press down hard if the edge is properly sharp.

For skiving (thinning edges): Angle the blade low — almost flat against the leather — and make thin, controlled shaving passes along the flesh side. The wide blade gives you good control here. This is where the "all purpose" nature of the knife really shines.

Step 5: Finishing Your Cut Lines

Once you've made your cuts, check the edges. If there are any slight irregularities, you can clean them up with the tip of the knife using short, careful strokes. For professional results, follow up with an edge beveller and a bone folder or edge slicker to burnish the cut edges smooth.

Caring for Your No. 67-2

After each session, wipe the blade clean with a dry cloth to remove any leather oils, dyes, or debris. Give it a pass on the strop before putting it away. Occasionally apply a very light coat of camellia oil or tool oil to the blade to prevent rust, particularly if you're working in a damp environment.

Store the knife safely — a blade roll or a simple leather knife sheath will protect both the edge and your fingers.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

• Strop regularly. The blade will dull faster than you expect. A quick strop between cuts keeps the edge performing at its best.
• Cut with confidence. Hesitant, stop-start cuts produce ragged edges. Commit to the stroke.
• Work on a proper surface. A cutting mat or marble slab protects the blade tip and gives you consistent results. Never cut on a wooden workbench surface directly.
• Let the blade lead. The curve of the No. 67-2 is designed to rock through the cut. Work with it rather than forcing a straight pull.

Where to Buy

The C.S. Osborne All Purpose Leather Knife No. 67-2 is available from British Leather Supplies, a trusted UK supplier of quality leatherworking tools and materials. They offer fast despatch and stock a wide range of C.S. Osborne tools, making them an excellent first stop whether you're equipping a professional bench or building a beginner's toolkit.

Happy cutting — and remember, a good knife looked after well will last you a lifetime.

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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.