buzzardbait

You are correct and the dye did not change just the name. One big advantage of the Pro dye is that it doesn't dry out the leather and stiffen it like the other dye does.

How To Carve Leather and Craftool Tech Tips by Al Stohlman are both great resource books. These are available from Tandy.

Someone a while back suggested a tool named the Gravermax made by GRS as an alternative.

Check out the Cobra machines from Leather Machine Co. I have a Cobra Class 4 and love it. I sew Wallets, belts, holsters, purses, sheaths and have even sewn heavy denim for clutch purses on it.

Check the tip of your needle it may have a tiny bend or curl that is catching, if not you may need to give your cement more cure time.

Barry King makes a 3/8 diameter knife that is great. I think Leather Wranglers will custom make one for you.

I have a Cobra Class 4, With the holster plate or the stirrup plate installed you can sew very close. Some designs are easy to sew after molding and some need to be molded after. I prefer to mold after sewing because It is easy to scuff and mark the leather on the machine parts with a pre molded holster.

Looks like an old Craftool Co. 517 They are not easy to find but I see them on E-bay from time to time

beautiful work

proleathercarvers.com is a great place to find the tools you are looking for, they have new and vintage tools and are great to do business with. They have both website and E-bay stores

I have a set of his 15 degree bevelers, and a set of his standard bevelers both with a checkered pattern they are all I use now and they are miles ahead of the Craftool Co. ones I was using before. I have several Barry King borders, geometrics,flower centers and basket weaves all are fine quality and leave a great imprint. I have several different swivel knives by other makers and a couple of weeks ago I bought a Barry King knife with a 3/8 barrel and a 1/4 inch angle blade. It is now my favorite , the narrow yoke fits my finger snugly and the small barrel surprisingly is easier on my arthritic hands.

The Craftool Co. stamps are older than the Craftool USA stamps. The Craftool Co. with a number only were pre 1963 and the ones with a letter prefix and a number were made prior to 1968. They then became Craftool Co. USA and later Craftool USA.

I agree. That edge is too fine for the Weaver knife, The Leather Wranglers knife blade is thicker with a different angle on the edge. I have the weaver knife, I sharpen it on a razor hone and strop it and it cuts like a scalpel.

Look for the seller yanjieshop on E-Bay. He is in China and has great prices on vintage Craftools. I have ordered from him several times, he ships the next day, and his tool descriptions have been right on. It usually takes about 12 days shipping time,and the shipping is cheaper than U.S. sellers.

Wrong hammer. You need one with a wider face and rounded edges like a cobblers hammer.

I have that stamp, sent you a PM

I have a 932 and a 350 seed. I have mulefeet 710 & 354. Camos 455, 832, 771. Veiners 414, 413, 749, 465, 466. Seeds 628, 630. Borders and geometrics , 718, 442, 439 ,607, 611, 304 ,617. Flower center 817 Shaders224, 233. Backgrounders 801,889, 113. Stop 360. Bevels 197, 702 Figure tools 119, 898. Last but not least is an un numbered 775 camo there are two versions of this stamp, this is not the high profile version but is more like a veiner. There is nothing in your posted trade list I need

I have 34 stamps that fit that description, willing to sell or trade, what numbers are you in need of?

I don't have any photos. I bought one years ago on E-bay that was in the original box, it had 6 weights and extra end caps. I don't know how much of it was originally in the set I do remember the weights were not all the same.

Welcome back to the craft. where in N.C. are you?

those had different weights so you could change the weight of the mallet. the plastic face doesn't hold up very well over time. I see them on E-bay from time to time. I have bought and sold several of them. The wedge that holds the head on is usually missing.

see them on E-bay all the time, search vintage leathercraft stamps look for a seller named doggiebag13

I have used Golden Artist Acrylics for years and never had a problem. I thin them with water to whatever consistency I want. Most of the time I antique over them. I have a note pad cover I carved and painted about 6 years ago that is carried daily and has gone through the washing machine a couple of times by mistake. It showes no signs of damage.

The Craft Japan tools are a notch above the Tandy Craftools in quality. As I understand it the Craftool Pro stamps are being discontinued, so get them while the getting is good.

I have been using Weldwood brand nonflammable contact cement for years. It works great, no smell and I get it at the local hardware store. The can has a green label.