Leatherworking techniques: the skiving/relief carving technique

One of the lesser-known leatherworking methods is the skiving/relief technique.

This technique consists of creating grooves in the leather by removing a thin layer from the surface, using a skiving tool (desbravador). First, you create a design on the leather—either by drawing it with an awl or with a leather painting pen—then you run the skiving tool along the lines to “hollow out” the leather.

You can use this technique when deciding what kind of decoration or finish you want to give a project.

Skiving/relief work is often combined with other techniques such as engraving or embossing/tooled leather.

As you can see in the video, it’s a striking technique on its own: even without combining it with others, it’s highly decorative and it clearly enhances any piece you make.

Go for it and try it on your projects!