Fundamentals of Quality Tooling

Before you ever swivel a knife or press a bevel, professional-level tooling starts with one thing: proper leather prep.

In this course, master craftsman Mark Barcus teaches you how to case leather the right way—giving your tools the perfect surface for clean cuts, sharp impressions, and dimensional depth that lasts. You’ll also follow along with two full practice projects to bring it all together and see how proper casing makes all the difference in your results.

This course is perfect for beginners and intermediate crafters who want to master the foundations of high-quality tooling and build confidence with every cut.

Course Snapshot

• 3.5 Hours of Instruction
• 45 Lessons
• Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate

What You’ll Learn

• How to case leather for optimal temper and moisture
• Techniques to identify and fix leather that's too wet or too dry
• Swivel knife handling, beveling, shading, backgrounding, and stamping
• Real-time walkthroughs of two practice tooling projects
• Tips for planning projects and improving consistency

Every course includes everything you need to succeed:

• Downloadable patterns
• Complete supply lists
• Step-by-step checklists
• A skills inventory to track your progress with confidence

Instructor: Mark Barcus