Dangerous Beans

Thanks iammiketoo, and i sincerely apologies for the over use of the words 'Tug' and 'Pop' These were pitched at someone on here who needed a little help. It is a very basic idea of stitching and leaves out a few of the complex moves often used. If it is helpful, i'll redo it with a bit more detail and include the whys and wherefores. Nigel

That's an interesting ask... I have always worked to avoid what your looking to achieve but I do like the idea, a lot. I have never done this but an idea that comes to mind is cutting the edge to a close approximation of the shape your after, then skive off as much as you can get away with. Then with a leather wrapped mallet, and using a rough rock as an anvil, so the back of the leather is against the rock, hammer the edges to distress it, this will loosen the fibres around the edge and give that fluffy worn look... Possibly... It's only a thought though, I've never tried it. Do let me know if it works though, I may give it a go. Nigel

Email sent. Nigel

This one hasn't got specific slots for punches, but it can have, I can taylor it to suit as desired. Nigel

I do sell them... I'd be happy to make one for you HF, they're not cheep but if you want to PM me we can discus size, use and the like and I can then give you an idea of the price. Nigel

Thanks folks... I just need someone in the family to take up the trade so I have someone to pass it onto when I run out of thread... This thing will last for decades!

Here’s a little something I knocked up recently… I do get out and about with the leatherwork and wanted something a little different than a tool box. I have the Gerstner, but that is just too big to lug about… so I had a play and came up with this. It’s oiled leather and canvas and very robust, the running loops make it easy to fit most of my tools. It’s ideal when I’m nipping out for a quick repair or doing jobs on site. What do ya think?

PM sent on this. Nige

I'm looking for a nice and decent full round knife. I don't want a new Osbourn or Dixon, they are a bit thin and not high quality steel. Something a little different and a bit of a show piece, whilst being practice and functional. 4.5 to 6 inch, and in good condition. I'm in the UK so if your accross the pond, let me know what the shipping will be. Any and all considered, I'll even look at a half round if its nice. Nigel

would this sort of thing interest you? Nigel

Morning folks, I thought I’d share this… I’m certainly one for saying my piece when something has gone wrong or if a service is not up to standard, I’m sure we can all moan! But today… I’d like to tell you about a chap who has impressed me. I came across a website recently http://artisans.co.uk/ Nick the owner is one of the nicest guys, he is extremely helpful and quite talented. He has a good understanding of the requirements of Leather workers I, for many years have been a believer in quality steel engraved makers stamps. But now pushing the £300 plus for some stamps, this has become prohibitive for many people. Nick makes stamps in acrylic which are a fraction of the price of steel and are very high quality. This has opened the door for more crafters to now mark their work professionals and for professionals to have a number of stamps or offer a bespoke stamp to the customer. I have now been using Nicks stamps for about 6 months and can’t break them, I’ve tried… they are still as sharp as the day he sent them to me. Given that a 1inch round mallet stamp will cost you only £65 with any design you can think of, (his biscuit stamps are even cheaper) I think you’ll be hard pushed to find a better deal. Here are few pics of my stamps from Nick, I think you’ll agree they look good. Drop Nick a line, he’s extremely approachable and sound him out. Tell him Nigel sent you from Armitage Leather, you won’t be disappointed. Nigel

Thank you all for your support, I have a lot of mundane stuff on the bench at the moment, repairs, leads, collars and yet more belts. As soon as I get a nice or quirky job or something a bit different, ill do another video, unless there's anyone who would like to see something in particular. If so, shout up... I only need half an excuse. The music is by Hans Florian Zimmer it's the Beach Song, been one of my favourites for a while now. If you google it, I'm sure you'll find an album with it on. Nigel

As an aside, I'm having a heap of fun with this video camera, I'm not very good, still working on getting the image sharper, but I do a lot of stitching and if it helps, i'll post more videos. Nigel

Hi particle, I get them from a small craft supplier here in the UK. they are only a few pounds, a small price to pay for finishing of a nice job. http://www.ebay.co.u...d=280649102369 The Pricking Iron I use is a Joseph Dixon, that one is 6 to the inch, I haven't used a Blanchard but one would expect the same results. I still use a wheel on occasion but nearly all my stitching is marked with an iron these days. The awl is an Osborn saddlers awl size 42, excellent bit of kit, it wont bend and is so consistent. I like it because its not sharp. the hole has been cut by the iron, a rounded awl opens the hole in the leather, rather than cutting it and as such the hole closes better making the stitching look smarter over time. The thread i use is tiger thread 1mm. I appreciate the Pricking Iron may seem expensive but the time it saves you over the wheel and awl method, it will pay for itself in no time. hope that helps. Nigel

Folks thank you for the positive feedback. I seem to have become embroiled in Christmas shopping but ill sit down and respond to your comments as soon as I'm done. Nigel

It's been a while since I've been on here, so I thought it about time I said Hi! Hi. Also a bit of a show off moment, I've been playing with the video camera, it's getting better but still a long was to go. this is a clip of me making a Bridle belt in Sedgwick 4mm lined with pigskin. I'd be interested in your thoughts. Nige