wayner123

Hello, I am looking for a good leather cleaner that won't change the color of the leather. I have been working with WWII leather and I have been using Lexol leather cleaner. But even though it says it's not supposed to change the color, it has darkened the leather everytime. I know there has to be a cleaner out there that does a good job, but does not change the color. I realize it may be getting the dirt and and that's why the color changes, but that would be lighter not darker. Any help is greatly appreciated.

What is Pecards or Aussie?? Would tan kote work? I have plenty of that. From what I read, tan kote is not water resistant at all. Is that correct??

Hello all, I recently finished my leather watch strap. (I will post pics in my other thread) I just finshed up the dying part of it last night. Now I need to find a finish that will allow the strap to bend properly and be water resistant. Most importantly, not allow the dye to rub off onto my wirst. What will serve this purpose the best?? Any help is greatly appreciated.

What ratio of salt to Lexol? And what Lexol product did you use?

Ok, I am kind of hooked in now on hippo leather. Anyone know some other place that sell it besdies Van Amburg? And maybe what it runs per sq. ft.? P.S. Maybe bearskin (no hair) as well if anyone has any input for this?

I don't like stingray all that much. But Hippo sounds awesome!! Besides the two that were named are there any other places these weird leathers might be purchased? Turkey... well that's just weird. Thanks guys. This is neat. Anyone ever use or hear of Bear leather? Is it even legal?

I am looking to do something really interesting. I would be very interested in what weird/rare hides you all have seen or heard of. I think it would be great, as I am kind of stuck on ideas for what could else be leather? Besides the standard exotics (ostrich, shark, snake, lizard, etc.) I have researched and found the following hides: Beaver Tail Elephant Seal Kangaroo Frog If any of you have seen or heard of any more please let me know. I do not approve of poaching in any way. I do however wonder if they make leather from deceased Zoo lions or tigers? This is just speculation. Again NO poaching!! Anyways, let me know guys and gals. Hopefully my upcoming project will be truly unique.

Man, you guys are great!!! Now all I have left to do is figure out what leather to use. I want it to be around 10oz thickness. So I was thinking of 3 layers of 3oz. But I don't need a whole side, and it needs to be fairly soft leather. Also would have to be able to be dyed. I am not that familiar with leather other than color, so what type of leather should I get?

Well all, It turns out the 1% I wasn't sure about is the answer. I finally tracked down the maker and he said that it was layered. So I was 99% wrong. Now the question comes, what type of glue would hold those well enough and allow you to mold it to the plug? I usually just use barge, but I don't think it would allow me to overlay the top layer onto the plug and mold it before it dried/became sticky. Any ideas?

Guys, thank for all the help. I am 99% sure this was done by a pear shader. After studying this one and others it does not seem like it would be plausible to do a layered strap. This strap is really that big. It is 5-6mm thick. These straps are not your average watch strap, they are thick and big. I am going to get some 10oz tooling leather and go to town with my pear shader. Any thoughts on how best to do the flat parts beside the curvy parts? I know I could stamp down that area, but what is the best tool? Thanks again.

Ok thanks. So you are saying take 3-5oz leather as base. Then, put some sort of filler (what would be best here? leather or foam?) Then form over the two layers a light weight (1oz or less) leather. The just trim the edges and it would be complete? Is there some sort of terminology for this type of design? I know they do it a lot in custom upholstery leather where they have a raised design in the seat. Is this the same process?

Thanks for the help so far. So are you saying this is not possible to carve this with leather tools? I don't know for certain, but I am 90% sure this is just tooled/carved. There aren't any layers that show. It would be much easier to carve this, than do multiple layers for a laminate. Plus how do you explain the groove down the center? This is claimed to be 100% handmade, so no press involved.

Hello all, I am new to this board and after searching and reading for a while I am really digging this place. You all defintely have some talent!! I included a picture of a watch strap I would like to do a similar design of. I don't plan to copy it (that wouldn't be right) but it shows what type of depth I am looking for. This is 10oz tooling leather. My questions are these: 1. What tool(s) are needed in order to get this type of depth? If you notice the wavy pattern that goes the length of the strap, it is fairly raised. I have tried to figure out which tool(s) would be best to do this but all the bevel's I have seen would be to thin to allow for such a groove. 2. The center "groove" that runs down the center and has holes punched in it, I couldn't find a bevel to make this large of a groove. Only thing that came close was a wood groover. Is that typical to use a wood groover on leather? These are just some questions I have. If you have any tips or any other advice, please tell me. It will be greatly appreciated. Close up: