Despite its name, the Vergez Blanchard Saddler’s Punch is not a hole punch and should not be confused with hollow punches or drive punches used for removing material. This is a solid-point saddler’s punch, traditionally used to pierce leather rather than cut holes out of it.
 
The tool features a finely tapered, polished steel point designed to open fibres cleanly without removing material. In leathercraft, it is used for preparing holes for hand stitching, lacing, or saddle stitching, particularly in medium to thick vegetable-tanned leathers. By displacing the fibres instead of cutting them away, it helps maintain strength and durability along the stitch line.