kevinhopkins

Hello Naturalisme, We don't really make it a practice to send out certifications of origin with our Hermann Oak Leather... I guess I could get or create some sort of paperwork for you though, if that will help. And we do accept paypal... if you need further help, just email me at kevin@springfieldleather.com Thanks, Kevin

Hi... the metal strap cutter just didn't fly, mainly because at some point in a strap cutter's life, it gets dropped... and it always seems to land wrong, and it breaks. The guys are right about The Original Strap Cutter. It just works well, and holds up well. We've used some in our shop for years, and they're still going strong. Kevin

Hi... Actually, prices are beginning to soften just a bit.... The chinese are not as aggressive in their purchases of leather as they were. We starting to see a small bit of relief in the way of special purchases, and things like that. cost on some double shoulders has dropped a bit. It might take a while for prices to get lower for you tho, because so many of us in the supply chain have absorbed cost rather than try to pass it on. So we need to catch up a bit. But I think that for the most part leather should be staying about the same, or perhaps getting a little lower here and there. The drought thing definitely has the potential to be a factor tho. Hopefully it will just start raining!!! Kevin

Hi... If you can buy Aussies over there, it works pretty good when you apply it front and back, and set it with a little heat. Kevin

Hi... first of all, I'm sure that the jacket has some sort of finish on it, and that would have to be removed in order for any dye to actually do a good job of penetrating. In addition, dyes can react with certain finishes to create a bit of a "stickiness" that can occur, if you don't get all the finish off. Especially down in the seams and hard to get at places. And it's quite possible that you'd never get an even color, and there's also the issue of trying to put a sealer over it when you're done. All leathers are different, and can react differently to various situations. Some leathers are incredibly prone to dry out and become boardy if too much of a dye is applied. Some leathers that would not be a problem. With some leathers, removing a finish with acetone can be quite successful, and with others, it's about impossible. Some leathers can be re colored by mixing a bit of dye with a leather conditioner. Some leathers just won't accept it at all. Some leathers will accept dye readily once the finish is removed, and some won't. Anyway, I won't bore you with more "if's and maybe's". You might get away with it, and you might not. I'm just more familiar with the situations that didn't work, I guess. Thanks for asking! Kevin

Hello Eve, Sure we will. Just let me know what you need, and we'll figure something out! Kevin@springfieldleather.com

Hello Ferg, I'm a Hermann Oak fan, but then, I sell it. I just thought I'd give you a little bit of extra info. First of all, both Hermann and Wickett make really good leather. 1/2 of the holster makers in the world think its the best, and the other half likes wickett. Both groups think that the other groups aren't too bright for the choice that they've made! One thing that's good to know is that Hermann's leather is for a fact firmer. Which of course, is why some folks prefer it. Wickett's leather is a bit on the "softer temper" side. which is of course, why some prefer it. I've used both with no complaints. Either would be about 11 steps up from what you're using. On the shameless plug side of things, we're willing to sell you a small piece rather than force you to buy a side. We just sell so blasted much of Hermann's leather that we don't have to worry about having little stuff left over. But you'll be happy with either leather. Kevin

Hi Kevin, I'm not too sure what happened there, but I've heard similar things about the 800 number thing from some of our canadian customers... anyway, you can always reach me at kevin@springfieldleather.com or you can go to our website, and use the "ask kevin" feature. I get tons of email that way, and I make sure all of it is answered, usually on a pretty timely basis. Let me know if I can be of help! Kevin

Nothing more frustrating than a dull swivel knife...except possibly my wife's stupid dog! For what it's worth, most knives don't need to be honed all that often. but they do need to be stropped on a pc of leather or paper with jewelers rouge (buffing compound) rubbed into it. As long as the knife has a decent edge, all you really need to do is polish it on the strop every few moments, or whenever it starts to jerk and drag... Hope this helps! Kevin springfield leather

Hi.... from looking at it and considering your description, what you're wanting to do is just plain difficult. It's not that it can't be done (maybe) but for someone that is not extremely knowledgeable about dyes and leather and finishes, you've got a disaster waiting to happen. I'd love to tell you to go for it, but more than likely it's just not going to be a happy thing.... Sorry, Kevin@springfieldleather.com

Hi... You mentioned "sewing machine" in your post.... In my opinion, that would be one of the smartest things you could do. There are tax advantages to buying a new machine, plus it will actually enable you to make money on things that you might not have been able to do that with before. It will also open doors of opportunity for you as time passes. And by the way, use good leather when possible... it can make a big difference in your workmanship, and can help you to justify a higher price. Best wishes! Kevin

Hi Monica, My idea of something custom made is (i think) the same as yours. It's an item that is made from start to finish according to what the customer wants. Anything that is termed "production" is usually associated with mass production techniques of some form or other, that allow you to produce products that are all the same, in a rapid manner. We make "production" wallets for resale. We have cutting dies for every single part, and can make about 20 wallets in the time that it would someone to do a "custom" wallet. I think there's room for both products in most people's business, but that's just a personal opinion. We've found that at times, a custom product price will drive a customer to a "production" product, and sometimes the production product will drive a customer to purchase the more expensive custom product. I think it really depends on what your own business needs and desires are. Sorry for being a bit vague! Happy productioning! Kevin

Very nice job! Nothing beats the look of Kangaroo! Kevin

Hi.... You want to be careful with shipping overseas, that's for sure. But most of the time, anyone from the country of inquiry already has a pretty good idea of what it's going to cost to get things to them. Just be wary of someone that wants to pay with a credit card and have you had the merchandise to his or her "agent". You might also have to be careful about shipping a seat with exotic leather on it. Customs can be difficult at times. I know shipping skins is a problem, but it might not be if it's incorporated into a finished product. But I'd check with the post office, or who ever you use. We do a fair business with folks overseas, and it can be good, but you do have to be careful. Be wary of someone that seems to have the need to move extremely quickly! Best wishes! Kevin

Hi... For sure you're on the right track... the right machines (or lack thereof) can make or break a shop! The machines that you're talking about will certainly do you good. If you have a way to acquire a finishing machine, by all means do it! For what it's worth, if you'd like to hear some of the benefits of one, and also get an idea of different ways that you can come up with one, (they don't have to be that expensive) call us, and ask for Bo Riddle. He'll definitely make you smarter, and it's our dime. 800-668-8518 Happy electric leather crafting! Kevin

Hi... Pretty much all tanneries have a glazing jack, but they're not all set up to do pig. For the most part, all pig is done in Mexico, china, taiwan, etc. But I do know some tanneries that want some business, so if I can help, I will. I'd need some more info from you tho. You can reach me at kevin@springfieldleather.com Best wishes, Kevin

Hi... There's a possibility that the leather wasn't glued on. Most glasses are tapered, and if the pc of leather is cut properly, the glass will fit the leather holder quite tightly, and yet be able to be removed for washing. If it's glued on permanently (if that's even possible), then pretty much any contact like Barge or Masters would do ok. Kevin

Hi... I appreciate the question, but really, to get an answer that would be realistic, you need to provide some more info. Actually, as much as possible. Load us up here, and i'm sure someone will be able to help. if not, contact me, and I'll do my best.

Hi... When Leather Factory discontinued Neat lac, I went to the manufacturer and bought it. They sold it under the name "Clear Lac", and packaged it for Tandy under the name Neat lac. Anyway, we've got it if you still need it. Kevin

Hi... Nice work! making a living with leather work in this country is a very challenging thing..... I'd sure want to have my ducks in a row.... I sure like the bags tho.... Kevin

Lots of good advice there!!!! One thing to remember, the warranty on any sewing machine will boil down to the person or dealer that you buy it from. Choose wisely! Kevin

Hi... Water based dyes are just not happy in my opinion. Stick with alcohol, or oil, and be resolved that if you're using tan kote, it's going to be an experiment for you almost everytime you use it, until you actually know what it does with different products. Tankote is a wonderful product for those that have learned the tricks of the trade. But as a final finish... well, I'd probably choose something else. Tandy states that their store managers are professional leather crafters, and maybe there are some that are, but I know a fair number of them personally, and a number of them are my friends. They're excellent store managers, as well as very nice people, but they don't do leathercraft for a living. if I wanted to know how to do something with leather, I think I'd put a question on this site, and compare a few answers. For what it's worth, I sell about 10 to 15 thousand dollars worth of Fiebings dye products per month. I sell maybe one to two hundred dollars worth of eco flow. I'm sure it's a great product, but I probably just haven't learned how to use it properly yet. Hope you get your purple to be purple! Kevin

Hi... What you're experiencing is quite common. Most folks that aren't tremendously experienced when it comes to making holsters always make them too small. But that's ok. Usually if you leave 3/4" as a space around the outline, that will do it. It will still come out too small, but just wrap your gun in plastic, dip the holster, and shove the gun in. Do some forming. It will work. the real secret is to just do a few, and make adjustments in your methods as you go along. you'll do great! Kevin