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Joel, that's a great observation. I used to build up pockets in layers, but didn't like how thick the wallet turned out. So, I decided to try segmenting one pocket so that cards put in different slots would stand out from one another. (Just as an experiment.) I liked the result: the cut slots place the cards very slightly diagonally in each pocket, so as you open the wallet wider, the cards in each slot separate themselves as much as 1/8" slot-to-slot. The method makes for a really thin wallet with easy access to credit cards. The only drawback is that if you had something that wasn't as big as a credit card, you'd want to put it inside the pocket itself, because it might drop through the first two slots. Plus, this non-traditional construction method raises some eyebrows. Who knows -- at some point, I might try using a few thin layers of fabric to separate the slots to give the wallet interior a more traditional look, but I wonder whether it would add much to the functionality. Take care (and thanks for the compliment), -Alex

Bill, I used to have a text file that contained all of those special characters, and when I needed one I'd cut and paste it. However, I finally gave that method up as too slow. I know you mentioned that you don't want to reconfigure your keyboard, but honestly, I followed the directions below and really liked the ease of toggling between the English (U.S.) and U.S. International keyboards. On XP, you simply click an icon to select your keyboard configuration, and pick U.S. International when you're ready for special characters. Examples: type apostrophe, then a for á and Right-ALT+/ for ¿. Very easy and quick. When done, just reselect English (U.S.) to get your old keyboard settings back. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306560 Maybe worth a shot? Good luck, -Alex

Regis, I use DAP Weldwood contact cement sold at the local hardware store, which comes with a brush cap that's just too wide for my purposes. So, I use Q-Tips to spread the cement on leather. Very precise, but also very slow. Give it a try to see if it works for you. Best, -Alex

Yeah, that is spectacular work, Bruce. Thanks for sharing your tips on how to do it right. Beautiful.

Regis and Ed, thanks for your kind responses. Yes, that's hand-stitching. I know some folks seem to have a hard time getting their stitching to look good (especially on both sides), but I've always enjoyed the process and it seems to turn out fine for me. Just don't ask me to carve anything! :biggrin:

LOL

Johanna and Regis, Thanks for your responses regarding smilies. After looking around a bit, I discovered that I had Web Developer Tools installed on Firefox, and somehow had selected the "Disable Image Animations" option. I suppose that would do it! My smilies are back jumping around again, especially this guy: :fire: Thanks again! -Alex

I suspect that the smilies are animated, but I can't see it. For example, I can't see this smily's eyes rolling nor can I see the alarm flash :alarm: etc. The other day, I almost picked this smily as a basic smile (because that's what it looks like unanimated), then noticed that it's called "winkiss" and decided not to risk blowing kisses to other forum members! Am I doing something wrong or are the smilies simply static images? Thanks! -Alex

Considering the amazing quality of work recently posted to this forum, I'm a bit hesitant to add my own photos! (I suppose I'll give it a try anyway.) Comments are welcomed. Best, -Alex

Yes, I was overjoyed :biggrin: when Tandy opened their Richmond, VA store. Just a few years ago, I had to drive four hours to Harrisburg, PA to pick out leather. Plus, Tandy's Richmond staff, Deb and Sharon, are great to work with.

Clay, you're right about that. About half-way through your post, I was thinking, "boy, he'll never fix that" and I probably would have given up in supreme frustration, trashed the project, and given up carving altogether! :censored: However, I'm glad you stuck with it, trying different formulas until you saved that bear. Looks great now! -Alex

Kate, I think it's fantastic. I sent you my email address via private message -- I'd definitely like to see your pattern PDF. Best, -Alex

Barb, I can certainly understand being disappointed at how a project turns out. Without a doubt, I've trashed more projects than I've kept. Ironically, though, I've had others lavish praise on the stuff I think is absolute garbage. Their non-trained eyes don't pick up on all the minute defects, but rather appreciate the effort in general. The same thing happens with me when I look at things created by potters or woodworkers... Since I'm not very knowledgable in those areas, I think things are beautiful when their creators may not like them at all... What I'm saying is this... You may want to see this project through, or ask someone else's opinion (but not another leatherworker's). I'd be willing to bet your son will greatly appreciate your gift, regardless of how you feel about it. Best, -Alex p.s. If you're feeling a bit uncertain about dyeing, my only advice is to try things out on scrap leather. I've ruined too many projects to mention by "giving it a try" on the final piece!

Wow. I'm glad to see this topic. I sometimes use my leatherworking bench for home repairs, including some filing of metal parts. :warning: I guess I'll do that somewhere else from now on!

One of my first personal computers, way back in the 1980's, was a Tandy, a brand sold exclusively by RadioShack as an IBM compatible. I've occasionally wondered if there was any connection between RadioShack and Tandy Leather Co., and apparently there was. I thought I'd share this web page for anyone interested in the history between the two companies. http://www.radioshackcorporation.com/about/history.html

I think Johanna's right about the above point. After I claimed that Leather Balm was water resistant, I went out to Fiebing's web site to verify and found the following product text: "Leather Balm With Atom Wax is a specially formulated liquid wax finish for coloring, softening and polishing articles of smooth leather. Can be buffed to a rich, soft, velvety lustre. Leather Balm with Atom Wax is not a water resistant top finish." (http://www.fiebing.com/product.asp?typeID=8) Interestingly, Fiebing's only applies the "water resistant" tagline to its acrylic-based products.

K-Man, welcome. That's one heck of a holster. Please stick around... I'm sure there will be plenty of folks who will be asking you leather questions. As a matter of fact, has anyone heard from Wes? He was trying to do a holster for a Beretta 951: http://www.leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=246

Yeah, Sandy's work is unmistakably superb. I notice he's a member here, but has never posted. Hope he gets around to introducing himself to this audience. He's a virtual treasure-trove of leather info.

Joel, I've used Leather Balm w/ Atom Wax and I think it's one of the nicest finishes available. It produces a really nice, soft satin shine that's water resistant (but not waterproof). I switched over to Satin Shene (an acrylic product) early on because I was tooling leather and found that Leather Balm w/ Atom Wax loaded the designs with gunk. Satin Shene works well with smooth leathers and those that have been tooled or carved. (But don't let that deter you -- if you're getting good results with Leather Balm, stick with it. It's a great product.) Now, to your question about waterproofing. I think all the finishes mentioned in this poll have about the same level of water resistance, but none are waterproof. I've heard that Montana Pitch Blend is about the best product out there for waterproofing leather. I seem to recall a fellow on another forum talking about how he used this product on the boots he wore as a lumberjack in the Pacific Northwest, and how he always had dry feet. But frankly, I think that may be overkill for your regular old leather product, like a wallet or wristband. I think I've exhausted about all I know on the above two products. Anyone else able to chime in? -Alex

That's amazing, Jim. Thanks for posting this story, and I'm glad your stuff cleaned up nice.

Clay, The first sling was really great, but I agree -- the elk you did for the second one is even better. And don't worry about the small scar... Leather's a natural material with its own little defects. Gives each piece personality, I say.

Looks like it's starting off well. Please be sure to show us what the finished product turns out like!

Jim, I posted a similar question on another forum several years ago, as I recall. Sandy Morrissey, a sheathmaker of high regard, recommended the Skife as the best all-around skiving tool (and one of the least expensive, too). I got mine from Tandy (they call it a "Safety Beveler"), and it's served me well. http://www.tandyleather.com/products.asp?number=3001-00 I think there's a good chance your custom blade will still outperform the tool listed above, but at least there's a lot less worry associated with nicking the edge of a $4 Skife. Good luck, -Alex

Nice. Sounds like you gave him a little good luck!

That's a real beauty, Dan. I'm sure that fella is going to be proud to take that into the field. Thanks for sharing.