Redbeard

A wonderful idea! Think I might try this with one of my bowie knives.

I've done a couple and you learn from each one. I think you did a great job. Someone told me that when it comes to flasks, remember what goes in them. LOL

In the EastBay myself. If we get enough of us we could meet for coffee or something. Anyway, welcome.

Welcome! Did you really pawn your laptop to buy the starter kit? Tools? Well the quick and dirty answer is e-bay. Then there are yard and rummage sales plus my favorite, flea markets. The better answer is to become a member at your local tandy leather factory store. The discounts are substantial if you really get into this hobby. First things first though. Learn how to use everything in that kit. I do some carving but most of my items are those I make for a specific need or it's an idea that pops into my head. For example. I had this idea for a large bag to put expended shotgun shells in. Most ranges expect you to pick up your brass. About 12" on the bottom and multi paneled. Well, after using a few dusty math skill concerning circumference I used some scrap pieces too make six panels. Some hole punching and rawhide weaving later I had a bag that was ready for some eyelets and draw cord. The point it that our craft has many elements, from the complex carving and assembley of a saddle, to the simple drawstring bag.

First off TJ let me say that your carving and lettering is very nice. If what you did on the seat isn't the Logo of Red Horse Choppers, it should be. Secondly and from a fellow riders point of view, the top lacing would start to dig in to your leg after a while. Thats why most are stiched at that seam. If you don't have your own leather machine, and you should if you are going to do this type of work for profit, the local shoe repair guy does and you can work something out with him. Have them use black and you'll have a kind of pin stripe that will look great on that top seam and the short, vertical one. I like the lacing on the bottom very much and think it is unique. You asked TJ and those are my thoughts

Nice work! Even empty I think it must have some weight.

Very nice work! Someone said that we don't see much carving that is dyed black. Western holsters and saddlery used to be finsihed in black. I think Richard Boones rig in Paladin was black...could be wrong. Just think that in two years your wife will want to upgrade her tablet and you'll have a new project! lol Sorry couldn't help myself.

Hello Dennis and welcome. Don't worry, you'll pick up all kinds of information from the great carvers on this site. The key is to practice. It makes our hobby so much more fun when you have some basic skills.

Great to have you with us Eric.

Just combined two Tandy kits to hold my new Buck 119 and the Smiths sharpener. Learned not to stamp where I'm going to mold the leather. Changed the keeper for the knife and I'll post that picture shortly.

LFD 38. Welcome. I'm rather new on this forum myself and I'm already learning so much. Grew up in Belmont, Mass and in Maine. Nice work. Like your stitching. Redbeard

LOL BigGunDoctor. That explains the desire for naps. Noticed that you are learning about making a trench coat. Made a western style duster a couple of years back. Turned out okay but I can only imagine making a fully lined leather trench coat. Redbeard

Also have Brian out in Tracy.

Hello Brian from Fremont.

Thought I would say hello and thank those that started this site. I got back to working with leather just after I retired and when my brother in law heard, he sent me his tools to get me started. Like many, I did some kits and found those a great starting point. Once the bug hit I starting making leather bags for everything. Headphones, charging cords, pieces for a roll up backgammon set and many more. Nothing special really just learning to lace and sew leather on a sewing machine. Then I needed a case for my passport. It was my first carving and, well, I'm still working on those skills. I also wanted to try Leather molding and my new liquid filled compass needed a much better protective case than came with it. There are some pictures on my blog of some items I have made . http://www.krabtree.blogspot.com Hope to learn a lot and have fun doing it when I am not writing my novels .... or taking pictures ... or riding my motorcycle. Dang, you are busier after you retire. David