KI4WLG

Unfortunately not, I never did get into leatherwork a I had hoped to (or at least not yet). I just happened to see the email on your reply in my forums inbox folder. Sorry I can't be of any help with a pattern. I will say that if I were going to make one out of cloth (which I have done for tools before) I lay out my tools on a large piece of cardboard and sketch out the base layer, then the top layers. I've used cardboard patterns like that a few times with cloth work projects and they work fairly well. Don't see any reason it won't work with leather too. Good Luck!

A few months late getting on this thread, but as a cyclist in my spare time I can sympathize with this want. I might be able to help you with finding some direction (not sure if I'll be much help on finding the pattern as I'm new to leatherwork myself) but I have a question first. What style of bag are you wanting to make here? The classic rollup style (http://lemolobags.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/huf-tool-wrap.jpg) the pouch style which resembles a rollup bag (http://www.crowcycleco.com/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/8/0/800-004_4.jpg) Or the under saddle "wedge" (http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/632142196/Free-shiping-Cycling-font-b-Bicycle-b-font-Bike-Saddle-Outdoor-Pouch-Wedge-font-b-Pack.jpg) -KI4WLG

Alright, well I've decided what knife to get (going with the Barry King 7/16ths barrel with a thin 1/4" straight blade). But I realized I forgot to ask a pretty important question... what tool do y'all use to transfer the pattern from tracing paper to the leather? I see that tandy makes a tool for it, as does BK, but di you really need to get the tool or is there a better item out there to use? -KI4WLG

Sounds good, I'll start looking to get lots of leather for practice. One more question (for now ) on the swivel knife. I'm seeing lots of different size options for barrel diameter. What is better to start with? a fatter barrel or a skinny barrel?

Wow, I really appreciate the speed of responses here and the encouragement. I understand both sides, the get started cheap side and the get the expensive stuff cause it'll resell fairly well. I think I'm going to end up going the latter route there. I've dome some crafty stuff before and think I have a good chance of succeeding in this endeavor, so I'm willing to take the chance and start with the higher end tools. My goal is to get to the point of being able to make some well tooled accessories for my shotgun (shell holding stock cover, a new sling and a scabbard style case). I've got the patience to do lots of practice, so no worries there. Any recommendations on the best thickness of leather to practice on (and a source for scraps?) Thanks for the warm welcome! I'm looking forward to this adventure -KI4WLG

Hey y'all! Alright, I have decided (now that I have a stable job, woohoo!) to start getting serious about getting into leather work. I know what I want to be able to do and have a plan on how to get there. I just need advice on tools. Due to budgetary constraints, I'm going to slowly be investing in the tools. My goal is to teach myself and learn how to do tooling somewhat like the Sheridan style, but have my own influences into it. I figure that the best place for me to start is learning to use the swivel knife. So what do I need to look for in a swivel knife? Since I am just starting out, are the cheaper Tandy ones alright or do I need to look for one of the ones with a ruby cutting edge? Anyone have an opinion? -KI4WLG

Hey howdy! I stumbled across this place thanks to Google and it's amazing searching powers. I am looking to give leather work a try. Specifically I think I want to learn the art of tooling and making stuff out of tooled leather. I have a tendency to bounce around from hobby to hobby and this is where I'm landing now. I think this could be one I stick with if I find I have the knack for it since I have a lot of friends from my horse riding and showing days in college; and a couple I've talked to about this stuff have expressed interest in having me do some work for them. So anyways, I have never done any of this before and want to give it a try. Any advice is welcome, I'm going to post some questions I already have in the right places on here so this is just the intro. But about me in general, I'm 25, live in Charleston, SC and am a Christian country cowboy who lives in the 'burbs. Pretty much sums me up. -KI4WLG "Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway." -John Wayne Rev. 22:1-4