HRE838

Hello, Soon I'll be attempting to make a single gusset, traditional bridle briefcase. I've bought a lock from Abbey England but am curious how to go about attaching it. http://www.abbeyengland.com/DesktopModules/CATALooKStore/MakeThumbImage.aspx?fileticket=AYT6MW6dcZE%3d&PORTALID=0&W=200&H=200 I've seen some other people have attached it with what looks like a backing piece of leather (so a circle of stitching is visible around the lock on the front). On some other examples however, there is no stitching. I've got the escutcheon pins (solid brass) ready to go, but it doesn't seem like it would be a very strong connection with these alone. Am I correct in thinking that you simply cut out the square shape for the lock to fit in, then rivet it together? (no stitching method). Has anybody got any insight on how to go about installing the lock? Any illuminating pictures or how-to's? Many thanks!

Hey, That tan bridle looks nice. Before I put the Obenauf on the belt, it was a lot lighter. More like what you'd see on regular natural veg tan so I think it has gone several shades darker. Is there a better product for this purpose? I got obenauf for my boots ages ago and was impressed, but now I think some pure neatsfoot (+24hours) then a coat of wax or something may be the more professional way to go (for a hobbyist like me, at least!) for the things I make. The best pic I can get at the moment is a close up of the one before - it isn't very bad looking so I'm probably being overly alarmist, but it hasn't taken very long to look like this. I'm going to make a couple more out of the same stuff and don't want to carry on any error that may affect the belt's longevity.

Hey guys, First post - but been lurking for a while. Recently started trying to make my own belts (for gifts and personal use) after being disappointed by price and quality of store bought ones. I made this one about a month ago, and have worn it probably 3/4 of the time since. I've noticed some "cracks" appearing at the point of wear and I am worried it is a bit premature for this kind of wear and tear to manifest. Here is a pic - The leather I used was 12oz natural veg tan, hermann oak I believe. Being a rookie, I only coated it with 3 coats of Obenauf L.P. and have so far neglected using neatsfoot oil or any other finish (I'm saving that for the next one) Could it be from the shape of the buckle, forcing it into an overly extreme backward bend? (see second pic) Could it also be a symptom of the leather being "dry" and myself not properly conditioning it? Any input from you more experienced guys is welcome!