The Vergez Blanchard multipurpose billhook knife is a traditional tool with roots in agriculture and woodland work, commonly used for pruning, cutting rope, trimming branches, and general workshop tasks. Its distinctive curved blade is designed to draw material into the cut, allowing for strong, controlled slicing with minimal effort.
 
In leathercraft, the billhook knife becomes a surprisingly effective cutting tool for heavier work. It is well suited to cutting thick vegetable-tanned leather, trimming straps, rough cutting hides, and reducing bulk before finishing with finer blades. The hooked profile allows for confident pulling cuts, making it easier to follow edges and curves where straight knives can feel less stable. It is particularly useful when working with dense or stiff leathers that require authority rather than finesse.
 
The fitted handle offers a secure, comfortable grip and good balance, supporting controlled use over longer sessions. As with many traditional French tools, it can be sharpened and maintained to suit individual working styles, making it a durable, adaptable addition to a leatherworker’s bench.