The round knife, often referred to as a head knife, is one of the oldest and most versatile cutting tools in leathercraft. Used for generations by saddlers and leatherworkers worldwide, it remains an essential tool for both traditional and modern work.
 
The blade is made from quenched steel, then thinned and cold-sharpened to preserve its optimal mechanical properties. The cutting edge is hand-sharpened with a very tapered, symmetrical bevel, allowing the knife to move cleanly through leather while maintaining excellent edge stability.
 
Fitted with an ergonomic oval wooden handle made from PEFC-certified wood and finished with a raw brass virole. The wide, continuous cutting edge allows cutting, skiving and paring to be carried out with a single tool.
 
The generous blade arc extends beyond 180 degrees, providing a long working edge that stays usable for longer periods, reducing the need for frequent sharpening during extended work.
 
Its long edge can be rolled smoothly across the workpiece to produce clean, straight cuts. During paring work, multiple sections of sharp edge are available, which is particularly useful when working through varied thicknesses of leather.
 
For rolling cuts, it is recommended to use a poly or Poundo board rather than a green rubber cutting mat, as this allows the blade to move more cleanly through the leather.
 
As with any quality knife, some time spent refining the factory edge will significantly improve performance. A head knife should be kept consistently sharp for both safety and ease of use. Mastering sharpening and handling techniques takes time, but the results are well worth the effort.
 
Common Uses
Cutting large leather panels
Making long, clean cuts along patterns using push-cut techniques
Cutting curved corners accurately
Producing rolling cuts, such as for tassel work
Paring uneven or spongy leather prior to gluing
Skiving leather corners to precise angles 
Reducing leather thickness in areas that will be folded or bent