Ken Nelson

PM sent, Ken

Weaver Leather. Ken

Cajun, would you like to sell this machine. Ken

Call Cobra Steve, You will be surprised! Ken

Where I grew up, on the northern plains, the older men used to tell me that cattle had to be mature to make good leather. I remember when most of the cattle in the Nebraska Sandhills, South of I-90 in South Dakota and a lot of Eastern Wyoming went to the feedlot as long yearling cattle. I even remember when a few outfits run big steers (long two year olds). Cattle were fed longer, most of them were of strong hereford influence. There were no implants and few or no chemicals fed to these cattle. I also suspect the tanning process was different then. A lot of people ate their own grass fat cattle back then. They were often close to 3 years old and BIG. Hides brought $2.50. Maybe fed a little grain for a month or two. I doubt most consumers would eat it today. In fact, I bought a quarter of beef a couple of years ago like that, I loved it but most of my guests thought it was less than good. I get disquested with fat wrinkles in leather these days and the fact they run off more than they used to. I also get some really good hides. I think most of our suppliers do a good job with what they have to work with. I guess most things change over time and we will adjust or just Quit. A few thoughts, Ken

I have used Texas thread company and been satisified with their products. I get some of my thread from Ferdco and is is great. I have not had good luck with the thread Weaver sells. Tandy is outrageous on their prices. Just my opinion. Ken

It looks like a Landis 1 to me.

I think the machine looks like it could use some lubrication.

Barry King, Bob beard, Clay Miller, Hackbarth just to name 4 and there are a lot more out there. Clay is a member of this forum. Clay Miller, Hackbath and Barry King have quick turn around. Good tools are an investment for the serious leather worker. I have tools from all 4 of the above and all are very good, in my opinion. Clay is kind of a "new kid on the block" and extreme value for the money spent. Just my opinion. Ken

Hide house

Ebay, the machine is 3 years old.

Very nice and looks like a lot of work. Just found the post a few minutes ago. Ken

Actually, there are probably more cattle being slaughtered at 14 months old than 20 the last few years. Age does play a significant role in the size and quality of leather. Also and more important is the fact that cattle are killed at a lighter weight than ever before and that combined with the young age(which is an off shoot of the lighter weight) Another factor is the influence of european breeds and their crosses with the traditional English breeds. Hereford cattle for decades were considered the best for quality leather ( I don't know if that was true or not) Northern cattle will have a thicker more dense hide if they have been through a couple of winters. I beleive it is a combination of a lot of factors. My 2 cents worth. Ken

May I ask where did you get the decals. It looks SUPER. Ken

I have an opportunity to purchase an 8 1/4 wide Krebs splitter in pretty good condition. It needs the blade ground by a professional as it has been butchered by someone who didn't know what he was doing. Is the width unusual and could I get a ball park of what it might be worth. It is a little rough but could be made to look like new with a few hours of work. It has a Krebs name plate on it. Thanks. Ken

Like I said, Clay Miller really impressed me with the two thumbprints he made for me. I have a Bret Bronsen round knife I really like and it is reasonably priced. I hope some of the other members will add a name or two they have had good luck with. AND, I have a couple of beard beader blades I am really proud of. I looked at some established makers tools this week at a friend of mines house. They definately deserve the reputation they have. I have some Horseshoe Brand stamps I really like, Some Hackbarth that are very nice and quite a few Barry Kings. If all of us would just consider some of the newer makers, we would have up and coming makers for a long time. Thanks Ken

There are some toolmakers out there that have a pretty quick turn around that still make a good tool. It may not be quite up to Bob's tools (reputation wise) but they are good none the less. They make good stuff and some of them will be in the class of a few of the masters if given enough time. Some of them are quite reasonable on prices and are way better than mass produced tools. I got a couple of thumb prints from Clay Miller last week. Best bang for my buck in quite a while. He is knowledgeable and will work with you to get you the tool you need. I expected a good, nice tool but was pleasantly surprised by how good and Nice they are. If we don't give these new guys a chance, we will not have custom handmade tools in a few years. There is room for newcomers if they want to make good stuff. My 2 cents worth. Ken

I just got 2 new thumbprints from Clay Miller this week. Very nice, professional tool at a most reasonable price. Turnaround was excellent too. For the price, quality and service, he is hard to beat. You can find him on this site. Thanks Ken.

There was a group of vintage leather stamps, 43 from a saddlemakers estate on Ebay that brought $1325.00. Does anyone know what there are? Thanks Ken

I have a 10 year old Lubertos Classic for sale. It is in excellent condition, has the adjustable foot, bobbins, book, stirrup plate, custom stand, motor and speed reducer. Sews like a dream and is easy to sew with and maintain. 575-356-3628 business hours. located in New Mexico.

I have a Ferdco 1245 for sale. Machine is in excellent condition and includes, motor, stand, light, needles, bobbins, book and zipper feet. $1250.00 FOB Portales, NM

That is some NICE stitching. Thank you for the information. Ken

I beleive that saddle is a calf roping saddle and probably dates to the the 50's or 60's. Might be a Bob Crosby or maybe an early Chuck Shepard, or something else. The horn is a Pelican and was quite popular in that time frame. Looks like a high quality saddle in good shape. Just my 2 cents worth. Ken

I have no idea of who made it. The leather covered riggin rings tell me it is pretty old. The rawhide on the horn is the tree covering and really; should be recovered to protect it. Unusual for sure. Sorry I could not be of help here. Ken