Basically Bob

Wow! Good job!

Looks great!

Nice work!

Great work! Thanks for sharing!

Looks great! Thanks for sharing!

... an interesting discussion, for sure. Reflecting on my own leatherworking experience, I find it fascinating, how, when I first started to construct things, (following the projects in Valerie Michael’s book) I poked myself with the awl, frequently. The most frustrating thing about that was not the “pain”, but rather that the project was often ruined from the blood that dripped on it. It didn’t take long to learn that as soon as I felt the “poke” to quickly get my finger away from the project. What I find fascinating, is that I eventually learned how not to poke myself with the awl. I have no idea when it happened, it just happened ... with experience. Like learning to ride a bike, I suppose. I often use Stohlman’s case making books as a reference. I know that if I follow his methods that my project will be functional and “technically correct”. That being said, the professionalism of the finished project is determined by how well I have learned and applied a collection of basic skills, that improve with practice and experience, like cutting, stitching, skiving and edge finishing.

Sweet!

A big reason for this problem, I believe, is that we tend to put pressure against the ruler with the cutting edge and also that the blade is on an angle. I have been very intentional when coming to the end of a cut to try to hold the knife perpendicular to the surface rather than on an angle. And also paying attention, so that the knife continues straight at the end of the cut. This has helped a lot.

Looks great! Thanks for sharing!

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!