Rawhide

I tell ya, I do feel blessed. I'm sure going to do my part...That's partly why I joined the LW, to learn and pass on. I just hope that one day, I can be half as talented as these guys.

I teach a lacing class once a month at the local Tandy and it's right across the street from Hidecrafter's in Ft. Worth. I figured I'd go in today and see what's new. They had just finshed their Saturday class and George was there. We talked for a minute and he and Jo Spencer invited me to lunch at the nearby diner. I have to say that lunch with George and Jo proved to be the greatest outing. I learned that George once played football for Joe Paterno at Penn State. He lived in New York and worked for Tandy for 35 years. He's a great guy, and I'm going to try and learn as much as I can from him. I feel very fortunate to be around here. Anyway, I just had to share. Keep poundin'!!!

This is really a tool-centric question. The answer will depend on the maker of the tool... A Barry King #3 edger will be different than a Ron's #3 edger, plus the style of edger makes a play. The Bissonette style doesn't remove quite as much material as the grooved edger, but there's less chance of a gouge using the bissonettes.

i have one of Bob's hafts as well as a slim blade awl...The awl is probably the best ever...The hafts are good, but you can get one just as good from Barry King for almost half the price. Bob's hafts are 65.00 and Barry's are 35.00.

Come one, come all...let me know your thoughts for making a sheath for this knife.

from Peter

Wickett and Craig You can also try Hidecrafter's. They usually have some decent leather.

AMEN!!!

Thanks Bruce... Your answer does bring up another question for me though... I've tried to mix dye and nf oil and the dye tends to separate from the oil (kind of like oil and water). Could you elaborate on how you do this, and the roundabout ratio of dye to oil mixture? Thanks...."drooling"!!!

Tina...got an answer from Peter on Monday...(sorry for the delay in posting). ...many years ago, a regular writer for the old 'Craftsman' magazine mentioned many times, the term 'hidden stitch'. This so-called hidden stitch was nothing but 'glue'...it always amused me. So, with that said...I have to say that I too have used this 'hidden stitch'. All parts of this belts are 'glued' together. When a good contact adhesive is used and applied properly, it is extremely strong...think of the soles of shoes that are only 'glued' together....they do not come apart. Jack's belt will not be used (other than for a photo or two)...it is more of a keep-sake. When making full size belts in this style, of course I sew them in part. The attached belt has the sewing concealed...you will see only a fine line instead of exposed stitches. Peter

Bruce, What is the finish on this piece? Is it just oiled, or highligher and/or antique? What's the topcoat?

They will split it down to what ever weight you want for no charge.

Tom, the compressor mentioned from northern tool is the one I have and it's a hundred times quieter than the pancake compressor from home depot (i have that one too)...plus the compressor comes with a regulator and a water separator (two very important items in regards to an airbrush). you won't be disappointed. Also about the diaphram type compressors, they pulsate and tend to 'spit' the dye out...'tis better to have a small tank that can hold a small supply of air that can give smoother finishes. M.

Tina, I sent your question to Peter and still waiting for his reply. He checks in on the site from time to time, but I think he's fairly busy at the moment, trying to catch up on projects. When I get a reply...I'll post it. Marlon

..baby Jack finally arrived in this world much to the delight of some friends of mine. This belt is my version of a 'ranger style'...(I think it looks neater than the traditional sewn-on chapes). It is 7/8" wide, and has a 5/8" silver buckle set attached. It is made using two layers of 2-3oz leather, plus a filler under the carved area to give a rounded appearance. Peter

Neither, I actually use Oxalic Acid for the leather. For the table cleanup, I use Isopropyl.

Not quite. Henley makes the blade to Peter Main's standards. You'll have to get the blade through Peter himself. Go to his website, and send him an email. That's the best way to catch up to him. He's going to London soon, so If you need it soon, I'd suggest contacting quickly. Peter Main's Website.

Hands down for me is the Peter Main blade. I like it, because the blade has a wide angle and I can cut shallow, ( a must for curves or lines close together) and still have a decent cut. Perfect blade for letters and accent cuts and light weight leather.

First, I rubber cement the piece to illustration board first, then I case it (let it sit), and slick after the color comes back.

I'm so sick of folks, like this lady, who want to push their agenda on everyone else. If you believe that eating a cow is wrong, fine...don't eat the damn cow. But to tell everyone else they are wrong, is insane. People from India don't eat cows, because they think they are sacred, but they don't come to your living room and tell you not to do it...I like the post about the Bikers...The PETA folks wouldn't dare through dye at a biker, even if he/she had a fur collar on their leather jacket. At one time in this world, the only way to stay warm was to use an animal's skin. Even Jesus fed people with fish.... Damn it this is a sore spot for me....Sorry folks for ranting.

I'm not sure if the pricing is the same Kate.. I can't remember, but I have two henley's one fat and one thin barrel. I don't like the fat barrel much, my hands aren't big enough for it I guess, so it doesn't get much use, but I like the thin barrel a lot. I haven't played with the L. wrangler yet, but know someone who has one... He says he likes the barrel and yoke, but not quite sold on the blade yet... He still likes the ceramics. I may have to add one of those to the collection..

Lee, I actually lived in Pocatello, Id one summer. I was doing some work for the forest service in Caribou N.F. I responded to your P.M., so thanks again.

I have about 10 swivel knives, and so far my favorite is a Chuck Smith, 'Ol Smoothie...However, I have a Bob Beard knife on order, and those are supposed to be the Rolls Royce of swivel knives. As for a head knife, I have 3, an osborne, an Al Stohlman, and a Danny Marlin... by far the Danny Marlin is my favorite...But there are several that are supposedly very good, such as Bill Buchman. If you want an old vintage knife, contact Bob Douglas...his info is on the supplier's link.

They look machine sewn. There are many machines that can handle such a job. Although latigo is strong, it's fairly soft to a sewing machine. Some sewing machines are some old singers, Artisan, Cowboy, Cobra, adler...just to name a few names. Art might chime in on this one, he's a sewing machine expert.

Ben, Funny thing is, that fellow had his named legally changed to ...Santa Claus. Go Figure.