rdb Report post Posted March 3, 2009 I have to make a lot of things, especially belts, and I try and make each one different from the rest. When you get into hundreds or more things, coming up with something unique, becomes more and more difficult. Nothing sets a piece off quite as well as a good looking border. There is the push edger, the double bead, the simple stitched border, and even a fake stitch done with just running a stitching wheel down the edge. There are more worked edges, such as the San Carlos, and simpler stamped ones just using a sunburst/camo type stamp. Many, especially the saddlers have custom stamps they have had made to add a uniqueness to their work. There is an artistry to the border. I'm hoping you will share some pix of yours, especially the unique ones. Maybe add the whys, whens and wherefores to each approach. There is enough variation, methods, and purposes to this important aspect of leatherworking, it could probably fill a book all by itself.... I'll just throw in a couple pix to jumpstart this. Hopefully you'll hunt through some of yours and add them too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted March 3, 2009 This is a border I have used a fair amount recently. I got the stamp pattern off a Porter saddle I restored. The original stamp was one of the McMillen patterns. Barry King made me one up for the saddle. I also had him make me up a couple in smaller sizes. I have done it single and doubled up between bead lines. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jordan Report post Posted March 3, 2009 When I think of a border I visualize the area from the edge of the leather to about a quarter inch to the inside of the stitch line. With creases and round overs and such. I find it very difficult to do a nice job framing the stitching so to speak. As far as further inboard, to me that is more of a design feature of the entire interior field if that makes much sense. I was just working on a holster this morning trying to work out how to frame the stitching groove, without much luck I might add. Frustrated and taking a breather right now. Any ideas or tools to accomplish this? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted March 3, 2009 That stamp is a beauty Bruce! You made it look real sweet. Jordan, a simple way is to use your adjustable creaser. At it's widest, it should clear the stitch line, and make for a bordered stitch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jordan Report post Posted March 3, 2009 Yup that what I was using, difficult to control especially around curves, is it easier to control if it is heated as you mentioned in a different post? If I had the knowhow I would design something that slides along the edge creasing and grooving as it goes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UKRay Report post Posted March 3, 2009 In my experience using a heated adjustable creaser can be just as tricky but you do have the added fun of burning yourself occasionally. Leatherwork never fails to entertain... Ray Yup that what I was using, difficult to control especially around curves, is it easier to control if it is heated as you mentioned in a different post? If I had the knowhow I would design something that slides along the edge creasing and grooving as it goes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
anne newkold Report post Posted March 3, 2009 This is a border I have used a fair amount recently. I got the stamp pattern off a Porter saddle I restored. The original stamp was one of the McMillen patterns. Barry King made me one up for the saddle. I also had him make me up a couple in smaller sizes. I have done it single and doubled up between bead lines. Very interesting tool Bruce! Is Barry adding it to his line? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TinyL Report post Posted March 4, 2009 In my experience using a heated adjustable creaser can be just as tricky but you do have the added fun of burning yourself occasionally. Leatherwork never fails to entertain...Ray You're funny and make me laugh! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D.A. Kabatoff Report post Posted March 4, 2009 Here's one I use once and a while that has a nice old timey look about it. Darc Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gtwister09 Report post Posted March 4, 2009 Darc, That is a VERY nice old style stamping. Well done as always. Regards, Ben Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted March 4, 2009 I agree with gtwister, it's beautiful, and well executed. Where the legs of the tool meet, there is no evidence of individual stamping...sheesh, that's good work. Although it's not about borders, the "pear shaded" rosette looks great. Nice touch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2MadJacks Report post Posted March 4, 2009 Wow those are all great borders and a refreshing thread, thanks for the pics. I always seem to struggle making nice borders other than the simple cam. Again very nice, James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
