GrampaJoel

Not to sure of your saddle, but if had one with the same label in the shop a few years ago. Very similar in design and style. But a slick fork. It was in better shape too and was in fact still being used. The customer said it was made in the late 1800's. But I didn't think so, so I checked it out. It was an older saddle, but was actually made in the 1930's.

These that you make always look so cool. What kind of glue do you use to attach the leather to the clasp ? Joel

Thanks bucksnort for the info. I think I might have to give the square plat a try just to see what it looks like. Joel

Nice straight sewing job you did on the stripes! Joel

Buck, Your reins and romal look fantastic! But I was wondering, What is this square braid you are so fond of ? Do you have a close up of it? Where might I find instructions on how it is done? Thanks Joel

I think many people see things they want to change on the next saddle they build after looking at the one they just finished. Think of it a a style change instead of a design flaw or something you didn't do right. It's hard to give a real review of your saddle with the few pictures you have posted. Harder when it is on the horse too. But it looks like it sits well. It looks like you have ridden it quite a bit, so it must be working for you. The truth is, that's all that really matters anyway. If it works for you it's good to go. Nice job. Joel

I use this test to determine whether or not I need a stitch groove. Is the stitching going to be subject to wear? If yes, then stitch groove. Is the leather thick enough to cut a stitch groove? If yes,, then cut groove. Is the leather veg tan or of another tannage, and meets above standards. Stitch groove. However I usually only groove veg tan leather, as most others are pretty soft. Any other leather is usually to soft, and the stitches settle into soft leather pretty good by themselves. Joel

Thanks Sovran81 & northmount. I'm using an iPad and had to move to the big computer to save it. But your tips helped. Thanks, Merry Christmas Joel

The second Link work for me. Clear photographs! Can it be saved to our computers somehow?

Merry Christmas to YOU! What a great gift to the forum. Very clear and well photographed. You have become an respected and honored member here. Thank you Joel

Actually two different colored hides! Now I am more impressed! I would love to see your braid maps. So on a 32 strand handle there are over 400 sequences! You must be a genius to figure all that out. My hats off to you Sir. Joel

How do you do that??? That is a beautiful piece of art! Is the black design painted on? Joel

Very beautiful! Museum quality for sure. If you will be so kind, how long are the reins? Are these made to hang from a reins chain, or attach directly to the bit? Thanks Joel

Could it be this one? The model number matches. http://www.canpro-horseequipment.com/productshow.asp?int_id=104170 Joel

Your seat has a very clean finished look to it. Very nice! How is the leather finished on the bottom of the seat? I like your gun carrying hand bags. The zipper placement seems just right. Do they have a holster of some sort inside? Joel

Cool! True leather art! Joel

Double thumbs up! That looks great. Joel

Are those hand sewn? The sewing job is excellent! Even if done with a machine, it's still excellent. Joel

Ok Keith, I can see the cut and molding of most of it, but how did you cut the seat, and still have the skirts wrap all the way back behind the cantle??? Must have been some heavy stretching going on. Btw, Beautiful job, as always, I find it simply amazing the way you keep raising the bar. Joel

Mine went from hobby to almost a full-time business way to quickly for me. I decided I didn't want to be a businessman. I just wanted to enjoy the craftsmanship and artistic parts of leather working. I didn't need the money, or the headaches that come from the business part. So, Now I'm just a hobby artisan. I usually break even on what I make. Sometimes I don't. Sometimes I even make a little bit of extra money, but usually not much. I am satisfied. Joel

"Drifter Wade, I get a funny look with a response like,...."Who cares, I like new things all the time." or, "I can buy five new saddles for the price of one of yours.".......There it is" There it is indeed. I once watched a leather booth right next to mine sell little leather crosses. Truly nothing fancy, for the price of $8.00 each. They had a piece of lace in the top to hang from, and sparkles on the cross. That booth sold out of about fifty of theses crosses. I in the meantime my booth right next door, with my higher end and higher dollar, stuff, I didn't sell a thing. There is a market for true craftsmanship, but few of us ever get there. To sell a saddle for $30,000.00 as some of the better saddle makers can do, or to sell a set of rawhide reins/ romal for $1500.00 is something few of us will ever have the pleasure of doing.

I haven't tried them, but they do have my interest, I like what I see, and I might just give them a call. Tennessee Tanning Co. -->>. http://www.tntanningcompany.com/index.html

While I generally don't care for the bushcraft style of sheath, I would like to compliment you on your execution in the making of your sheath. Very clean, molding superb, stitching nicely done, color excellent! Nice job. Joel

What knot head said. Put the grid around a tube it fits, and the grid map usually becomes pretty clear.

I just take a piece of typing or construction, or card stock paper and fold it in half. Then I just cut a wavy piece away from the fold. Then I open the fold and there you go. A wavy pattern to stitch. I adjust as needed. Joel