SooperJake

Thanks to all for these ideas! I suspected it would work, or some similar technique, but since I haven't purchased a swivel knife yet, I thought I'd throw it out there to the experts. Tree: I actually made a freehand groove cutter after I left my local Tandy store (45-50 miles) and forgot to purchase. It actually works superior to my purchased groover, and I have since made a a new cutter for the one I bought ( out of an annealed allen wrench) which also works better than the store bought model. I really dislike the locking mechanism they have, as it is unreliable, and comes loose quite easily. I've scratched out a new design to fix that, too. I sure wish I had access to a machine shop once more. Pabloz: I suspect that the stylus trick ends up looking cleaner, like a machined stitch? Care to share a photo? Thanks again, all. Jake

Along this same line, are you all buying the heavier weights and having them split down? If so, which weight do you buy and what do you split it to? What happens to the split part? Jake

Found my own answer. Jake

Woodcraft Supply www.woodcraft.com sells beeswax in 1/2 lb blocks. Also Carnauba wax. Though rather pricey at 14.99, their white beeswax (bleached) is very nice. Often times, beeswax from local sources still has a lot of honey in it, and is more sticky. I have used this product from them for years, making woodturning finishes from it. Jake

I have a Tandy bone folder and it has a burr on the knife end. I assume it should be either a sharp edge or end in a small radius. Which is it? Also, I figured I'd make up a few different varieties myself.. Any suggested shapes ( photos would be great) would be greatly appreciated. I am using these for holsters. Thanks! Jake

Would it be possible to use a swivel knife in place if a stitching groover? It would seem a more intricate stitch pattern could be laid out that way, and the relief for the stitching would still be there. Am I all wet on this idea? Jake

How thick is spotted owl leather? (just kidding)

Thanks, Shooter. I found your earlier post on Springfield's finish. I think I'll try the Weaver's. Jake

Shooter, could you elaborate on what you use as a sealant on these holsters? Thanks.

Awesome.

Jon, I'm just a few miles from Star Prairie. Thanks for the compliment, too. I hope to get a lot better! Randy

Thanks, CountryStyle. Now, if I would have used the word seen instead of scene, I wouldn't feel like a dummy! WHERE is my SPELLCHICK when I need her?? I wonder if there is an edit function....

Hello All. Randy here, from Wisconsin. I just joined today and am new to leather work. I've been at it for about 2-3 weeks now. I'm working with hand tools so far and have already made a few of my own. My stitch groover is way better than the one I bought that is made in Chiwan Helpful that I spent most of my teen years working in a machine shop. Just made my second holster of my own design. The picture isn't that great as it is from my cell phone. The holster has a few design flaws which I am already correcting, and isn't very pretty but, I must say I'm hooked already! Initially I wanted to learn leather work to make knife sheaths, as I have a small forge, but since I was laid up with knee surgery and going stir-crazy, I thought I try my hand at a few holsters, and maybe a nice gun belt to go with. Hoping to learn a lot more here and assimilate some of all the talent I have scene here already. Thanks.

Is there an alternative payment option to Paypal to subscribe? For some personal reasons, I do not want to go through Paypal. I could send a money order or certified check if needed. Thanks.Randy Name: Randy Jacobsen UserName: SooperJake IP Address: 74.36.250.216 Email Address: shieldwolfone@yahoo.com