Ledhep

I love Chicago Screws. But ya got those peeps who just want a snap.

it feels real good, there’s a nice crease, I’m going to have to make a shorter head for going around corners. This one is a little too wide. Also, I need to find a consistent heat source. I used a zippo lighter on this one just to test it.

I have been working with leather for about 2 years out of desire to come up with another hobby to spend all my money on. (my wife's words not mine).... I am a novice knife maker, blacksmith, descent wood worker, and stone cutter. Unfortunately I didn't come up in a community of leather workers and I am learning the trade on my own, using youtube and tutorials to increase my skillset. I have a rudimentary understanding of the mechanics and tools but getting my stupid hands to produce what my mind sees is another thing. I have tried to join a few groups on Facebook but they always seem to drift into weird fetishes and the darker side of leather. So when I came across this group I thought I would give it a try. I really want to take my skills to the next level so lately all of my other pursuits have been on hiatus to focus on Leather. My set up is as follows: Basic set of stamps and punches from Tandy and Weavers, some nicer stamps from LeatherStampsTools on Etsy (tool builder out of Belgium. Scads of buttons, rivets, snaps. Febings dyes and top coats, A marble top work bench. Some hand tools that i have developed, (due to arthritics in my right hand) Basic Mallets, edgers, hand skivers, strap cutters, some cheep Chinese hand tools (edgers, groovers creasers etc) Several hand stitchers JUKI LU-563 sewing machine Little about me: I am a fourth generation German blacksmith and metal worker. (my grandfather would turnover in his grave if he heard me call myself that (blacksmith not German)) I have a very creative mind and don't shy away from trying audacious projects. I like to make all manner of goods in wood metal stone and leather. I am impatient and often rush my projects thus messing them up. (im working on this) I need some help with organization and project planning. I was a pastor for 10 years but most people are surprised to hear that... Maybe because I am a little bit of a smart ass and have been known to over use sarcastic humor.

I would love to see your dying technique. I am forever messing up my work at the colorizing phase. Do you have any videos?

On the topic of sharpening and Stropping. Gesswein has some incredible compounds for stropping. https://www.gesswein.com/

I really struggle sourcing quality snaps. They basically just pop open with the least amount of pressure. I need to build a couple of belts and I want to buy some quality snaps in a variety of colors. Lets GO!

Gotta ask. What is Liquid Magnesium used for? What genera of LARP does it connect to? Also, does this just go in a pocket or do you connect it to a utility belt of sorts.

I hate lining letters. But this customer wanted a very "aged" or "ancient" look soooo. that's what he got.. The strap was going to be 3" which made my pattern lay out better, but then they decided they wanted to narrow the strap to make it a little more comfortable. I had a difficult time with reducing the patterns without muddling them. I actually bought a Celtic knot stamp from Belgium to border this strap, that that stamp was difficult to line up and looked terrible, so I went to the tri weave.

Man, I would love to be able to spend a couple of days in your shop. I am learning everything solo mio here in northern Oklahoma City. I am just a hobbiest but I want to take everything to a professional level on a hobbiest budget. LOL. Last Year I bought a Juki straight line sewing machine (it was a steal) but it is not quite up to the heavier work that I do with sheaths and holsters. Ill keep an eye on your thread and see what I can learn.

Made this piece for a local worship leader. He had Scottish lineage and wanted some ancient Christian symbols on it. I was a little disappointed with the splotchy-ness of the die. But he was very happy. concho was hand cut from brass.

I have only made some preliminary crease lines un heated to make sure the head was smooth enough. I do plan on heating it and will be making a belt this weekend, so ill share.

Thank You! It is Snakewood. My son picked up these scales for me last year as a birthday present and I have been waiting to have something to built for myself to use them on.

Not really seeing what I wanted, I decided to make my own creasing tool. Only have one stock piece for it now, but more will be coming soon, possibly a double and triple stich, and an edge beveler.