Why We Love the George Barnsley Paring Knife
Why We Love the George Barnsley Paring Knife
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT | LEATHERCRAFT
There are certain tools in a leatherworker's kit that earn their place not through novelty, but through sheer, quiet reliability. The George Barnsley Paring Knife is very much one of those tools.
Ask any leathercrafter in the UK what paring knife they reach for first, and George Barnsley's name will come up time and again. Made in Sheffield — the historic home of British blade-making — this knife carries with it a heritage that stretches back generations. It is not a flashy tool. It will not arrive in a velvet-lined box. But put it to leather, and its character becomes immediately apparent.
Sheffield Steel, Sheffield Standards
George Barnsley & Sons has been crafting professional-grade leatherworking tools in Sheffield since 1836. That is not a typo — nearly two centuries of accumulated knowledge go into every tool bearing the Barnsley name. The paring knife is all-steel construction throughout, with no compromises made for the sake of cost-cutting. The result is a tool that feels solid and purposeful in the hand, balanced without being heavy.
At 25 cm (10 inches) in total length, the knife tapers from 1 1/8" to 7/8", with a blade width of 2.5 cm and a blade thickness of just 1.5 mm. That slim profile is not accidental — it is precisely what allows the blade to work its way under the grain side of leather with confidence, taking thin, controlled skives without juddering or catching.
What Is a Paring Knife For?
Paring — also called skiving — is the process of thinning the flesh side of leather so that edges fold cleanly, seams lie flat, and pieces join together without unsightly bulk. It is one of the most fundamental skills in leathercraft, and the quality of your knife will directly dictate the quality of your results.
The Barnsley paring knife excels at this task. Its bevel-point blade geometry allows the craftsperson to work at a low, consistent angle across the leather surface, peeling away precise amounts of material. Whether you are thinning a turnover edge on a wallet, preparing the flesh side of a belt end for folding, or reducing the weight of a lining piece, this knife gives you the control you need.
Right-Handed and Ready to Work
The George Barnsley Paring Knife is designed specifically for right or left-handed use. The bevel is ground on one side, which is what gives this style of knife its characteristic cutting action — the flat side rides against the leather whilst the bevel does the work. It is worth noting that the knife benefits from regular stropping and sharpening, as with any quality blade; the steel is capable of taking and holding a superb edge, but it does require a little attention to maintain peak performance.
Why We Recommend It
At £16.50, the George Barnsley Paring Knife represents exceptional value. You are getting a professionally made, all-steel tool from one of Britain's most storied manufacturers — the sort of knife that, with proper care, will outlast several lifetimes of cheaper alternatives. It is the knife that many beginners buy as their first proper paring tool and never feel the need to replace. And it is the knife that seasoned professionals keep returning to, even when they have newer or fancier options in the drawer.
We stock it because we use it, recommend it without reservation, and because we believe every leatherworker in the UK deserves access to the best British-made tools available.
Pick up the George Barnsley Paring Knife from British Leather Supplies: View the George Barnsley Paring Knife →
-------------------------------------------
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.
Free shipping on orders over £50. UK orders dispatched next working day via Royal Mail Tracked 24.