This Craft Sha Leathercraft Precision Round Hole Punch 18mm 45/64 inch is a Japanese-made tool designed for slicing perfectly round holes in leather. It is a reliable addition to any leathercraft toolkit, delivering professional results for belts, straps, watch bands, and decorative projects.Unlike other cheaply made tools from elsewhere, these tools are crafted in Japan from the finest quality high carbon S45C steel. S45C temper steel is selected for its strength and impact resistance, and because of its high carbon content, S45C steel has higher tensile strength with ductility and impressive wear resistance.Hand honed and hand polished, these tools will slice, not punch, their way through leather, leaving clean and even holes. These hole punches are delivered sharp and perfectly round, and with proper care, will last for many decades.Great for punching decorative holes, holes for belt buckle prongs, or fine holes for watch straps. They are also useful for vent holes in bags, preparatory holes for brass eyelets, lacing holes, and guide holes for slots, among many other applications.Product Data:• Diameter: 18mm (0.7087" / 45/64")• Material: High carbon S45C tool steel• Finish: Hand-honed and polished edge• Origin: Made in JapanChoose an optimal size from our range of twenty-one different hole punches, from fine to large, including the following diameters:• 0.6mm or 0.0236" (1/32")• 0.9mm or 0.04" (1/32")• 1.2mm or 0.0472" (3/64")• 1.5mm or 0.0591" (1/16")• 1.8mm or 0.0709" (5/64")• 2.1mm or 0.0827" (5/64")• 2.4mm or 0.094" (3/32")• 3.0mm or 0.1181" (1/8")• 3.6mm or 0.1417" (9/64")• 4.5mm or 0.1772" (11/64")• 5.5mm or 0.2165" (7/32")• 6.0mm or 0.2362" (15/64")• 7.5mm or 0.2953" (19/64")• 9.0mm or 0.3543" (23/64")• 10.5mm or 0.4134" (13/32")• 12mm or 0.4724" (15/32")• 15mm or 0.5906" (19/32")• 18mm or 0.7087" (45/64")• 21mm or 0.8268" (53/64")• 24mm or 0.9449" (15/16")• 27mm or 1.063" (1 1/16")To use this Craft Sha Leathercraft Precision Round Hole Punch 18mm, simply mark the place you wish to cut on your leather and inspect the punch for sharpness and any obstruction in the hole. Place the leather on a firm yet pliable cutting board, hold it flat, and position the punch vertically over the marked spot. Twist slightly to seat the blade before striking the top with a soft headed hammer directly downwards until the leather is fully penetrated.As with all cutting tools, these hole punches require care to maintain their edge if they are to give reliable results. Ensure the blade is not struck against hard surfaces and store it clean and oiled with a suitable mineral oil when not in use to prevent oxidisation or corrosion. Use only on leather or softer materials and always strike with a soft headed hammer.The blade of this tool should be sharpened periodically to maintain its cutting edge. This can be done by evenly running the blade in a rolling motion across a very fine grit oil-lubricated whetstone, oil stone, or sandpaper of no more than 1000 grit. Care must be taken to sharpen evenly and not to over sharpen, as this may cause uneven or excessive wear. Once sharpened, the blade should be stropped on a smooth leather strop for best results.Keep out of the reach of children.