Rawhide

Thanks for the comments guys. I try to improve on every project, and I think this one is my best yet. I almost don't want to give it to him. Marlon

You'd probably have to create yourself a jig to make sure your tool stays at a 45, and your workpiece stays flat. Marlon

I made this belt for as a freebee for my cousin. How much would you charge the general public for something like this? Criticism is always welcome.

Robert, I did not get to take any classes, for the fact that I didn't know which day I would be able to attend, But I did get to peep in on a class making lace baskets. I had a blast at the show and I feel fortunate to have gone. Dave, You are welcome for the pictures. Like I said, I know folks like pictures, and I figured Johanna would post a bunch of general pictures, so why not get specific. Marlon

Thanks for the advice Clay. I am definitely trying to expand my comfort zone. Right now that is color dying. I really like the idea of dying the leather, rather than coating it with the covas. Dying takes a lot of work to get it just right. One of these days...., Anyway, I will definitely continue my pursuit. I love working with leather and people seem to like my work. Hopefully that will continue. Marlon.

I was also awe struck at the show. So many wonderful pieces, so much dedication and time. Amazing. Not only the work, but the Tools...The time it must take for these guys to hand make this stuff, WOW. I bought a few tools from the show, and am extremely happy with my purchases. I have one more that I'm waiting on to be shipped. So many nice people attended the show, I found myself talking to a lot of folks. Clay B, I don't think I have words for your work. Simply amazing, sorry you couldn't make it to the show. The Robb Barr display was outstanding and inspiring. I hope to one day get up to the level of carving I saw at the show. Johanna, it was a pleasure meeting you, you do a great job running this place. Marlon

I would suggest that you get Al Stohlman's book, "The Art of Making Leather Cases Vol. 2" There are a couple of toiletry bags there and I'm sure you could customize it to fit what you want. It gives you the basic principles of builiding it, how to put in the zippers, etc... BTW I usually handsew my zippers, simply because I like to handsew. But I just bought a leather sewing machine and can't wait until it arrives so I can sew some stuff with it. Marlon

Here's a photo of the things I purchased at the show. I didn't know if people like to see things others buy, but I do, so hence the reason for the topic. Enjoy. 1. Bottom left - Artisan, 1797 AB LTHR Sewing System 2. Top Middle - Some Barry King, Backgrounders, and Beader Blade. 3. Top Middle - Danny Marlin, Head Knife. 4. Far Right - Tandy, Strap End Cutter. 5. Bottom Middle - Ron's Tools, #4 Edger w/ sharpening rod, and also #6 French edger. 6. Bottom Right - Some company from Austrailia, Edge dyer

I'd use the heck out of it. I don't pay for pretty. I pay for quality and use. Marlon

Kate, I like the "calculated" measure you use for the border lines. I usually just let my stamp tell me how wide. What I do is scribe my first line near the edge of the material, 1/8 inch or 3/8 inch or so. I just eyeball it and cut it with my swivel knife, then I take the stamp and stamp one impression near the corner of the workpiece. next I set my dividers to whatever spacing I want and "walk" it down the scribe line making tick marks. At each mark I then stamp another impression. This guarantees even spacing. then I align the stamp in reverse in-between the first row of stamps (like you did in picture no. 10). I stamp the one impression, scribe my other line using the end of the impression to gage it, cut this line with my swivel knife, and eyeball the centering of the remainder impressions. Marlon

Steve b, I bevel on the outside of the design where the toe of the beveler is next to the design facing the design. In other words I want to "raise" the meandering. If you face the toe of the beveler toward the outside, the heel of it could interfere with the design itself if you stamp heavily. A beader blade is one that has two cutting surfaces, and a rounded top. The cross-section looks like the letter "U". when you cut, it cuts two parallel lines and leaves a "bead".

Steve, one addition to Kate's tutorial that I usually do is cut the border lines with my swivel knife, either with a single blade or a beader blade, then bevel toward the design. Just my $.02 Marlon

Not even close. I didn't actually get a drum yet, but I estimate that I am about a quarter full. Don't be discouraged. It takes a few carvings, and stamping sessions to get into the swing. I haven't seen your belt, but on common mistake is not carving deep enough, and the other is not smoothing out beveling tool marks. Keep going and don't quit. Marlon

I visited hidecrafters or now HideCo, the other day. The Pro Crafters tools will still be available from what I can tell. It doesn't look like they are reducing inventory, just adding new items to their inventory. The Pro Crafters line of tools are basically knockoffs of Bob Beards tools. I have a couple of bevelers and camo tools that I use often, but the rest of my collection is Craftool. I usually have to "clean up" a lot of tool marks using the craftools, which is not a problem, but it does take more time to use them. I spoke to a lady that works at hidecrafters who said she would have quit leatherworking completely if she hadn't bought some of Bob Beards bevelers. She was just frustrated with the way her tooling looked. So I say start out with the cheap tools. If you like working leather, you may want to upgrade to speed or increase your quality. I am probably going to buy a swivel knife from Bob Beard, and maybe a blade, but for now I'll stick with the hidecrafters pro crafters tools for often used tools, and craftools for the every now-and-then tools. Marlon

I think it's a great idea. Remember practice practice practice. It's really the only way to better yourself. With each project, you see little mistakes that you correct on the next one. Stay on the forum also, this way, you can get information and critique to help you get better. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. There's always another belt blank out there. I had an old saddle maker tell me..."Get yourself a 55 gallon drum, by the time you fill it with projects that turned out bad, you'll be ok". So don't think you'll be an Al or Ann Stohlman overnight, but you could be with a lot of practice. Marlon.

Thanks guys.

Thanks guys.

Is he going? I know he's not going to the IFoLG show in Ft worth. I got an email saying he wasn't coming because his father passed away, and it put a lot of paperwork stress, grief, and things on his shoulders. I just assumed he wasn't going to make it there either. Marlon

I'm pretty decent with wood. I'm no Norm Abram but I can cut a few pieces. I was going to try and make the Al Stohlman version in the Hand Sewing leather book, but add some rear legs to it. I would probably make it with some nice wood though and therefore up goes the cost. Just wanted to see what you guys thought. thanks for the replies.

The one that I'm talking about is the kind you sit on.

I saw a stitching horse (stand alone version) for 100 bucks. Looks pretty sturdy in the photo. Just wondering your thoughts. Thanks, Marlon

I just use the diamond shaped awl. I have one straight one, and one curved one.

Thanks Paul. It's good to hear from someone with direct comparison experience. Marlon

Anyone using an Ol' Smoothie? What about the Ol' Smoothie Lite? How do they compare with Bob Beards Swivel Knives? Any other brands that you like? I know this is a big old can of worms, but.... All recommendations, suggestions are welcome. Thanks Marlon