Basically Bob

Looks good. I especially like the card holders. Clean, functional. Thanks for sharing

Wow, that's absolutely gorgeous! ... and what a great company to be associated with!

Wow ... Looks great! I would love to sit down with that baby for a while.

Thanks, Sporq!

I started off with an Osborne awl but have settled in with a vintage awl. Just feels good in my hands. Overall length is about 5.5". I really like the narrow brass tip which is just 3/16" wide (because it allows me to get very close to the stitching line). The exposed blade length is approximately 1 1/2" long but I have 3 leather washers attached to the blade and this reduces the working portion to about 1 1/8". The leather washers help me control the depth of my strike. The blade is 2.5mm wide. I use Dixon pricking irons; 7 s.p.i. the chisels of the pricking irons are 3mm wide. I use 5/18 line thread. Works for me.

I purchased mine from Abbey England. Their customer service is excellent and I experienced absolutely no problems with shipping across the "pond".

Interesting ... I have never had this happen after dying a project. However, it always happens after "working" the leather on things like a guitar straps to make them more flexible. To minimize this, I try not to work it more than really necessary and then burnish the surface when complete. After 2 minutes on the video, attached, you will see how he "works" the leather and then, shortly after 3:40 he burnishes the leather to get rid of some of the wrinkles.

Very nice work!

Cyberthrasher, I followed your list and it works great. Good dye penetration and the edge is just fine. I decided to try another variant. After applying the dye, I rubbed and burnished the edge, again, with MPB and then applied another rubbing of wax. The edge with the dye, sandwiched between two rubbings of MPB Leather Dressing with a final rubbing of bees wax looks more polished and is, without a doubt, the best edgeI have achieved.

Thanks for the input, Cyberthrasher ... will give that a go, later today, and will post pics and results.

Like most others, here on the forum, I have tried many methods to achieve a professional looking edge and thought that I would share my latest. Frankly, I am blown away at how quick and easy it is to get a really clean, polished looking finish using this technique. I think that the attributes of mink oil/pine pitch and bees wax would make for a durable edge, but perhaps there is something I am missing. If you find flaw with this, I sure would like your input. 1) Bevel edges 2) Burnish the front bevelled edge, lightly, without applying liquids. (thinking that leaving the top and back unburnished will allow the MPB to penetrate the leather better) 3) dye 4) Rub in Montana Pitch Blend leather dressing with fingers 5) Burnish the edge; front, back and top 6) Apply wax and burnish again Here is a quick pic of one of my samples. Natural veg tanned leather with the edge dyed black

Thanks, skeeter ... much appreciated.

A good friend of mine brought me a guitar strap that was given to him by a close relative, more than twenty years ago. It's a great piece but unfortunately is very uncomfortable to wear because the nature of mystery braid digs into his shoulder. Here's my solution: I put together a hand stitched and 18" shoulder strap that attaches to the original. I used 8oz. veg tanned leather with a 2 oz., supple horse liner. It is quite comfortable now!

Thanks for the input! I am on the same page as you in terms of customer satisfaction for years down the road, so I really do appreciate your willingness to share.

Cyberthrasher & Lady Eagle, this is a very timely topic for me. Cyberthrasher, I have been using neatsfoot oil with Leather Balm/Atoms wax on pretty much everything I do, but have been wanting to play around with different conditioners/finishes. Just received some MPB oil & conditioner and some MPB leather dressing. Do you use the oil and conditioner or the dressing? (on guitar straps) Also, I use Fiebings Professional oil dye - I have noted on the Fiebings web site that Resolene is an acrylic based product. Is it suitable for the Pro oil dye? I sure like the look and feel of the neatsfoot oil / Leather Balm w/Atoms wax combo but really do want a pro product and happy customers.

Looks good!

I normally dye, condition and finish leather prior to stitching. I have not had a problem with dye bleeding into the thread, but, like Matt, would suggest that you try it first.

Your work is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Wow! Inspirational, for sure. Love it!

Welcome Crafter. It's always nice to see another Canadian on the board. Not sure where you are located but if you are close to Hamilton, it would be worthwhile stopping in to see the folks at Tundra Leather. They are happy to share their amazing skills with you and are also involved with the Leather Workers' Guild.

Thanks for sharing that, Hunio. What I REALLY appreciate about your work is the skill you demonstrate in design and execution of the technical aspects of advanced leatherworking.

I would make the case tight. wrap the phone in saran wrap and dampen the inside edges of the case with a wetted cloth (just wet, not dripping wet) wrapped around a bone folder, or ruler (don't soak the leather, just dampen it). Next, jam the phone in the case. Let it sit like that until it is pretty much dry. If it is too tight after doing that, you could cut out a thin piece of cardboard the same size as the phone and wrap it in saran again, dampen the leather and jam that set up in the case.

Wow! You, sir, nailed that one! Great job and I hope you continue to share.

Looks really nice! Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

Nice work!