[Sent by email from Ernie
W., July 2003]
Leather Judging Suggestions
Swivel knife cuts should be smooth with no undercutting, unless a special effect was desired and a notation was attracted.
Pear shading and beveling
should be smooth and not choppy.
Check all tool impressions;
they should be distinct and not blurred.
Check for neatness of color.
Overall Appearance should be
neat; also check the inside of the piece for glue smudges, pulled or wrinkled
lining, colors smudges. Raw edges.
The backsides of belts,
buckles, coasters, etc, should have a finished appearance. Belts should have
the buckle end with snaps, or the buckle should be securely sewn on. The keeper
should match the belt. There should be at least 3 holes in the billet end.
Pencil and pen marks should
not show on cut lines.
Wallets should not be bulky,
but easily fit in the pocket.
Utility items should
function properly.
Pictures should have a
proper frame and have a secure method to hang them. The frame however should
not be judged with the picture unless it contains some type of leather.
No item should show signs of
wear or use, all items should be new.
Filigree; Make sure all cuts
touch to prevent pull back of edges. There should be no fuzz showing, edges
should be clean and even.
Lacing; Lacing should be
smooth and even, in a straight line, holes should be evenly placed and
straight. Lace should be hammered down so it lays flat with no gaps showing.
Tag ends should be hidden and not seen. Corners should be multiple laced and an
even number in every corner. The inside should not show draw marks.
Stitching; Check for
neatness of stitching holes. They should be uniform and in a straight line.
Stitches should be straight and recessed in a stitching groove. Ends should be
hidden. Thread should be clean
Edges; All exposed edges
should match the color of the item and be burnished smooth. Run your hand along
the edges to check for smoothness.