kevinhopkins

I don't know if this helps or hinders, but I've had a number of things like that happen at the worst times possible, or at least so I thought... Over the years, I've come to think that when those stupid things happen, it's a chance to show just how good you really are...... Of course, without seeing what you've got, I can't for sure say what I'd do, but I can say that I've seen Bo Riddle (our shop guy) rescue some things that I thought were completely hopeless. (i think he does it just to prove me wrong) Best wishes! Kevin

Very nice, Spence! I don't know about all you braiders out there tho.... I have a hard time not getting all tangled up when I tie my shoes... Must have to think backwards or something... Kevin

Hi, I think a good awl blade will take care of your needs quite nicely, but don't try to put it in the stitching awl that you have. I'd recommend either buying an osborne handle, (12-15$) and buy an awl blade or two that it's actually designed to hold. And like was mentioned, just hone it to the size that you want, and keep it polished on a strop, and lubricated with wax or soap, or some such product, and you'll find that your stitching will be much more professional. We sell all that stuff if you can't find it where you are. Happy stabbing! Kevin@springfieldleather.com

Actually, I carry one of the staples, but I don't know if it's the one that you need. You might want to email or fax a copy that I can see, to kevin@springfieldleather.com and i'll see what I can do.... They've got some crazy minimums! You ought to try to buy belt snaps from them!!! Kevin

Hi... I've stamped a zillion of those things, and it sort of depends on what sort of pine tree you want to stamp.... But for me, I made the vast majority of my trees with an F976 pointed beveler, and an F895 beveler. If I had my "druthers", I'd have an F902 and an F941 at hand as well. It takes a bit of practice tho.... Happy trees! Kevin

Hi Frank, There are quite a few things that could be contributing to your problem, but it sounds to me like the leather you're using might be at least partially at fault. You say it's bull hide.... I'd be curious as to know the source of the leather. If it's a south american leather, and depending on the tannage, and the amount of plating done to it, that could be the problem. If the leather is actually too dry, then the spirit dye will only aggravate the problem. But I would have thought that your oil would have helped out there. Cold temps and lack of humidity can cause issues as well, but normally those things wouldn't cause cracking in such a severe manner. I think I'd try treating a small pc of leather the same way you did your belt, and then put a coat of bick 4 or a something similar on it, either front and back, but at least on the back, and put some heat to it. That should ease any cracking problem... But I just get a feeling that it has more to do with the leather. Sorry I can't be more help! Kevin@springfieldleather.com

I think it's pretty darned good for a "first one"..... It would look pretty good on a bag... sort of reminded me of my days in the 70's... Kevin

This is an old press used to press patterns into leather, such as from a craft aid, or a tap off, or another embossing plate. Hope this helps, Kevin

Hi Frank, That little rounded bevel, absolutely has to be on the left. (same side as the blade) It's not that it won't work with it the other way, but you'll always have a tendency to "pull off" if it is. As to the "original strapcutter", we sell them if you need. Happy Strapping! Kevin@springfieldleather.com

An easy way that I like, is to finish your leather with neat lac (clear lac) first, and then antique over it. Make sure the leather is well coated with the finish, and that way the antique only stays in the tooled areas, and doesn't change the color of the leather so drastically. Happy rubbing! Kevin

The guys are right about the surface that you're pounding on. Whatever you use, it needs to really be solid in order to use those larger cutting tools. I would prefer a maul rather than a mallet to cut slots with, but a mallet can work ok if your tool is sharp. We periodically touch ours to a buffing wheel with rouge on it, and boy, does that make a difference! kevin

thanks for the warning pete! I'll get the folks to get the leather priced with the special "Pete Prices"..... Kevin

Hi... I'm impressed!! Very very nice work! Kevin

Hi... Basically, (without trying to sound like a smart-butt) you can use anything you want on a piece of leather... But it's gonna be up to you to figure out what you need to do to make it work the way you want. The reason that folks like Fiebings exist, is because they've done the research, and have come up with products that are reasonably easy to use. the fact that they've been around for years means that they've been accepted, and lots of folks are able to use them relatively easily. But if you find a product that's cheap, easy to use, and does what you want, I'm sure there's lots of folks on this site that would be happy to hear about it... Me included! Kevin

Hi Jim, For what it's worth, you might want to decide how much grief you're willing to put up with, because if you start with cheap used, Unless you're a sewing machine person, you're going to learn to be one pretty quickly. And that can be pretty frustrating. Those old 31-15's were pretty good machines, but you can bet it will come with a clutch motor, and those things take off like a rabbit.... If you're willing to go thru the learning curve, and the hassles that often come with a used old machine, then a 31-15 might be ok.... I'd shy away from that patcher like I would a skunk. If you have to have a patcher, find one that you can watch while sewing. Otherwise, if you're serious about starting, try your best to start with a new machine that is designed to do what you want. You'll never regret it. There's nothing worse than a used sewing machine that only skips a stitch every few feet..... Kevin@springfieldleather.com

Thanks Randy...I've seen your work, and it really deserves the best! Kevin

Hi... You can contact a guy named Pete who works in new york. Great guy, and knows where every single thing in the world that has to with leather is happening. Email me, and I'll give you his number. I'd post it, but I'm at home, and don't have it with me. Kevin@springfieldleather.com (you might need to remind me who's number you're needing.... I answer a ton of emails) Kevin

there's a guy named Roy Peakes that seems to have used strap cutters most of the time, and if he doesn't, he can find them. If you'll email me, I'll happily pass his number on to you. I'm at home, and don't have it here, or I'd post it. Kevin@springfieldleather.com

Hi...for what it's worth, I just gave one of those #2's away. Free! no charge! i was worried that the guy was going to want me to pay him to take it, but he didn't. I think I could set spots faster with my toes and an exacto knife...... Kevin

Hi PJ First of all, no, there's no easy way. (well, there is, but it's called a sewing machine ) And you've got the right idea with the shorter lengths of thread. If you don't do that, you'll end up with grief that you don't want. I've heard of folks actually inadvertantly strangling a housepet while trying to pull 30 ft of thread thru a belt!!! pulling all that thread thru all those holes just isn't a happy deal. it wears the thread out before you can get it all sewn in... But, like I said, it sounds like you've got the right idea! Happy stitching! Kevin@springfieldleather.com

Thanks BobbY!! It does help! And I can see the zipper color issue. I think that could be addressed in time.... At least I hope so! And by the way, you do nice work! Kevin

Thanks Bruce! I need to hear that kind of stuff! I'm hoping that you are in the minority on this one, and I'm also hoping that Chaylor has addressed those issues. With the feedback from folks here, and folks that I've spoken with in person, and on the phone, I'm thinking that I need to pursue this. I think that if the quality control has improved, (I'm told that it has) and with the addition of the calf line, that this could maybe be a good thing. Most likely all I'll need is a bucket of money.... So if you all could just send me the extra that you've got laying around from all the high profit leather work that you do, I'd appreciate it...... Take care, and thanks again, Kevin

Hi Will, I'm really not too sure yet.... I know they make a line of kangaroo and Calf, and I know the kangaroo is high, but I'm waiting on prices on both. I should know in a few days. I suspect the profit margin on my end won't be all that great, so I'm going to have to balance that out with the fact that it would be a sale that wouldn't normally exist..... I'll try to post more when I know. My gut tells me that at least the calf will be reasonable... (for whatever that's worth)... Of course, my gut also tells me that it's almost lunch time... Kevin Thanks Luke... I really appreciate your view... Kevin Thanks Bobby!!! I've spoken with Keith about the possible need to perhaps "americanize" some of his products as we go along, (if we do go along) and he seems quite open to that. I appreciate the insight! Take care, Kevin Thanks Johanna! So far, all that I've spoken with have a pretty high opinion of not only the product, but the man as well, so I'm getting the feeling that I need to pursue this. One thing that I know for sure, if I don't, the product is going to leave this country. Thanks again for the input! Kevin Thanks Elliot! Kevin Thanks Josh!!! That's what....30 per week??? (a little humor there... ) Thanks for the info! Kevin

thanks K-man..... this could get interesting! Kevin

Very good advice Rawhide! Kevin