cappadk

I recently received my first maul from Ed - very pleased with it. I had mentioned how i wanted it, and it turned out exactly like i wanted it. Great work. Devonmillsleatherwork: I just contacted Ed via PM here on leatherworker.

Bluesman: Its sides, when i wrote back i meant backside, sorry tor being confusing Yes i do intend to call them, and their service have been exceptional, especially considering their size. Andrew: Its bridle leather - sides - and i had it split to 3.5mm, thats close to 9 oz. I didnt ask for a specific finishing, i assumed they would finish it the way ex. their samples are. Or is that named something else?

Nobody who can tell me if the back is supposed to look like that?

Hi guys I ordered 2 hides from W&C - std grade, ive had it split and refinished the back. But im wondering if the back is supposed to look like this. I thought they would finish it just like their samples are. Please take a look at the pictures, i would like your opinion before i contact W&C. Im not trying to bash them, im just wondering if this is what i can expect from my future orders from them. Ive previously bought smaller strips of W&C bridle from stores like outfitterssupply, which were much better looking then what i have received. Ive also attached a image of the front side which i think has quite many "wrinkles" - the image of the front side is the best part. Thanks.

Your right - thanks. i will contact him soon. And if anyone else know of a another supplier of bridle in natural color, feel free to post

Thanks guys - after reading your suggestions im thinking that one of my faults was not straightening the edge first. I actually have a long metal piece i could use to straighten it up first. I will try that when i receive my hides in a few weeks

Thanks Celticleather - i had not thought of them. I actually have 3 samples from them, but none in natural color. Dunno why i didnt ask for samples back then. But i kind of disregarded them as i found them to be a little too expensive. But if there are no other alternatives then i will buy it from them. Do you know if they split and refinsh the flesh side to the desired thickness?

Mike516: You are probably right about having a straight edge first - before cutting the strap. I hadnt thought about that, but now that i do, it makes sense. But how do you get that - relatively - straight edge first, do you just use a ruler and cut off the irregular parts? Bruce: Interesting technique - i would have to try that. I too found the edge to be a little to thick, so i thinned it down and its perfect now. Im pretty good at sharpening and the knife goes through the leather very easily, no problem there. I cut straps 1 1/2 wide, hmm i have thought about trying a plough gouge - do you think it would make a difference? Knipper: Thats a excellent tip, i never thought of sliding a ruler between the knife and the handle. Mine doesnt look misaligned, but i will check it, to be completely sure. Mine came with only 1 shim, but im using it without it, it works fine enough this way i think

Hi guys Im having trouble cutting my straps even, with a draw gauge. Either im doing something wrong or lack the experience, so im curious to how you guys do it. I have a old osborne draw gauge, and i find the handle to small and to short, its difficult having the leather close to the handle as its quite small. Im thinking if one of those wooden ones from Tandy would be more suited as its handle seems longer. Anyways, would love to hear how you cut your straps.

Anyone know where to find bridle in natural color - ive searched for a long time now but havent been able to find anyone. And also - could someone tell me what the dimensions are of a piece of 25 square feet? I mean how long is it - how do i calculate that? Thanks a lot.

Hehe thanks for the warning - ill try not to spill And thanks for the link.

thats interesting - im wondering what are the benefits of using powder instead of something allready mixed. I mean, a fiebings dye can be thinned as well to the desired level. i just had a look at abbeys, but i couldnt find it, could you provide me with a link?

I just got some beautyful W&C bridle and i wanna dye the edges, but having a look at Fiebings site show many types of dyes, Edge kote, oil dye - acrylic dye and so on, so im wondering which type of dyes is "best" for bridle leather?

The ones that come to mind now: USA: Wickett & Craig Maverick leather RJFLeather Siegel (carries Sedgwick bridle) Hermann Oak - But cant remember who carries them UK: Abbeysaddlery (Sedgwick) J & FJ Baker

Im not that fond of Lac, but if i dont find any other alternative i will give it a try. I tried yesterday with just water and/or Gum T yesterday, and it turned out fine as long as i dont press to hard, like you said. I just have to let the water dry completely otherwise it will darken it more then if i burnish wet. And then i put on some clear wax, and again if i just put a little on and dont press to hard, it turns out just fine. And i think if i put some conditioner on top it will be satisfying, but i would still like to hear on what others do Oh and i will follow op on your advice and seek advice for a conditioner at a upholstery or saddlery shop.