Leather Tools

The art of forging medieval leather armor

In the Middle Ages , along with iron and steel, leather was one of the most prized materials for armor. Strong, flexible, and lighter than chain mail, leather armor protected soldiers, explorers, and crossbowmen, who required mobility and speed. Forged in workshops and tanned over fire, these pieces were crafted with dedicated craftsmanship, employing a myriad of tools that transformed the leather into protection.

Instruments of the medieval craftsman

Blacksmiths and saddlers used scissors to shape hides, hammers to harden the boiled leather and mark designs, sturdy needles to pierce the treated layers, and sinew or waxed thread to sew each joint. Added to this were pliers for holding, sharpeners and burnishing stones for finishing, and awls for piercing and setting rivets. A whole repertoire of tools evokes medieval workshop life, where the smell of tanned leather and fire were the hallmarks of the trade.

Medieval Shop, the workshop of time

At Tienda Medieval, we bring together the necessary leather tools for those who want to revive the traditions of the artisans of yesteryear. Whether you're looking to reproduce historical armor or create pieces for reenactment or LARP, you'll find everything you need to bring your projects to life with authenticity. Each tool is a key that unlocks the heritage of medieval master saddlers.