pete Report post Posted May 27, 2008 I have almost all of the mule's foot tools that I need but would really like a big wide one. I don't want to spend another $25 or so so I made one out of a 30-06 shell casing cut in half. On a piece of scrap it works fine but I wondered if you "jewelers" out there can save me a problem in the future. Is the brass going to hurt the wet leather in any way down the road? I have cleaned it well and polished it too but I would hate to have black marks later. pete Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jordan Report post Posted May 27, 2008 Not a jeweler but from what I gather the black comes from a chemical reaction between the iron content in certain metal types and the chemicals used in tanning a hide, I don't think brass or stainless reacts. Pot metals like the stuff a bearing housing is made of or file shavings from sharpening tools does react within seconds. Most books recommend sharpening all tools well away from any wet leather contact. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
