jcuk

This should get a mention too, brought it in a tool souq in the middle east many years ago it is what all my strap widths buckle turns hole spacing are measured with and any other measurements under 6''

Mine is a old H Brindley martingale groover which i mostly use for my rolled work, its a lovely Tool to use or even just pick up and waste a bit of scrap leather.

If it was me i would do the cross stitch first and then finish off with the saddle using one single thread it would be neater and more secure to finish off on a saddle stitch going back 2.5 or 3.5 stitches.This is one of the few jobs where i would maybe pre prick the work before stitching so when you do the the cross stitch first you will be using and hitting the pre pricked saddle stitch holes to keep it neater. Hope this helps JCUK

Sorry can't resist we had something a lot more scary than ground rattlers to contend with this side of the pond called dog mess the polite way to put it. JCUK

Yes jumpers for goal posts or a cork cricket ball no pads because you could not afford them and did that ball hurt when it hit you fun days though. Again nice work JCUK

Don't do much dying myself but remember both edges have been cut so exposed no top grain finish so they will soak the dye up more. But could be wrong. Hope this helps JCUK

There are many makes and types of velcro/Hook and Loop on the market some are a lot better than others, i have made many weight cloths for jockeys in racing using this method it seems the safest way to me to keep the lead in the weight cloth have seen snaps fail at times. JCUK

Velcro or put a loop on the case so you slide the strap end into it. Hope this helps JCUK

Also here they have 3.25'' http://www.heavyhorseenthusiast.co.uk/prices-harness-decoration Scroll down Hope this helps JCUK

Not sure if this will of any use to you. https://www.abbeyengland.com/rein-tip-t369-heart-7614.html https://www.abbeyengland.com/rein-tip-heart-7585.html Hope this helps JCUK

Again maybe of no use to you. https://www.abbeyengland.com/pigskin-lining-7557.html https://www.abbeyengland.com/pigskin-dry-7698.html https://www.metropolitanleather.com/Buy-Vegetable-Tanned-Leather/Saddle-Pigskin-Pitsford Hope this helps JCUK

Think you may know of this company but just in case you don't heres a link. https://packerdirect.com.au I used them when i was working in the middle east good to deal wit, got some bridle leather not as nice as english bridle leather but ok for general repairs. Also got Kangaroo hides really liked them used it to patch some saddles up super tough and hard wearing. Hope this helps JCUK

Its good you have had a saddler check that safe to use. When you say you have stripped the top finish can you say what you did to achieve this. JCUK

Is there reason you don't purchase leather that has been already tanned black. Help this helps JCUK

Have a look at this yes i know its in France but not a million miles away. https://www.vergez-blanchard.fr/boutique_us/fiche_produit.cfm?ref=3_1003D&type=31&code_lg=lg_us&num=2 JCUK

Not sure if this is of any use to because of the cost but you would have a working tool which should last you a life time of work and some. https://www.vergez-blanchard.fr/boutique_us/liste_produits.cfm?type=31&code_lg=lg_us&num=2 Hope this helps JCUK

Have you looked at these knives look very similar i think. https://www.blackmountainsleather.com/collections/tools/products/large-handle-skiving-knife https://www.blackmountainsleather.com/collections/tools/products/skiving-knife Hope this helps JCUK

Yes i agree Leather is natural product as is Linen thread just seems right to me. There is one exception to that rule for me its when i am stitching girth billets to the saddle tree webbing which will be in most cases, will be a made man product so its more abrasive on Linen thread so that is the only time i will use Tiger thread, you can use Linen thread for this and have done in the past i just double up 5/18 Linen thread I can't have bonded nylon at all horrible stuff. Hope this helps JCUK

Hello You could do a lot worse than this, if you can get them at a good price maybe worth thinking about. Only reason i am not going to bid is the fact i have must of them anyway, but was and still interested. Don't think they will stay that price long. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Saddlers-leatherworkers-vintage-handtools/153917948100?hash=item23d63980c4:g:UhsAAOSwDMpervFp Hope this helps JCUK

Hi i use the kind of punch and have had mine 25 years +, never had any problems with them. I agree just buy the sizes you use the most also i use a lead block to punch into for my heavier work just make sure you give your hands a good wash after you have finished punching your work or use rubber gloves if you can get some these days. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SADDLERS-LEATHER-WORKERS-PROFESSIONAL-ROUND-HOLE-PUNCHES-MADE-IN-ENGLAND/232938611103?hash=item363c39219f:m:m9gOq-tyskmGndlFx5tvXgA&var=532460418178 Also these seem nice and the price does not seem to bad can't say how good they are having never used them but if i needed some extra sizes i may try these out myself. https://www.abbeyengland.com/abbey-round-punch-483.html This maybe a good punching block its about the same size as my lead block. https://hwebber.co.uk/shop/c-s-osborne-leather-working-tools/leather-punches/nylon-cutting-block-fits-w1-w3/ Hope this helps JCUK

Even the finest Persian carpets will have flaw in them, they believe only God is perfect maybe the same thinking there. JCUK

Very nice work JCUK

Had a look too didn't see them either but Abbey do bespoke but it will cost. JCUK

You are maybe right but i always ere on the side of caution when making and repairing saddlery items especially something as vital as stirrup leathers. JCUK

Be careful if you use this method it may damage the integrity of the buckles and weaken them. Hope this helps JCUK