Rawhide

Thanks Romney, That's almost the same thing I am doing. Just not nearly as sophisticated. I'm sure with you having to make knives, you've developed this to suit your sharpening. Nice work. I just use the different grits of wet/dry sandpaper. 800, 1200, 2000, then a thin piece of leather loaded with rouge. I just don't use the leather to strop my swivel knife, only the 2000 grit. I use the leather as a final hone for my head knives, paring knife, etc... I'll be looking for that guide. Thanks, Marlon

mikey, You can make little sleeves for your fingers from scraps of leather & some elastic, but I'm lazy, so I went to Joann Fabric and found some leather quilter's thimbles (I think they call them thimbles). Works like a charm. They are in the quilter's section, made of white leather on one side, and multicolored elastic on the other. Slip them over your pinkies and off you go. Marlon

you know Scouter, I had no idea who he REALLY was until I got to this forum. I had one of his books already, but it was patterns designed by Al Stohlman. Once on LW.net, someone posted his website and I took a gander and WOW. I do feel fortunate to have taken a class under him. Shoot, I'm almost envious of myself, if that's even possible. Marlon

I disagree just a tiny bit. When I lace, I punch each hole with nippers (you could also use a single prong chisel). I use a 7 stitch per inch wheel to space them out. The reason I do this is to eliminate gaps between the lace, and it completely covers the edge. I usually don't use triple loop unless the stackup of leather is really thick, but there isn't a rule to say you couldn't use it. The method that I use is described in Al Stohlman's book Leathercraft Tools on the page that describes the lacing nippers. Enjoy your lacing!! Oh, and I also punch the corners with the nippers and enlarge it when I get to it. I usually go through that hole twice as well as the holes on either side of the corner hole twice. Marlon

I know it goes against everything we've learned over the years, but what happens is the leather will give, because it's soft, and you will eventually round the corners of your blade. In talking with Peter Main, he stresses to never strop on a piece of leather. He places his rouge on a piece of Crescent illustration board. I was using a piece of manilla folder rubber cemented to my strop board (made from mdf) and he said that was fine. In some books they'll tell you to strop on a business card. That's the right idea, it's just better to strop with a few long strokes than a lot of short strokes. You have a tendecy to rock the stroke if it's really short. I hope that explains my reasons. Please don't bash me!! Marlon

That may be it Bruce, but I don't see any tools under the tool sale link. I do remember a bunch of pages of used tools for sale, I just don't see anything like that on their site. Marlon

I know about them, but that's not the one I'm looking for. Thanks though. Marlon

Make yourself a 4 sided strop using 800, 1200, 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper, the 4th side use a strip of veg tanned leather. I like to use a thin leather, 2/3 or 4/5 oz. Which side up is dependent on who you talk to or what book you read. I like the grain side up personally. Load it up with White or Red jeweler's rouge and you have a strop. P.S. Never strop your swivel knife on the leather. Marlon

I remember in one of the Shop Talk! magazine a company that specialized in refurbing used tools. They had several pages with pictures of the actual tools, and also a website that was kept updated with what they had in stock. Anyone know the web page for that company? Thanks, Marlon

Clay, I'm going to post a couple of pictures soon of what we created in Peter's class. Kathy, Peter asked if we would like him to come back ( :wtf: like that's a real question) and do the applique embossing class. He said that it is a really popular class. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long for that to happen. Marlon

Kevin, It was a pleasure meeting you as well. Even though you gave me a heart attack!! Also, that's not the first time I've heard that I look mean. I don't intend to, but I guess that's my facial structure. I am anything but mean. Hopefully we'll have a chance to meet again. (Maybe at the Peter Main embossing class!!!). Marlon

I will post pictures of my piece. I didn't quite finish it, but I will post it. Also, I have pictures that have him in them and I would like to get his permission before I post them to the net, at least as a courtesy. the class was fabulous. Tina, he'll (Peter) go anywhere. all you have to do is email him and find out what his requirements are for a class. Price will be subject to a number of things I'm sure. You can reach him through his website email. Marlon

Thanks whine. I may just sign up for those Friday Specials. Marlon

I just wanted to give everyone an update on how the class with Peter Main went. In a word...super, awesome, fabulous, outstanding, remarkable, etc... (so I can't count) Peter was the nicest guy and gave us valuable information. If anyone has the chance to take a class under Peter, don't hesitate. This guy is well worth the time. We had a fantastic time learning some of his little tricks to great carvings and coloring. I sure hope to take more classes from him. Marlon

Thanks for the reply. Did you tool anything on it? If so, how does it carve/tool? Marlon

Where does one aquire veg tan goat? What's it cost? Thanks, Marlon

Thanks for the info guys. Marlon

how did I know you would have the answer? Does the tool split and bevel as well, or are they separate tools? I would use it primarily for lace. But would it be benificial to get the large one for any other reason? Marlon

Yeah I think that's the new stuff. Great product. I also heard that Tandy has been on a mission to re-tool the craftools, back to the original masters of the fifty's and sixties (the good ones). I have no info on the dates of production or anything, but this has come from a very good source. Marlon

Does anyone know what Jim's splitter and/or beveler costs? Would someone repost his contact information? Thanks, Marlon

ClayB, What's the name of the leather you are talking about that you got from Tandy? Is it the Royal Meadows? I really like this stuff. It's a pretty pale color and carves like a dream. Marlon

The main reason you'll see that is on an edge that gets a lot of stretch. For instance the open end of a cell phone case. It gets pulled the most so the wrap over the top keeps the leather from tearing from too much stress. Marlon

I'm interested in the plans you have GH, are they digitized? Marlon

I don't think it is manufactured anymore. You may try to call Leather Factories, or Tandy retail stores and ask what they have left and try to buy them up. That may be your only chance. Marlon

You can put a gouge on the lining leather. If you want to do this you should probably make the belt from 6/7 oz for the front and 4/5 oz for the lining. Marlon