jcuk

This is what i use. https://www.abbeyengland.com/linen-thread-18-4-somac-5925.html JCUK

Looks good for a first attempt, on the three rows of stitching a lot of top Thoroughbred studs and racing stables around the world prefer their head collars/halters made this way. Sorry cannot help you with the machine stitching of it as i hand stitch all mine the rule of thumb is stitch as close to the hardware as you can, a well stitched one should be able the stand up on its own not collapse on its self. Sorry just remembered i have machined stitched one came out ok but still prefer to hand stitch them. Helps this helps JCUK

Yes think that would p... me off as well but i have only ever returned one thing in all the years i have used them. I am lucky enough to be around a hour from Metropolitan leather so i get most of my leather from them in normal times i take the afternoon off and go and select it for myself. Although i still get Sedgwick's butts/backs from Abbey when i need to. Many moons ago i used Sharps when they were based in Stoney Strafford near Milton Keynes really liked there leather still have a bridle i made from it 25 + years still looks great, they were also a part of Clayton.

I'm with her on that one too. Never had a problem with slow orders from Abbey but have not ordered much of late is this a new thing. I am always on the look out for old tools just prefer them. JCUK

I am taking it you do know Abbey stock them.

Have to check every now and then. https://gandmtools.co.uk Also try here https://www.georgebarnsleyandsons.co.uk/leather-working-tools JCUK P.S. And yes people who don't know what they are buying inflates the price but sometimes on the flip side people who don't know what their selling. Good place to look in better times are Antiques fairs.

Not if this might of use or just muddy the water. https://www.blackmountainsleather.com/collections/tools/products/leather-edge-plane?variant=12551591854185 Hope this helps JCUK

This also maybe of interest, click on the link skin deep, might be a cheaper option. https://www.hewitonline.com/Stanley_Spokeshave_Spare_Blade_p/tl-145.htm Hope this helps JCUK

Here is couple i found, the blades look like they need attention. https://gandmtools.co.uk/?product=vintage-j-dixon-saddlers-adjustable-wooden-spokeshave-80212000 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154141607790?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=154141607790&targetid=1140014332942&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9050375&poi=&campaignid=12128875381&mkgroupid=119799614547&rlsatarget=pla-1140014332942&abcId=9300481&merchantid=101725488&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu9-rz5-c7wIVQuDtCh0ajwvzEAkYASABEgIlCvD_BwE Hope this helps JCUK

Hope they don't go under, i do agree their quality has dipped but think its because they are competing with cheap tools from the far east and yes i do know they are not all cheap and nasty from there, but i will pass on them myself from one certain country who seem to be flooding the market with copies of copies. Seen it happen here with Dixons their quality dipped towards the end too trying to compete with cheap imports, but their older tools will last a life time and some, that also may have had something to with their down fall too their tools lasting so long so no no need to replace them. JCUK

He is two more from JH Leather My preferred method https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2q6fRqGf5E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8-k5NnM9hY Here is one from from Nigel Armitage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsPJhIocXzM You can modify this one you don't have roll all the way up to your fitting by just leaving it as a normal buckle turn. Will not look as refined but will work. Hope this helps JCUK

After you dark stain it and not sure if you are going to use any finish after staining it, rub Bees wax over it, won't disappear but will make it less obvious. Hope this helps JCUK

Is there no way you can include some kind of water proofing as some part of the lining some kind of breathable product, please don't slaughter me if this is a stupid idea and if you do slaughter me i will claim lockdown madness. Hope this helps JCUK

Take your pick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_5vsXp5CyM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yihk7ZjiOYQ Hope this helps JCUK

Try here https://www.aacrack.co.uk Hope this helps JCUK

Yes did see it is Canadian club But it could have been a famous low flyer ! Sorry also meant to say nice work too

I thought you were going to say you have to be careful to not spill any of your Gold Watch on it.

Nice work there. For all my work on dog collars, leads, harness work i always use good quality equine hardware much stronger and more durable. Hope this helps JCUK

This is all i could come with. Looking at some of it maybe Tiger thread would be a alternative. https://rope-source.co.uk/product-category/twines/ Hope this helps JCUK

Don't if this is of any use to you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haQSsoYZ3_I Hope this helps JCUK

I am all for supporting local suppliers as long as the hardware is up to the job in hand also try to buy tools that have been made as close to home as i can.

You can just put down to use and you will always know its your saddle, time and cleaning will help out eventually, but if you want it perfect maybe the best fix is to get it reseated if you have someone nearby can do this for you. Hope this helps JCUK

Considering your resources you done a great job there, as for the noise loud music helps. Yes you could bye a cheap and nasty one and learn nothing from it or maybe you can see how badly made some off the shelf things are.

Nice work, can i ask is it lined? As I cant really tell from the pics, if not you really don't need to glue your buckle and hardware turns, not sure if you have access to a tack hammer and some tacks you can always lightly tack them in place saves having to inhale glue vapours. Hope this helps JCUK

When i hand stitch fleece i use a back stitch because on the reverse side i.e. the fleece it will take up two stitch marks pulling more of the fleece onto the leather you are stitching it to i do the same when stitching leather to webbing also. Hope this helps JCUK