Fabricate – Skiving

Fabricate » CAD Design | Skiving | Manufacturing

Scarfing Machines for Metal, Plastic, and Leather Thinning

Skiving is the process of thinning material using a sharp, often motorized tool. Depending on the purpose of the material, skiving can be used to trim it down, separate it into smaller pieces, smooth it out, or rough it up. We carry a wide variety of materials that are ready for the skiving process that should suit every need.

Leather is typically skived to thin it out to aid in the manufacture of leather goods such as shoes, bags, belts, etc. Metal skiving has a variety of applications: smoothing out small pieces to fit in precision machinery, or roughing up a long strip to allow it to better dissipate heat. Whatever your skiving project needs, we're sure to have the tools to get the job done.

Shoe Skiving Service

One of our specialties is fabricating parts for shoe production. Shoes are being constructed out of more materials than ever before. The thinning of these materials allows for a shoe or boot to not "shadow" in the box toe or counter area. This makes assembly easier, lowering costs and production time.

Contact Ward & Kennedy to request an estimate of skiving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoe Skiving:

Which parts of a shoe are typically skived?

SSkiving is commonly applied to various sections of a shoe, including the edges of leather upper pieces, the vamp (front part of the shoe upper), the toe puff, the counters (stiffeners at the back of the shoe), and other areas where reducing thickness or achieving smooth transitions is beneficial.

What are the purposes of shoe skiving?

Reducing bulk: Skiving allows for the use of thinner leather in areas where excess thickness can lead to discomfort or affect the shoe's fit.
Creating smooth transitions: Skiving helps achieve seamless edges and smooth transitions between leather pieces, enhancing both the appearance and comfort of the shoe.
Improving flexibility: By removing excess leather, skiving can enhance the flexibility of specific shoe components, such as the toe or heel.

Are there different techniques for shoe skiving?

Feather edge skiving: This technique involves gradually thinning the leather to create a feathered edge, resulting in smooth transitions and reduced bulk. Channel skiving: This method entails removing a narrow strip of leather to create a groove or channel, enabling folded edges or welting. Stitching skiving: Skiving is performed along the edges of leather pieces to create a tapered edge, making stitching easier and producing neater seams.

Is skiving limited to leather materials?

Yes, it can also be applied to other materials used in shoemaking, such as synthetic leather or fabric. This allows for similar benefits, including thickness reduction, smooth transitions, and improved flexibility.