Leather cutting shears

Types of leather cutting shears

Leather cutting shears are special scissors designed to cut leather smoothly and accurately. They have sharp blades and comfortable handles, making them easy to cut through tough leather material without much effort. Different kinds of leather shears are ideal for various leatherworking tasks:

• Pattern Cutting Shears

  Pattern-cutting shears are used to cut patterns from leather pieces. They have short, curved blades that easily navigate tight corners and curves in the leather. The curved shape of the blades allows for precision cutting along the edges of the pattern pieces, ensuring a smooth and accurate cut every time. This makes them ideal for cutting out small or intricate shapes needed for leather goods like wallets, bags, and belts, where accuracy is key to achieving a professional finish. Their compact size and curved blades enable leather craftsmen to achieve clean and precise cuts even in hard-to-reach areas of the leather, resulting in perfectly shaped pattern pieces that fit together seamlessly when stitching.

• Utility Shears

  Utility shears are used for general leather cutting tasks. They have longer, straight blades that can cut larger pieces of leather. The blades are sharp and strong to cut through thick hides without chipping or dulling quickly. These shears are designed for comfort and control, with ergonomic handles that feel good in the hand during extended use. This makes them versatile tools in any leather workshop, capable of tackling everything from cutting large sheets of leather for bags and jackets to trimming smaller pieces for details like pockets and straps.

• Rivet Shears

  Rivet shears are specially designed to cut through rivets used in leatherworking. They have unique blades that can grip and cut the rivet posts cleanly without damaging the surrounding leather. The shear's gripping mechanism allows it to easily insert under the rivet post and squeeze the blades together to slice off the post to the desired length accurately. This makes it easier to set the rivet flush with the leather surface for a polished finish.

• Snips

  Snips are small, handheld tools used to cut leather in tight spaces or curved areas. They have spring-loaded handles that open automatically, making them easy to use with one hand. The sharp blades on the snips can cut small notches, curves, or perforations in the leather for precise and detailed work. Leatherworkers often use snips to trim edges, shape corners, or cut small pieces of leather for inlays or appliques. Their compact size and maneuverability make them ideal for detailed leather projects where accuracy and control are essential.

How to choose leather cutting shears

Before buying leather cutting shears or scissors in bulk, consider the options available to customers. The following points can help business buyers select the best leather shears for their needs:

• Cutting Capacity

  Choose a shear that can cut thick and heavy leather pieces. Look for shears with long blades and ergonomic handles that provide sufficient leverage for cutting thick leather. Some heavy-duty shears have a compound hinge, which makes cutting easier.

• Blade Material and Sharpness

  Opt for shears with high-quality stainless steel or high-carbon steel blades, as these materials will maintain sharpness longer and resist corrosion. Consider shears that have a micro-serration or a slight tooth on the blade to grip the leather securely when cutting. The sharpness of the blade is also important for smooth and clean cuts. Avoid blunt shears, as they will leave frayed edges or cut the leather with difficulty.

• Ergonomic Design

  Choose shears with a comfortable grip and well-designed handles, as these features will reduce fatigue during extended cutting sessions. Look for shears with padded or contoured handles that fit the hand perfectly, providing a comfortable cutting experience. Some shear models have an offset handle design, which keeps the cutting blades flush with the leather piece.

• Blade Length and Shape

  The length and shape of the blade can affect the cutting performance. Opt for a shear with a blade length of about 8 to 10 inches, as this size is suitable for most leather projects. Consider the blade shape, as some shears have curved blades that cut leather pieces more accurately.

• Brand Reputation and Reviews

  Always consider the manufacturer's reputation and the product reviews before buying in bulk. A shear from a reputable brand will likely be of high quality and meet the user's expectations. Also, check the reviews to see what other leather workers say about the product.

• Maintenance and Care

  Choose shears easy to maintain and care for, as this feature will ensure the cutting tool lasts long. Look for shears that come with a protective case or cover, as these items will provide storage and protection for the blades. Some shear manufacturers recommend specific cleaning agents that users can use to clean the blades. Choose shear models that require little to no maintenance.

How to use & product safety

When using leather cutting shears, the user must ensure they are comfortable and sitting at a workstation with the material they want to cut. The user should grip the leather scissors with their dominant hand and use their other hand to hold the leather piece in place. They should ensure the blades are positioned just slightly open so as not to damage the leather piece. Once everything is in place, the user should begin to cut the leather by bringing the handles of the scissors together smoothly. It's important to keep the cut straight and not to twist the scissors as they could damage the leather piece.

It's important to note that cutting leather can be a challenging task, and it may take some time for a beginner to learn how to do it properly. However, by following these tips, anyone can learn how to cut leather like a pro.

• Safety precautions

  There are several safety precautions to consider when using leather scissors. First, ensure the leather piece is securely held down on the workstation. This will prevent it from moving around while cutting and cause an accident. Second, be mindful of where the fingers are concerning the scissors. Do not place them near the blades, as this could result in injury. Always keep the scissors closed when not in use, and store them in a safe place where children cannot reach them. It's also important to regularly check the leather scissors for any signs of wear or damage to the blades, as this can affect cutting performance and safety.

Functions, features, and design of leather cutting shears

Leather cutting shears are a kind of scissors specially made to cut leather. They have blades that can cut through leather without it slipping away from the scissors' blades. The shears are shaped like other scissors, with two blades that meet and a handle that controls them. But the blades are sharper, and they have a way to keep the leather from slipping away from the blades when they cut it. The handles are also comfortable to hold and use for a long time. Some even have a spot to rest one's thumb while using them.

One key feature of leather shears is their sharpness. The blades remain sharp even after repeated use, which is vital for clean cuts that leave leather edges ready for stitching. The shears also have a mechanism that prevents the blades from slipping apart when cutting, which ensures that the cut is precise and clean. This mechanism is particularly helpful when working with thick or heavy leather hides, as it allows the user to maintain control over the cutting process and achieve a straight cut.

Above all, the handles are comfortable to hold for long periods. Some designs have a place to rest the user's thumb, taking pressure off the hands while cutting. This is especially helpful when working with several pieces of leather that need cutting, as it lessens fatigue in the hands from using the scissors so much. Overall, the design of leather shears is focused on providing the user with a comfortable and efficient cutting experience, whether working with small or large pieces of leather.

The primary function of leather shears is to cut leather cleanly and accurately. The sharpness and precision of the blades allow for straight cuts essential for professional-looking projects. The ability to cut without slipping significantly impacts the quality of the cut, as it reduces the chances of jagged edges or unevenness. Whether cutting along a line or creating a curve, the shears provide the control and accuracy that leather crafters need to achieve their desired results.

Q&A

Q1: How to cut leather with scissors?

A1: To cut leather with scissors, first mark the cutting line on the leather. Then, place a thick paper under the leather to make precise cuts. Finally, insert the leather into the scissors' cutting pivot and make smooth, even cuts.

Q2: What is the difference between shears and scissors?

A2: The main difference between shears and scissors is the size of the blades. The blades of the shears are larger and are about 8 inches long compared to those of the scissors, which are smaller and about 4 to 6 inches long. Leather cutting shears can easily cut thick leather because of their larger size.

Q3: What is the use of notched shears?

A3: Notched shears, also known as pinking shears, are used to create decorative edges or notches in leather or other materials. The notches or zigzag cuts made by the shears prevent fraying and add a decorative finish to the edges of the cut leather.

Q4: What are the two types of leather cutting shears?

A4: The two main types of leather cutting shears are straight shears and specialty shears. Straight shears have long blades and can make straight cuts across the leather. Specialty shears are designed to make specific cuts like curves or to trim notches.

Q5: How should leather shears be stored?

A5: Leather shears should be stored in a way that their blades are not damaged. The shears can be stored in a leather sheath or sheath. They can also be stored in a leather pouch made specifically for them. When storing the shears, make sure they are not placed with other cutting tools that may run against their blades.