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Hmm... I also have a black belt finished using Eco-Flo Coal Black which I've worn almost daily for 2+ years with no rub-off whatsoever. So YMMV. Certainly, if you've never tried Fiebing's, then invest the $5 to see how that works out. I prefer the water-based dyes, but I know a lot of folks here are die-hard spirit dye users. To each his or her own.

I guess you're referring to "Bison Brown" -- which is one of the few Eco-Flo colors that seems to go on a bit uneven. For a really nice brown that's about the same shade, buy a bottle of "Dark Mahogany" and a bottle of "Java Brown" and mix the two. You'll end up with a fantastic dark brown that's easy to apply. Regarding the number of coats, I usually average two. The first is a very light base coat, and the second is the final shade. Keep experimenting! It takes a little time to coax the best out of any of the leather dyes -- including the spirit dyes.

Everything on my web site is done using Eco-Flo leather dyes. Keep in mind there are lots of Eco-Flo products, from the leather dyes to the All-In-Ones to the stains. I can't vouch for anything other than the dyes. But I can produce darn near any color, in a richness that's hard to equal using the oil- and alcohol-based stuff. I apply using a wool dauber to dry leather, building up from several light coats until I get the shade I'm after. I finish with extra-virgin olive oil, and protect with two light coats of Satin Shene. I've never had to shake the dyes much... In fact, I don't do it at all since it produces lots of bubbles. I simply stir the dye before using it. But the water-based stuff isn't for everyone... There's certainly no harm in purchasing a bottle of Fiebing's to try out an alternative. You need to find what works best for you!

I'd also be curious to learn more about this...

Beautiful work. Simple and elegant.

Looks great to me!

This is an interesting topic, but I'm not sure I'd spend much time worrying about it. Certainly, there are chemicals that go into any sort of tanning process, and of course there's packaging and shipping that add to the environmental impact of working with leather. However, the alternative is working with synthetic materials that lay in landfills for centuries. Keeping in mind that leather is a by-product of the meat industry -- and that it's easily bio-degradable -- helps make leatherwork a very eco-friendly endeavor.

Sweet work! Very impressive.

Sounds good! Just let me know when you're ready.

KC, great video. Thanks for sharing. I especially enjoyed the 1950's-style narration. That guy's got a great voice.

Good luck on your first sheath. Be sure to post any questions you may have... There are plenty of talented sheathmakers here who are willing to help!

Good-looking stuff... Keep up the good work!

ShortBBL, I've been very happy using an Alvin self-healing cutting mat. They last forever and provide a very smooth surface for punching clean holes. Plus, the center is a harder material, so they're literally impossible to punch through. I think they can found at most craft shops (or ordered online). http://www.cutting-m...ling-green.html

Thanks, Jo. I think any investment in making the site more "mobile-friendly" is a very good one. It frees your readers from being locked to either their office or home PCs, and allows them to access LW.net content at the coffee shop, bookstore, on the subway, in the grocery store line, etc... Let me know if there's anything I can do to help test! I'm an iPod Touch user, myself.

Looks great to me!

I noticed the following comment in another post, and figured I'd share it here since it's related to this topic, as well.

Thanks for the words of encouragement, everyone... They're appreciated!

Wow. Beautiful work. I especially like the stitching job you did on the hatchet sheath. Very original!

Superb. What a beauty!

Hi, everyone: I thought I might share that I recently participated in the jury application process for the Artisans Center of Virginia, the state's official organization for craft. As part of the process, I submitted photos and samples of my work, including an artist statement and other written materials. These were evaluated by a four-person jury, and I was recently notified that I passed the jury and achieved the level of Juried Virginia Artisan. Here's a quote from the ACV web site that mentions the process: Obviously, if my work has earned the ACV seal, they've retreated somewhat from these lofty standards. Regardless, I feel privileged that my work has progressed to the level that some consider it "fine craft," and I mentioned in my application materials that a major source of my inspiration and technical knowledge comes from Leatherworker.net. It's great to have a place on the Web where leatherworkers from all over the world can meet and exchange ideas, and I feel like I've benefitted immensely from participating on this forum. Best regards, -Alex

Great intro!

Hi, Jo and Kate: I had the opportunity to use the Lo-Fi version of LW.net last night when I visited using an iPhone. The experience was actually better than I expected, with quick load times and easy-to-read text, even on a 4" screen. I don't know how much control you all have over the Lo-Fi template, but I wanted to make two recommendations for future consideration: 1. Add a "View New Content" button. (Maybe it's already there, but I couldn't find it.) 2. Make the "Sign In" link a larger font so it's easier to tap with your finger. (The same probably goes for a "Sign Out" link.) Obviously, this is all low-priority stuff, but I figured you might like to hear some feedback regarding compatibility with mobile clients. I've read that more web-enabled smartphones will be sold in the U.S. in the next two years than laptops... Definitely a shift in personal computing! Best regards, -Alex

Beautiful work. You ask for help on improving, but I honestly don't see how you could make a finer fire helmet shield. Those are fantastic. Just curious... How much of a beating do they take in the line of duty? Do you occasionally have to refinish them?

Great stuff!

Yes, that's a helluva nice piece of work... As evidenced by the orders already rolling in! Congrats!