alwhorley

KK also details this binding method in this post: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=9940

I simply threw a 0000 steel wool pad in a quart of vinegar. After 24 hours it was still mostly clear but had a metallic smell. I stuck a scrap of veg tan in it, removed it as soon as it was pretty soaked and in around 30 minutes, it was black. Neutralized it in a little Baking Soda and warm water, oiled it when it was dry and top coated with leather balm. I have made a few bags with the Vinegaroon colored leather, things look pretty good to me. I would love to hear others opinions on this, Al

My thoughts too. I would not be the guy to come down on Makers that mark their work prominently, your style is yours. I won't put my mark out front because I feel that the quality of my work should speak for itself. I WILL mark my work every time, if it doesn't offend the client, but always discretely. I have had Family ask for my mark out front, and for them, I do it. They are proud of me and my leavings, and I like to please them, as well as my customers. If you feel that you need to have your mark front and center, do you, you have spent your time and energy to get that article out. I would leave you all with the thought: if it is really good, a discrete mark will leave the world wondering and ASKING, Who did that?!? I respect and learn from each and everyone of you, please take my comments as commentary not criticism, Al

I use diamond stitching chisels mostly:http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/department/tools/punches/88043-535.aspx Also called pricking irons, though, I think they are a bit different in operation. I know I am tons faster with the chisels, noisier, but faster. Al