Getting Started
Hey, we all start somewhere? What kind of tools and supplies do you need? Are there any helpful books? How can you get going now that you have been bitten by The Leather Bug? Post your newbie questions here, and let the more experienced folks help you through the initiation. The only dumb questions are the ones not asked!
1,352 topics in this forum
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Hello folks, I am planning to upgrade my toolbox a little bit after Christmas. Despite it being a few months away, I am already creating a list of things to get. On top of that List is a splitter. So far I have always pushed this purchase off, as other things seemed more relevant like a saddlery knife, more colours of thread, and so on. In my latest projects I realised that a splitter is slowly due. I started to use more looping and having to use several leathers for a project, which shall end up sort of unifrom, is not very satisfying. So I am searching for a good, durable and cheap option to add to my tiny portable "workshop", for splitting leather for …
Last reply by Digit, -
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Hello! I've recently decided to try and get back into leatherworking again. I'm most interested in medieval/historical projects, as I am in the SCA. Things like bags, pouches, shoes, maybe some scabbards? Though with modern tools and dyes available. Anyone know of good patterns for medieval projects, especially in the realm of bags/pouches and shoes? I already plan on buying Period Patterns 93, but one can never have too many resources. Also, if anyone knows of any folks who do teaching, or leatherworking groups in central New Jersey, please let me know - I've done some searching but have come up empty (I know there's a Tandy in NJ, but it's nearly…
Last reply by Dwight, -
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How can I join your forum please. I am an 81 year old pensioner resoring a Singer 29K15 patcher.
Last reply by Mulesaw, -
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Hi all, I have been making salmon leather (russia leather style) for a few years now as well as some conditioner and wax all based off birch tar. They have become pretty popular in the area and I have people asking me if I can create some items like wallets and gunslings and use the salmon leather as inlay. There are no leather workers anywhere in this area that I am aware of. All things leather has my interest and so I would like to start learning, I have made a basic list to get started, if I am m issing something or you have any recommendations please do! - Utility knife / Xacto knife - Metal ruler + metal square - Japanese skiving knife - H…
Last reply by Birchee, -
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There is a couple on Facebook Marketplace in the Columbus, Ohio area who are giving away Granite slabs of various sizes. I saw at least a dozen in the 18 x 24" size. They would really appreciate getting rid of them and are asking the right price; free!
Last reply by Andrew Morgan, -
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I used to make and sell some leather goods, but I got out of the game before COVID. Now I'm restarting the company and I'm looking for a solid veg tan to use for wallets, journals, and small goods that won't break the bank. I realize that no quality veg tan will be cheap, but I am trying to land on the frugal side of quality if that makes sense. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.
Last reply by DieselTech, -
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I am looking for someone to help me out and learning the trade. I have always wanted to start working with leather and now is my chance. I know there is a lot on this web site but I like to do hands on. If there is someone local I would love for someone the get me started. Im from the greenville spartanburg area. Thanks for any help
Last reply by RidgebackCustoms, -
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I have an order for 20 belts for monks from the abbott of the local Orthodox Christian monastery, and I want to put a narrow (.2") vine border with a small embossing wheel. I've found several online, the vine border is okay, and a couple others may work, too. But I can't find any info on how to guide the wheel a set distance from the leather's edge. Does anyone know how this is done? Also, I'm trying to find a supplier for Orthodox Christian stamps of the Orthodox Cross, perhaps icons of Christ, the Virgin Mary, a dove, things of that nature. Thanks!
Last reply by deboardp, -
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Hey everyone! My name is Michael, and I’m strongly considering restarting my leather restoration business. I had to step away about five years ago when COVID shut me down, but I’ve always loved working with leather and want to get back into it. Before I fully dive in, I’d like to brush up on my skills, techniques, and product knowledge. If you have any recommendations—books, videos, YouTube channels, or other resources—I’d really appreciate it. Looking forward to learning from this community and sharing the journey!
Last reply by HarukiTeramae, -
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I got my edgers used, and I figured I had watched enough on how to sharpen them, how to use them ... but I noticed that the tool tended to scalp my leather, especially near turns. I figured I had sharpened it wrong or something ... maybe I was using it wrong ... but then I felt the tip. The tips (the outer two metal prongs that the cutting channel is between) were pointed sharply. It appears that either they came that way, or whoever had them before me sharpened them and didn't worry that they were making two needle points that stuck out in front. Pictured is an edger I haven't rounded off ... but do edgers come with sharp points like that on the end??! (I would…
Last reply by bruce johnson,
