Slicknick Report post Posted December 3, 2011 (edited) Hey there everyone, recently my grandfather passed away, and as part of my sixteenth birthday gift, I was given his set of leatherworking stamps and punches. He used to work for cole-haan, among other shoe companies, designing shoes. As such, along with this massive collection of fine tools, I received a rather large amount of very high quality leather... so I suppose my question is where should I start? I know that a set of knives and carving tools would help a fair bit, but those weren't part of what I was given. I do have a swivel knife though, and a few other detailing knives, but I don't know if those will do. I know some of the basics, as he was an artisan - I watched him when I was little! Any help you guys could give to me to point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated! Anything from how to properly care for my tools, to what I should purchase, to any tips, would all be great, whatever you think would be good. Thanks in advance guys! edit: Oops, I apologize - I hadn't noticed the newbie question part of the board... if a moderator wants to move this there, I wouldn't mind at all. Edited December 3, 2011 by Slicknick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted December 4, 2011 We will need some pictures of the tools to help you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slicknick Report post Posted December 4, 2011 Sure, no problem I'll get take some pictures tomorrow. about ninety percent of them are punches... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slicknick Report post Posted December 4, 2011 well, here you guys go - like I said, there's got to be at least 80 plus different punches here... I believe there are still some in his workshop actually, I should check next time I go up north... I believe Adco makes most of these They're still sharp, as he used a special block under the leather to keep them from getting dull, but they were in his workshop for a while after his death, so I suppose some of them got a little rusty. Most of them are still in fair condition. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hosscomp Report post Posted December 4, 2011 In learning how to use and care for tools, I would start with this book Leather-Craft Tools. You probably have some shoemaker tools that aren't covered here. I am pretty new at this myself, but unless you already know what you want to do (like make shoes/boots?) I would browse the pictures in the galleries here to see what strikes your interest. The Tandy site also has many other how-to books and even some free videos showing how to use many of the tools. Of course, posting pictures will get you lots more information from the professionals on this forum. Welcome aboard and good luck. Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slicknick Report post Posted December 6, 2011 I'm sure more photos would be lovely, but unless you guys really want to see THAT many punches, there isn't much to show. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
