Rawhide

If you build it from scratch, you can rivet the rings to a filler piece that is cemented to the spine piece. Then you can sew the spine to the front and back covers. This is detailed in one of Al Stohlman's books on making leather cases. Marlon

They might as well just sell that crap all year round. It amazes me each year, just how creative and sly commercialization becomes. I don't think Christmas has been a holiday for a long time, and may never get back to being one. Marlon

Johanna, It was all your coaching!! Paul, I did want to stop by and chat, but you had so many customers, it was hard to get to you guys. Looks like you generated a lot of interest. ClayB, You're welcome. Glad you enjoy them. Marlon

Hidecrafter's has that stamp, Tandy has one similar, the hidecrafter stamp is a Craft Japan E683. Barry King makes one as well, but it's probably too expensive for just this one fender remake. Here's a picture of the hidecrafter stamp impression. Marlon

David, They were only judging saddles and boots. The other items were just displays. I tried to get a shot of all of them, but I know I missed some. Ed, I did see the splitter, but not in detail, Sorry about that. Marlon

Sorry you missed it Richard. Hope you get the clutch fixed. Marlon

You're all welcome. I have sent the pictures to Johanna for permanent posting somewhere on the site. Roo, If I win the lotto, forget going to the show, I'm moving to Sheridan!!

If I had to pick one, it would be the IFoLG show. I think that's the largest show, with the most vendors, and participants. Followed closely by the Sheridan Show. Marlon

Ok, I'm ready for mine. How much and when can I have it? Gimmie, gimmie, gimmie!!!

You're welcome Art, sorry you missed it too. Maybe gas and airfares will be cheaper next year

Bruce, You nailed it on the head. This is a place where you can test drive, feel, look, lift and gawk at all the tools and leather, etc. This is the second show I've been to and my wife and I had a blast. I also must mention a few of the vendors. I stopped by Wayne Jueschke's booth and we talk for a few minutes and he's really a nice guy with some fabulous tools. I also stopped by Bob Beard's booth, and let me tell you, what a nice guy. We talked like we knew each other for years. I also talked with Chuck Smith for a while and he let me see the holster he made that will be in the next issue of LCSJ. These are the best events to attend. Vendor's give you personal attention, love to talk and all have faboulous products. If you have the chance, go. My wife and I drove about 1.5 hrs. to the show and we are both thankful we went. I bought a few tools and a couple of stingray skins. Marlon

Was it ever! I tried to take pictures of the vendors' areas to give folks an idea of the products available. Glad you enjoyed them. Marlon

Good choice. Barry makes some fine hand tools. I saw him today at the Boot and Saddlemaker's show. Marlon

Here's a link to the pictures I took. Hope they are all ok. This link is not a public album, so you won't be able to google it. Johanna, if you would like a copy of these pictures to post directly to the site, let me know and we can figure out how to get them to you. Enjoy everyone. I'll try to answer questions if you have any, just post them here or send me a pm. Marlon Pictures

Best material I've found for slicking is Cordura, a nylon fabric made by DuPont. I usually bevel my edges, then sand them with 400 grit on a damp edge, then 600 grit on a damp edge. Next I dye them. I dye before I slick, because the process of slicking compresses the fibers together and if done correctly will not dye very well, and I don't like the "fake" look of edge kote, I prefer spirit dye. NextI slick with a hardwood slicker on a damp edge, then damp again and finish with the cordura. Jeff Mosby has a method that I'm going to try soon that adds another few steps of sanding in there somewhere. But this has worked for me. Marlon

Those are beautiful. Man would somebody do a tutorial on covering tool handles? I give high respect to those who can braid. I've been trying to learn from the books and whew, it's hard. I would like to know enough to cover my tool handles and maybe make a laynard or something. Marlon

Hilly, I'd use 3-4 oz veg tan and stain/dye it when you do the cover, that way it's a perfect match. How wide will the gusset be? It could stiffen the case a bit. If you don't want that, use a lighter maybe 2oz veg tan. Or you could use the chap leather as an accent piece on the outside of the case and then a chap leather gusset won't seem out of place. Marlon

You might have to draw & carve that design yourself. I did a quick google search for stamps with that flag design, but I didn't find much. Check ebay, you could get lucky. Marlon

Will do Art!

Is anyone planning on going? I plan to venture up there on Friday and get a few tools. Marlon

Their website came up fine for me. Did you type hidecrafter.com or hidecrafters.com? It should be without the "s". marlon

Aart, What I know of overstitch is in the use of an overstitch wheel. this device is used to evenly mark hole locations for proper hand (saddle) stitching. After the stitching is completed, then the same overstitch wheel is run "over" the stitches to help them lay better and straighten any irregularities. Here's a picture of an overstitch wheel.

And sharpen the heck out of your awl. It'll make things go much smoother. Marlon

Barry King's mauls/mallets. I think he makes them up to 6 lbs Marlon