Rawhide

I have one of those as well, but two things I don't like. One, it usually takes more than one pass to cut through thick leather effectively (meaning without pulling the leather). Two, I almost carved my self up with it, because I was pulling it toward me. I think you are most safe when pushing a sharp edge away from you than pulling it toward you. It doesn't take long to get used to a head knife. The learning curve is how to sharpen it. Marlon

Here's the forum link on How to use a head knife. This is pretty much how I use mine. Marlon

Thanks Spider, You should give it a shot. Most of what Peter teaches is in Al Stohlmans book on embossing, but he simplifies a lot of it so it's not very difficult. Marlon

Thanks Russ, I do feel pretty fortunate to be around a wealth of knowledge, but then again that's why we have this place. M.

Absolutely! He's one of the best and it's a pleasure to learn from him. Plus he'll tell you anything he knows. I probably asked 20 questions that had nothing to do with embossing and he would answer them with no hesitation. I have run across people that don't like to tell you their "secrets". Peter also showed some generosity to a leatherworker that came to the store. He was a pretty good lw from what I could see, but he couldn't! He was blind. Yes blind. His wife would do the carving, and he would do the cutting, assembly, etc... We couldn't believe it, and were all amazed. Peter gave the couple his newest book. I thought that was very nice of him. They didn't know who he was, but were touched by his gift. Also, we got a visit from George Hurst. He came in after lunch time, and sat next to me and just observed for a while. This is another gentleman with an unbelievable amount of leather knowledge and carving ability. He can carve flowers with no tracings what so ever. We had a great time. Marlon

Roo, I don't have any dates, but I think he told me he would be there for about three weeks. I think he has to pack up the studio he has there. To all: Thanks for the comments. I can really see my work improving. (practice practice practice, right???) M.

Ann I think she's right on the fence of having her own tools. We've been sharing so far, but at Peter's class, he brought some awls he made up and I wanted one, guess who else wanted one? So now we have two of Peter's awls. This isn't her first piece, but it is her first embossing. I'm really proud of what she can do. I think she likes dying better than anything.Marlon Thanks Roo. Did you get to see Peter in Austrailia a couple of weeks ago? I think he said he'll be back there in another week or so.M.

Thank you. Tools used were modeling tool, A modified F902 for the grass, beard, and leg hair. a hair blade, swivel knife, #3 scalpel with #11 blades, and a stitching awl. That's about it for the buffalo and grass. other than glue, thread and dye. Thanks, yes she did. Marlon

Yes it was. I'm pretty proud of myself. M.

Peter Main instructed his method of Applique Embossing this weekend in Ft. Worth. Here is the item he created (and I've added to my collection by the way). Then my wife's version. and lastly mine. Marlon

I hate to be the bad news bear, but Leather Balm will not prevent the dye from rubbing off. The only suggestion I have is to top coat it with satin sheen, and see if you still get rub off. I know what you mean about the finishe leather balm gives. I love it myself, but it's not intended for rub-off prevention or repelling water. Marlon

what happened is you skipped some steps. The keen edge sharpner is the way to go, but you need to start using a course stone. I use a diamond hone but a good tri-hone will work too. On the stone go back and forth with the blade. Once you develop a burr on one side, do the same on the other until the burr is gone. Now strop your blade on the wet dry paper away from the edge only. Lastly, make a rouge card/board. I use a manila folder or illustration board and rub rouge on it and do a final strop here. When your blade begins to drag again just strop on the rouge and you'll be good to go. Marlon

Don't know, I've been real busy with the honey-do's and haven't had a chance to even smell leather, let alone case some. I'm taking Peter Main's class this weekend, so I'll at least get to play with some leather. Marlon

I have to agree. The royal meadows from Tandy is about as flawless as I've seen. Last year Tandy was passing out wallet back samples at the ifolg show. You may be able to find one to test. Marlon

Sounds like you need a lacing fid. This is a small tool that has a blunted point and a tapered shaft that is used to open or "swell" holes. I've also been known to use a marlin spike (pocket knife version) to swell holes.

I can't explain much on the splitter, but Beaverslayer wrote a tutorial on cutting lace that's pretty handy. Click Here

Yeah I know. A lot of folks feel the same way. I guess I'm pretty lucky. I live about a 15 min. drive away from them. So it's easy to just drop in. I also noticed they have some exotics for sale now. Pretty pricey for me right now, but they had alligator, ostrich, lizard, fish, and frog skins. If I remember correctly, the alligator was about 450.00 (that's U.S. not pesos) for a 6-7 cm (across the belly) gator. It may have been 20-24 inches long. Marlon

Kate, Sorry for the late reply, but he did say this summer on the website. I can't remember which month though. He said that's what they're telling him. He said he doesn't expect it to be up and running when they say it will. He says he'll believe it when he sees it. On a lighter note about them, they have started to carry Artisan sewing machines. Steve will be in town for an onsite appearance in late April. Marlon

I asked Ron, the store manager, that the other day. He said they are working on getting the website going first. They are going to have it where you can order online. It's just a lot of quantity issues with the ordering process that's giving them trouble. He said they are planning to have the new catalog out this year, but the website is first on the agenda. Marlon

Look in Al Stohlman's Leathercraft Tools book. I think it's in there. Marlon

I can't stand these things, They love my pool and i have to fish them out everyday. I hate 'em . Come by my place and you can have all you want.

Try this page from S-T Leather. I think I saw some there at the bottom of the page. Marlon

Thanks John, Good luck in making yours. I have a feeling I'll be making a lot more. Marlon

This is what I do. Plus I keep hotel cards as well, because the card contains your personal information until the next customer comes along and needs a key, then they erase it and recode it with that person's info. After learning this, I now keep my hotel cards and use them for spreading glue and cut them up when they aren't useable anymore. Marlon

Barry King sells them, but I think you'll have to call him to get one. I don't think Montana carries it. Marlon