Ken Cook

I haven't checked this thread in a while. So how are these shoes coming?

I think it looks great. I like the colors too. It brings out the roses, I think. Nice.

You would do well at Mardi Gras here in Louisiana. Some of these "crews" go all out for the events. Nice Work!

I like the way the liners came out. Did you fold them under before you sewed them?

Cool design. Thanks for the info on the CC slot construction.

Nice work.

That's Bad Ass. Good Job.

Nice work.

Thats gota be a tricky to re-stitch. Looks Cool!

Awesome work. If I could afford it, I would work at a shop like yours just to learn.

Nice.

Very nice. They look Great.

I know what you mean about 20 years. It's been since about 1978 for me. I've always taken cre of my own repairs, but never realy put it to real use. Your work loosk good. Is that a tripple loop stitch?

Looks great on that bike!

I see this thread is from November, but does anyone have an answer to the last questions, Tom's questions? 1) Should the Vig always smell like vinegar and steel? 2) How long should the soda dip be done? 3) Should there be a smell after dipping? Thanks, Ken

I think it looks great. I ike the way ou moved that stap away from center. I think those phones are a little harder at the edges.

Is it a bad idea to line gunleather with wool? I have been thinking of making a couple of wool lined items to carry my pistol and a rifle on the UTV. I haven't seen any others and I wondered if there was a problem with the gun finish and the wool. I've had the blueing rub off with unlined hosters and thought I would ask. Does anybody know? Maybe it holds the dirt. I was thinking a compleatly inclosed sleve for the rifle that would double as the carry case. If wool is a bad idea, then what is the best way to finish the inside of the holster to preserve the gun finish? Thanks, Ken

Thanks guys, this is just what I was looking for. A good company to do business with. The best advertising is....Word of mouth. Thanks,Ken

Here is something I am doing to hold my round knife. I decided not to bevel the "rays".

McJeep, Can you elaborate on the rotary cutter? What kind of tool is it? Electric? What kind of blade? Ken

I asked the same question when I bought a hide. I was told to find the widest / longest part of the hide and use a streight edge to make the 1st cut. I have a 4' metal ruler and I bought the strap cutter with the hide. However I haven't had the guts to try making that big of a cut. Good Luck, Ken

You will get better with every project you attempt. Some may not come out like you want, but you will need to get past these projects to see your improvement. I know you don't want to do something and think you may be wasting money. You won't be wasting anything as you will be gaining the experience and knowlage that you are getting better. That is worth the $$. Think about it like this...Practice cost time and money. If you want it you have to give both. Good Luck, Ken

Use a skiver to thin the leather. Mostly in the area of the fold and also where the metal clasp attches. Would be my guess without having it in my hands. You may also, in the final steps, wet the leather in the folded area to help it remember the closed possision. I'm new here too, but have been messing with leather off and on for 30 years. Good Luck, Ken

Thanks, I'll try that.

Which side of the leather is glued? I have been away from leather work for a long time, but I thought the strops we had in school were scrap leather with jewlers ruge rubbed into the rough side. That is what I have been using lately. Maybe that is why my swivle knife seems to drag.