Stecheisen

Stecheisen is a term used for a family of hand tools with a narrow blade designed to pierce, cut, or mark material by applying pressure with a hammer, mallet, or by hand. The tool is traditionally associated with woodworking and leatherworking, where precise starting holes, grooves, or openings are required. Depending on the work, a Stecheisen can function as a punch, a shallow chisel, or a combination of both, and it is often used to prepare joints, start cuts for dowels, or lay out decorative or functional grooves.

Construction and forms vary, but common features include a hardened steel blade that tapers to a sharp edge and a handle of wood or synthetic material. Blades range in width and tip shape—from narrow pointed variants for starting holes to flatter, wider forms for cutting shallow channels. Some designs resemble small chisels that are driven with a mallet, while others are pressed or tapped to create perforations or grooves without removing a large amount of material.

Applications and regional use vary. In carpentry and joinery, Stecheisen tools aid in creating precise start points for joints, grooves for inlays, or guides for subsequent cutting. In leatherworking and upholstery, similar tools may be used to mark or perforate stitch holes along a line. Because the term covers regional variations and similar tools, practitioners may encounter different shapes described under the same name.

Safety and handling emphasize keeping the blade sharp, securing the workpiece, and wearing eye protection during use. Proper storage and regular maintenance extend the tool’s life. See also: chisel, punch, leather stitching chisel.