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Marcel, In my opinion, there are two advantages to using an edge dye, like Fiebing's EdgeKote. An edge dye has a thicker consistency and is easier to apply over a long, narrow surface like the edge of a belt. Doing regular dye would take much longer. An edge dye not only colors the edge, but it also applies a waxy finish that is smooth to the touch and can be slicked. Using regular dye would require you to put an additional coat of gum tragacanth on top to finish it off (and thus double the time it takes to finish an edge). The only downside is the limited colors... Usually just black and brown. But give it a try to see how you like it. Regards, Alex

Yes, great work! And a beautiful color. Congrats -- that's one heckuva first sheath.

Yep, I know exactly what you're talking about now. I just didn't know there was a solution. Thanks for sharing!

Really nice, man. I love it.

Bruce, thanks for taking the time to illustrate your basketweave methods. And now, I'm about to ask probably the dumbest question you'll get on this subject : Why is it important to establish an angle? I notice that this seems to be a critical first step in both this tutorial and the no-template one. Why can't you just pick any old angle, 60 degrees, 45 degrees, whatever... as long as you stay consistent? Please educate me, o wise one... Alex

I sure hope not! I think lots of folks here have dreams of doing exactly what you are. Please consider posting your experiences as you start out on this new venture... We'd love to hear how it goes! Good luck!! Alex

SWEET.

I just counted and I've got 21 cards in my wallet, and it folds to just under 7/8" thick. (IMO, anything over 1" thick isn't going to be comfortable in the back pocket...) By the way, where are your wallets designed to be carried -- in the front pocket?

Been there, done that, brother. One and only one Tandy kit was enough for me!

I used to think the same way, then I started carrying my own wallet and using it everyday. I loaded it up with 20-30 cards and then a wad of dollar bills, and discovered the damn thing didn't fold! Plus, with the credit cards smashed in there, it was virtually impossible to separate one card from the rest. I was unloading 5 cards everytime I needed to use just 1. Your design is completely different from mine, so maybe it works better with heavy materials. But if you haven't done so already, definitely build one for your own use, carry it everyday, and make sure it works as well as you think it does! :angel_not: Alex

Tim, welcome to Leatherworker.net! Thanks for the introduction. Alex

Tammy, I can't help you much here since I'm a hobbyist, but one of my first stops would probably be the local Small Business Administration (SBA) office. I notice there's one in Seattle. I suspect they would have lots of resources and the ability to counsel you on your decision. http://www.sba.gov/ Good luck with your new venture! Let us know what you learn. Best, Alex

Two thumbs up! 'Nuff said! Alex

I'd have to agree. I've seen plenty of heavy belts, but I doubt any of them beat yours for quality and longevity. Fantastic job there. Alex

Hmm... I've never experienced dye rubbing off like that, and I've made and worn my own wallets for about 5 years now. Dye (regardless of whether it's water-based or spirit-based) will penetrate leather to some degree, and shouldn't show much wear. Heat shouldn't have anything to do with it either. Do you know exactly what leather dye you used? Maybe that could help solve this mystery... Alex

I guess I'm a bit ignorant on this subject... What are Angelus dyes (spirit based, etc?) and where do you get them?

Well, at least I understood the "benvenuto" part. :D Welcome, Denis! Good to have you here. Alex

Tandy advertises that Eco Flo Satin Shene is completely compatible with their Eco Flo stains and dyes. Yes, sort of. I've found that you have to go extremely light on the coats, otherwise the sponge will remove some of your color. Put the first coat on with an extremely light touch. Let that dry entirely before the second coat (20 minutes or so). Also, you might want to try applying the Satin Shene with a moist paper towel (instead of a sponge) as there is less surface texture to lift color. The best solution is probably applying the finish with an airbrush... Hope this helps! Alex

Wow -- beautiful work! Glad you found your way here. Alex

Crystal, welcome and feel free to post some questions. There are plenty of folks around here that can answer virtually any leather-related question, so fire away! Alex

Yep, indenting the stitches would be largely a cosmetic improvement on a wallet. It's important to indent on something like a sheath because minor abrasions in the field will wear the stitching out over time. But this isn't necessary on a wallet unless you like the way it looks. I don't blame you for not wanting to use a groover on all those curves!

I like your work. I also like Borana Andoni. (Oops... Did I say that out loud?)

That's definitely a wallet that will attract admiring glances when it comes out of your pocket! Beautiful work.

That advice is worth a lot more than two cents, and it's absolutely true.

Very well said, Bruce. People need to remember that leather is -- and always has been -- a premium material. Leather products that are executed with a very high degree of skill should definitely command top prices.