strudell

Well that's nice to hear, cheers, though I am curious as to who's work you may be referring? S

Hi Charlie, thanks for the remarks. I wonder what gives you that impression? Though often times I wish I was on that side of the pond (There's so many strong leatherworkers around you!), I'm currently based out of Toronto. Cheers, S

These two images of the same photo may shed light on interpreting London color. They show a strap having taken some substantial wear and an unused glass case, one image highlighting russet, the other, yellow notes. Cheers, S

Thanks bwilllielv and mrdabeetle London Tan is quite a historical color in both saddle and casemaking trades, it was only used around the city in the times of the Walsall heyday. It is by no means yellow, but a tan with minimal reds and browns. However, when it ages the yellow does fade as the russets become more dominant. It is a striking color at any stage I think.

Thanks Rohn, a project like this is certainly a good weeks work. And then the interior work took a while on it's own, it's a minicase of it's own right. Thanks for the words knazim. I have no more photos but there isn't much more to see of the interior - another sleeve on the back wall, a small trigger hook for keys. The leather is difficult to photograph due to it's glossy finish, but it is London Tan English Bridle, and has plenty of yellow notes in it. These are all natural light photos. Cheers, S

Here are photos of the finished case. Thanks for looking, and for the kind comments. Cheers, S

Here are a few process shots of a new briefcase in London Tan. I'll post the finished shots when I get them tomorrow. Cheers, S

Thanks ferg. I meant to say 'the body wrap is one piece, with the lid a second'. Also forgot to mention it's a hand stitch piece. Cheers, S

Here is a pilots case for a trial lawyer. I consider this American style for it's relatively casual nature, un-stiffened and unlined. Corner protecters run the length of the case, and brass feet protect the bottom. The body wrap, but the lid was a separate piece of hide, sewn in along with a flat bar which stiffens the top of the body. English leather and hardware, French thread, American inspiration, Canadian made. Cheers, Shane

Hello folks, I've got a commission coming in for a weightlifting belt for which I need a 4" buckle. (Tried to get them to go Ranger style so I could use common hardware, but alas). I'd heard Weaver has 'em, but not on their non-wholesale site (and perhaps not on their wholesale anymore either). Can't find any on ebay. If anyone has a 4" buckle I'd gladly pay a premium plus shipping for one, or if anyone has a link to anyone from here to China that might sell me one, I'd really appreciate it. Much appreciated as always. Cheers

KandB did you get the punches and have an equally positive experience with them? What was the shipping time to CA? I'm considering grabbing the set myself. Shane

Some sources include; www.amtan.com www. allexoticleather.com www.ostrichmarket.com Good luck.

Two cases off the bench this month.

Hi all, I have probably been on this forum for about a year now and never introduced myself. All my posts so far have been nothing but questions for which I've received nothing but good answers. I thought I should take a moment to post a bit of my work. I'm currently based out of British Columbia, working in forestry during the season and found leather 1 year ago this month by looking for both a hobby/craft to do after work, and during the off season. After tooling around in hotel rooms and picnic tables and patios I finally got a shop this winter and was able to upgrade my systems. I am focused on casemaking now, though I started with smaller objects such as wallets and belts. Here are some pictures from the last few months of work. I just want to say a quick thanks to everyone on this forum, I believe this board is really a driving force in keeping leatherwork relevant and accesible in these modern times. Everything I've learned is from the Stohlman books and this website. I've spent less than five minutes talking to other leatherworkers in person, and I hope my work speaks to the quality of content on this website. Cheers!

Hi all, I am considering making the jump to professional leatherwork after a year of amateur/hobby work. I really enjoy this work and in seeking to take my craft to the next level I have been considering leatherworking school. In particular, I am interested in casemaking. I am curious if anyone has any experience learning from a school? Can you point me towards any schools, in Canada, US, or UK? What do you think of price tags that seem to hover around $2000/week? Any information on leatherworking schools would be much appreciated. Cheers!

Hello, Does anyone have any input on how to manage awkward stitching objects? How do you hold a briefcase/satchel? In between your legs, stuffed? Or do people build large stitching clamps for this type of work? Thanks! S

I'm curious as to what saddle stitch method you use to pump out 10 products a day. I've seen from your blog that you have prepunched holes, do you Dremel them? Thanks!

Hi all, I'm looking at making some toiletry bag/wet pack/dopp kit style cases this new year. I see brands online offer theirs with waterproof liners. Stohlman makes his recommendation but it doesn't seem very pretty. What fabrics / materials do you folks use for waterproof liners? One example I've seen is from Swaine Adeney, seen here: http://classicluggage.com/English_Leather_Dopp_Kit_Wash_Bag_Quality_Dopp_Leather_Quality.html Any recommendations on where to look? Thanks!

Gerat answers! Thanks guys!

Hi there, I'm making my first big materials purchase from Wickett and Craig soon and had a quick question. For soft bags, such as totes, duffles, rucks, etc, is a bridle hide at 2/3 oz going to have the softness people are typically looking for? Or do I need another material choice altogether? Thanks for the help! Cheers Shane

Hi all, The Tandy strap punches are on sale in this months flyer and I'm curious if anyone knows how these might compare with the Osborne's? Is it pretty much not worth it to buy any Tandy tools if you intend to work leather for any length of time, or are there still some reasonable products there that my last through the early years? Thanks in advance, Cheers!

Hi all, I've followed many debaters discussing the various merits of hand stitching with an awl, a multi prong punch, or dremel/other prepunching methods. I've been stitching with an awl in a pony for a short while now and I enjoy it but it is slow; at 6SPI I reckon I hit 24"/hour or so. Is this slow? Can this method get speedy? How fast do you folks using other methods get going? Does your clientele pay for this reduced efficiency? Any input will surely be appreciated. Thanks!

Perhaps waiting the extra time for the finish to dry will be the ticket on the undyed veg tan when I don't plan on dying. Thanks!

Perfect. Thanks! Cheers!

Hello, I am interested in applying the Makers Mark or custom lettering to my leatherwork in hand writing. I was curious if anyone knows of a pen (soldering gun or something?) type tool that would imprint permanent marking onto the leather. Any advice? Thanks, and cheers!