immiketoo

Honestly, I think its just over oiled.

I think its spue. The fats from the leather moving to the surface. Its very common on things that sit in the right conditions, and it comes off easily as well. But he asked how to recreate it, so ...

Lacing is plenty strong, and Roo is exceptional. You can make this quiver worthy of roo easily. Just take your time with the details and don't worry about the quality. It's in the details.

Use diluted white or off white acrylic paint to get the same effect.

I use Bee Natural RTC finish. Just because its not so shiny as resolene. Seals great for antique and looks good.

Nah, there are so many things I am not a master of, its depressing. I just am pretty ok at figure carving

Reindeer, despite what Jeff says, there is a lot of value in watching how certain techniques are done and how a tool might be used differently. This is why trade shows like Sheridan and Prescott are so popular, and why Bob Beard travels the world teaching. Most people lack the ability to accurately describe a complex process in a way that will make sense to everyone, hence the term a picture is worth a thousand words. I started www.learnleather.com because I was as frustrated as you with the lack of quality instruction available online, and because not everyone can afford the thousands it takes to go to a show. I have many classes from true professionals on my site. Bob is talking about a class by Chan Geer that is fantastic. That being said, you are having several issues that can be addressed. What tools are you using to carve? Do you have the proper figure carving bevelers? Without them, it's quite difficult to get the proper effect. Stohlman's book is fantastic, and a great resource, but it doesn't preclude other resources. As for you wanting a video on the use of the modeling spoon, I have one on my site that has been recommended by folks like Peter Main. Its just me, and as such, I am willing to offer this video class to you for free just so you can see if its a format you like. Here is the link, if you want the class, message me privately and I will send it to you. http://www.learnleather.com/shop/modeling-spoon-basics/

That's a nice looking shop, Jess. I love the feel of the place and it looks like you've thought out the work space as well. Kudos to making your dream a reality, and I wish you the best. The problem you describe with an apprentice is not uncommon, and I distinctly remember an old man with a shoe shop offering to pass on his knowledge and his shop to a dedicated person. I know he went for years without fulfilling that offer. I'm not sure what happened in the end, though. The problem is understanding the average teenager these days. As a police department training officer, I saw this issue manifest in a variety of ways. Young people do not seem to have the same mentality of those of older generations, especially those who have served in the military. They are a generation of instant gratification, and I can see where the no pay option would begin to chafe, as my officers made well over 60k a year to start and we couldn't motivate them to learn new skills without ordering them to do so. Its a sad commentary on our times, but most 15 year olds don't know what they want 3 weeks from now. I was certainly that way when I was that age. All I wanted was something to keep my interest and to chase Tammy around the room whenever we were together (Thats probably only one thing, actually). The trick is finding someone who is interested, and then challenging yourself to keep them motivated while they learn. Apprenticeships in the past, and those still in effect today, offered compensation on several levels. Room and board, food and a small wage for incidentals in addition to learning a trade. Contrary to the past, we have a lot more distractions available to us today and convincing a child to ignore youtube, FB, snapchat, pinterest, ect. ad nauseum is a nearly impossible task. It's about perceived value to them, and not being bored. Most kids out of college expect a six figure job and are emotionally unprepared to learn that they have to gain some experience before anyone would actually hire them. Just some thoughts on the matter, but perhaps you could look at your apprenticeship offer from a different perspective and package it for your intended target? Anyway, great workspace, and I hope you find someone soon!

Well I've only been at it for 4 years, so I can't say from actual experience, but Ive seen painted pieces that are over 20 years old and they still look great. Acrylic paint is essentially plastic when it dries so its very durable. The pieces Ive done look exactly the same as they did when I first made them, 1, 2 3 or 4 years later. Time will tell, I suppose.

I'm certain I could, although it would be much more difficult than a dragon. Especially if it was someone you know. But, if you take the time to perfect the colors, its just a matter of technique. Good carving helps too.

I never thought about it like that, but that's a good point! I like function as much as anyone, but I like it to be pretty too.

Thanks, everyone. Simple stuff, but fun. Got tired of cutting myself on them.

After making the first sheath, I decided to make another one. And a third, which isn't pictured. I enjoy these quite a bit as they are a bit challenging from a construction standpoint. If you're interested in the pattern, this is for a Knipshield French head knife, and you can find it here:

Mine isn't the same copy as that video, but it is Chan teaching the same topic, so how different can it be? And theres no shipping

The same video as what?

Thanks, man. Lol...I say that all the time!

I think Pine would hold up just fine. I use MDF and its fine. Ive even stamped over one of my pocket knives, and it was ok too. Light taps until its set.

Thanks! Its easy once you figure out a few things.

You can't. Ever.

This is how zombies are born. Burn it with fire!

Thats the right time to do it. What did you wet mold around? Usually I use that form to make the mark.

Pretty clean work for your first time. When did you put your makers mark on?

On the opposite side of that argument is that the dye doesn't penetrate as deeply, but thats not a huge issue in my experience.

Try www.learnleather.com There is excellent video content there.

In addition to those listed above, Ed Labarre, Robert Beard, Chuck Smith, Sergey Neskromniy and Henley are all makers of fine knives. If you want to stick to standard blades, most of these will fit Tandy standard blade shaft size.