55Truck

I just about finished the shield. I have to get some green dye because i decided to go with a shamrock on the insert. When its done i'll try to post pictures. I was surprised with how it came out, a little better than I thought for my first time. Still working out some kinks, especially in the stitching area. But i'm sure that will work itself out with time. Thanks for all the help.

I bought some leather at a local store i found yesterday. Its pretty thick but for my first shield it will do. Anyways, I was wondering if there were some kind of number stamps out there. I was thinking about cutting out the recessed numbers but i was wondering if there was a kind of cookie-cutter-style stamp that i could use so its a little neater.

What types of tools should i look into getting? I was planning on making a wood template shaped as the shield and using it as an edge to cut against. Should I buy a swivel knife or just a straight cutting knife? What thickness leathers should I get? Its going to be at least layers and needs to be no more that 1/4"-1/5" thick.

I predicted that it would be cutting and layering but is it going to be painted leather? or can i find it already dyed? The shields I have ordered appear to be dyed. The middle layer also appears to be patent, or a glossier leather, if not plastic. There is the option of stitching on the numbers, but I think it would be simpler to cut them out. Also, I do not have any access to a leather sewing machine so I planned to do it by hand using an awl.

I am a firefighter and looking to get into leather working. On every fire helmet is a leather front piece that serves as a form of identification while wearing the helmet. This is called a shield or front. I have never done any leather working before but I would like to try to make a shield. I have attached a picture but in case you can't tell, the middle square (called an insert) has sunken or recessed numbers. The shields consist of 3 layers. A black front layer, a white or red middle layer, and another black layer for the backing. I was wondering what kind of leather, as well as what tools I need to complete this job; or where do I find colored leather, etc. Any help is greatly appreciated.