How do you cut the leather without cutting the fur itself?

You cut the leather side. Small knife and shallow cut.

A utility knife works well, especially if you just gradually score the skin side until your through it.

Keith

Go to paint store and get a sleeve of single edge razor blades. Cheapest way to buy local or go online. Cut from leather side , scoring at first Then a bit deeper using your fingers to spread the leather. Cutting raccoon or other heavier leather you will be changing out blades often.

I use an exacto knife on the leather side. Just be sure to hold the fur up off your cutting board. If you push the fur down flat and cut you'll cut the hair.

As above, cut leather side. I use a blade that looks identical to a pizza cutter, but it’s sharper than a mother in laws tongue.

The professionals use a razor blade with a point.An xacto knife or one of those utility knifes with the multiple snap off blades works good too but they don't stay sharp long.Like said,hold the skin up off the table and cut.The hair/fur will part unless there is a matt.But any defects like matts etc should be cut out and repaired before blocking.Also you will do a much faster neater and easier job of cutting a properly blocked skin as opposed to one with excessive stretch.(blocking takes out the excessive stretch in the leather)