Basically Bob

Mike, if you area able, sign me up. Bob

Wow! Very cool project!

Very, very cool! Thanks for sharing!

Looks great! Thanks for sharing!

Here are a couple of ideas: - make a mask that you could position on the flat leather, covering everything except the seam allowance and then use a spray adhesive for the seam allowance. - increase the width (slightly) of the leather, just enough to relieve some of the pressure on the seam. I would try this with cardboard first and then if it works make a jig to position the flat leather and mask to ensure accuracy and speed up production.

i Have been following Don Gonzalez’ method of antiquing using Tan-Kote. Can someone tell me what the primary differences are between Tan-Kote and Bee Natural RTC? I understand that RTC has a more durable finish. Is there anything else?

Your concern is well founded and I struggled with this as well. I find that many leather workers have edge finishing techniques look great on the bench but like you, I want an edge that looks great after a lot of real life use. Here’s what I am doing at the moment with bridle leather belts. Bevel, sand lightly & dye. Let sit for 24 hrs. Burnish. I finish with resolene (cut 50/50 with water) - lightly burnishing after each of 3 or 4 coats. I have been wearing a belt finished using this technique, daily, for almost 6 months and the edge still looks good. Not like new, but it is the best wearing edge that I have found.

Would love to go there ... hoping for next year!

... Sheilajeanne, I am from the town of Simcoe, near Lake Erie.

Sounds like a great event! Hope to make it there with a Grandkid or two

It sure is!

They look great, RockyAussie & thanks for sharing! I really appreciate your experience, production creativity and willingness to share!

Looks really nice!

Wow! The bag looks great and you did a wonderful job with the video. You really put a lot of thought into the process and I have a great deal of respect for that. I am sure that your girlfriend is thrilled with her new bag! Thanks for sharing ... looking forward to seeing more of your work!

Wow! Great job!

Some good ideas here!

I use a hot creaser ... heat it with a torch until it is really hot - normally over-heated. I test the heat by repeatedly pressing the creaser on a piece of scrap. As soon as it stops burning the leather, I start using it.

Two of the handiest measuring tools I use are a flat, 6"square and a centering ruler.

Wow! That’s beautiful & some pretty nice thread to boot!

I like it! Was thinking of doing something like this for myself with a leather pocket to hold a few small tools that I always seem to misplace while I am working. Ie: Scratch awl, 6” square, knife

Re padded straps ... one of the reasons many players do not like padded straps, especially if they sweat a lot, is that the strap will really start to stink after while from the sweat.

Nice work.

Every aspect of that sleeve looks great! Thanks for sharing!

Great work! I especially appreciate the detail and skill required to put theat bag together ... a showcase of Leather working skills done right!.

Looks like a good solution. I like it!