Rawhide

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

Here's the link I mentioned. They are called Quilter's thimbles. Helps a ton. There are several styles to choose from, so you can reasearch that if you care to do so. Have a good one. http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CAT...p;source=search

Here's what I've found. Waxed thread willget darker when you pull it tight. this is of no consequence whent the thread is black or brown. But it makes white thread look dingy or dirty, even though it's brand new. I use linen unwaxed thread, wax it with a clean block of beeswax, and have no problems. Keep trying with the awl in hand and needles. I prefer the awl because of the smaller holes. You can't poke too many though, because they will close up on you, so it's best to punch a couple, stitch a couple, and so forth. I am still having a time trying to hold the awl and needles, but it prevents it from falling on the floor. Also for your blisters, I found some leather thimbles at Joann fabric to slip over my pinkys. They are white leather on one side and multicolor eleastic on the other. I'll see if i can find them on the website and post a link. Hope this helps. Marlon

maybe it is placebo effect. . I do know what I feel. I feel a difference if I strop it. However, stropping a hollow ground steel blade, the smooth feel lasts about twice as long as the smooth feel of the stropped ruby, but I still feel a difference. Sorry that goes against all the technical mumbo jumbo that you know. Say what you will, it works for me Marlon

Very nice. I would have ran my stitches all the way around the corners though. Hint: when dying products black, first dye them blue, brown, or green, then dye with black. (Blue, may be the preferred) Marlon

Yeah the white "jeweler's rouge" sold at Tandy is the Aluminum Oxide form and is used to strop swivel knives, or any blade edge you want to keep polished.

I'll be there...wait a minute, I'm already here. I hope to meet all of you. I'll probably attend Friday's show, maybe Saturday. Marlon

This is the one I've used since I started and I think it's fine for beginners.

Thanks for the responses folks. Just Wakin' Up I'd be glad to share. When I get home, I'll get it to you. Don, I've never tried Tankote. That gives me something to go buy. abn, I was hoping you would chime in. I like the look of the finishes you do on your projects. Teach me!!! Marlon

I posted this in the dyes & finishes and had no responses, so I'm posting here. What would you suggest as a topcoat finish for this photo album, neatlac, supersheen, satinsheen, etc... Thanks, Marlon

I've been to this museum several times and it impresses me everytime. There is always some detail that stands out that "wasn't there before". It's amazing to see that all of Al & Ann's books are actually carved in leather. Each lesson and page is shown in succession. Simply amazing. I recommend this museum as a must on any leather crafter out there, rookie to professional. Fortunately for me, I live in Ft. Worth, so I can visit often

MAN!! would I love these. If you find out. Let me know as well. Marlon