Leather holds up to the cutting and pokes really well, but its a PIA, to keep in good condition with oiling and maintenance but I think you should b real happy with its cut resistance.
My grandpa has always used leather cut collars that he has made and sold in is store. And they have always worked for us and stay in high demand, it seems like we always have people coming in wanting more made because they like the ones they had made 5 or 10 years ago and are ready for new ones