Raquel

Have you tried the antique french website - http://outils-anciens.xooit.fr they have a section for identifying antique rare tools. they are very friendly and very knowledgeable there. good luck

Bearman, do you still make this slicker?

Johanna, is it possible to revive this thread? the link does not seem to be working for me. Thanks, Raquel

I have ordered Barry King's modeling spoons and I have a couple of vintage Tandy's modeling tools but I was wondering if there is a quality set I might purchase? Also, my vintage ones no longer have the protective coating (grip) on the handle and are therefore very thin and uncomfortable to hold. Can that grip be replaced? thank you, Raquel

http://www.armasblan...-mas-plata.html http://www.armasblan...n-relieves.html http://luissigaudo.blogspot.com http://www.armasblan...abo-tejido.html

the argentinian guys at armasblancas.com.ar do this type of work.

Do you still have these? Raquel

Thanks Aaron, initially I felt like a total idiot because also the homemade "stamps" are asymmetrical, made out of cutoff nails and I didn't get the leather belt pictured. So I sent the seller an email and told her I was disappointed with the quality and she refunded me half the money; and with the refund I bought an old cast iron thong maker, I think it's the Australian one, which I have to figure out how to use...all that to say I think I'm addicted to ebay now. haha maybe we, the members of this blog, should call dibs on tools up for auction so we don't bid against each other. haha step away from the head knife people! (joking) I have no idea how to scan a book from home and only have a phone camera so I don' think I can post it online anytime soon, but it's a great little book copywrited in 1947 with a bunch of (Sheridan?) designs for tooling assorted sized purses, portfolios, book covers, belts, coin purses, wallets, picture frames and office desk sets like a paper weight and a letter holder, and lots more. I see that one just sold on etsy. It's called Designs for tooled leather Book II 18 plates by Louise C. Hoefer p.s. the hole punch, size 1 is from C.S. Osborne, Newark as well as the chisel fork so I was like yeah, I am on the right track haha. Sorry for being extra goofy I am blaming it on the extra glass of wine. Raquel

This is my actual haul. thanks guys. Raquel http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280857119789#ht_500wt_1156

These tool pieces are similar to what I purchased but not my actual bid, I just included it for reference purposes because this picture is clearer than the picture of what I actually won. And it also shows the handle for them which was NOT included in my lot. Sorry about sounding convoluted. Will I need to get the "vintage" handle or will a new handle fit them?

Hey guys, I purchased my first tool lot on ebay and it was mostly crap, I think. Most of the "tools" were these half pieces that didn't seem like tools at all because the awl pieces were haphazardly filed down with bent and blunt tips and the "stitching wheels" are way too thick to actually make an indentation. The items are similar to these, except I didn't get the handle they go into. They might be pretty old, maybe the 50's?. Anybody have any information on what these are and where I might be able to get a handle for them. There's a bunch of them, mostly awls, stitching wheels, edge bevelers, and a creaser. http://www.ebay.com/itm/251045433868?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648#ht_500wt_959 any info you may have is greatly appreciated. Thanks much, Raquel

duplicate

thank you guys for taking the time to respond. "If a seller has worked leather and knows the tools, that's an advantage" I respectfully disagree because when they know what the tools are then they ask for more money. haha Basically, although I have learned that McMillen, Gomph, Harrington, Rampart, Rose, Vergez-Blanchard, Dixon and Osborne/Newark are the markers of quality used tools, I still feel I am not equipped with the knowledge to know exactly what to buy from which makers and to discern when I am paying a fair price. There are tools on ebay which seem like a good deal to me, yet no one seems to be bidding on them, comparatively speaking, which makes me think I am still clueless. Raquel

Hey good people of LW, I just saw some C.S. Osborne, France tools on ebay. Is there such an animal? I thought C.S. Osborne started in England. Is there a book where I can learn about the different older tools and which ones hold their value? I don’t mean just identifying older tools and how they are used (which I also would like to learn), but learning about the history of the various companies and which tools are worth paying the higher price for. Also, considering that most older tools have some form of rust, how can I tell visually if they will be sturdy enough to be used, especially from a screen photograph, or is it a matter of caveat emptor? Alternatively, which are the best companies presently making new leather working tools? muchas gracias, and please forgive my rudimentary questions. Raquel

thank you guys. looks like I am on the right track; although it's on ebay, so nerve-wracking!

are these brands any good - Midas, Theodore Harrington, Rampart Tool? they are part of a used group of leather tools I am considering buying. Thank you for your input/advice.

your e-reader cover looks amazing! thank you so much for all the info. I will be sewing by hand and eventually would like to learn the different techniques such as stamping, carving, painting, decorative braiding, etc. I've been reading this site for a few weeks and feeling a little overwhelmed with all the info, so I'll just buy whatever I need for each project and then add more tools accordingly. Once again, thank you for your generous advice. This site is awesome!!!

I'd like to start off making belts, small purses and e-reader sleeves. thank you. Raquel

hey guys, new member here. I am very much interested in making my own leather projects, however before I spend a ton of money on tools (no, I don’t want to buy crappy Tandy kits, hehe) I was wondering if someone knew of classes in northern NJ (Newark, Montclair, etc.) / NYC area? Also, I am not knowledgeable enough to trust myself to buy used tools off ebay. Do you know of a reputable person that sells quality tools? Thirdly, I am within walking distance from C.S. Osborne in Harrison NJ but according to their website they don’t sell to the public. Is this correct? It also seems that their older tools are better quality than what they are making now - do you agree? Where do you buy your new Osborne tools? are they worth it? or should I save my money an buy quality used / custom new ones? thank you kindly for answering my dumb questions.