Sjm1027

I have looked every ware for leather worker magazines but living in Massachusetts I can't find anything at my local book stores. I would like to use this thread to create a list of magazines for myself and others. Does anyone know anything about The Leather Crafters & Saddlers Journal? Thanks Steve

Looking for a pattern for an eye glass case, something with a pocket for a lens wipe and maybe a pen. Looking for something different. Thanks

I was wondering if leather had a cutting grain like wood does, if so how can you tell the direction?

So I spent the evening cutting some leather, and really trying to do some sharp turns. I am using a swivel knife with a hollow ground blade. While I draw the knife towards me and I start a turn sometimes I find myself stopping turning the leather and moving on... trouble with that is I can see a bump in the line. Should I be stopping or just completing the line? Sometimes the corner just clicks and I swivel the blade and all is well with the world. I don't know anyone in my area, it would sure be great to just watch someone... so I am asking if any of you can explain what you do. Do you spin the blade or the leather or both... How often do you strop? Do you use the flesh side of scrap or do you use something else? Thanks, Steve

Thanks Clay, Appreciate all your help Steve

Where did you get that stamp... Looks like a beauty! Thanks for the lesson! Steve

Yes I noticed that. As a beginner I tend to hash out (Beating a Dead Horse) to many details in my head and make a big deal over nothing... :deadhorse: So lately I just say what the heck and just get to it. I am ready to do my first piece, something small... been practicing a little today to get the feel... I got a side of leather to play with so I am in good shape. PS: I have always wanted to use that Beating a Dead Horse icon... I finally got my chance

Just wondering how you all wet your leather. Sponge or spray bottle. I read you have to wait until it comes back to the original color but how do you know when to re-wet... Can someone help with that please Thanks

I did just that, Went to Tandy yesterday, met Tony, great guy and spent a lot of time with me. I picked up the following to get me started: Poly Mallet, swivel knife with a good blade, needles, thread, punch, lacing chisel, and about 6 stamps. I also have a few books to read before I get going. But Tony gave me about an hour of explaining what I need to get started. So I have some leather, and more questions but I am enjoying reading and playing right now. I need a few more things but it can wait. Thanks for all your help Steve

Thanks Marlon, I just may go for the better knife because of the sale price. I will take your advice and ask to see if I can play on a scrap. I was like a kid in a candy store today. Can't wait to get started. Thanks for your help, Steve

I visited Tandy today. Come to find out they are only 2.6 miles away from where I work. (Dangerous) So today I picjed up the Leatherwork Manual and a catalog along with the Wholesale card. Tomorrow I am going back to pickup some tools so I can get started for the weekend. In the The Skiver Newsleather the have there is a knife on page 5 35049-00 regular $129.00 but a sale price of $79.99 I am reading that the swivel knife is the most important tool but is it really necessary to spend this much on a swivel knife? I don't want to buy cheap tools either I would rather buy once. But really, is this knife that much better than the rest? I was thinking the stainless steel knife for 35050-02. Are the Al Stohlman Brand tools worth the extra money? Thanks, Steve

Thanks to all that replied... I will be heading there this weekend and will for sure take all your advice. Good leather and good tools. I better get reading, thanks again Steve

Nice work, As I read through the posts trying to learn more and more on this craft it's work like this that excites me and gets me all fired up to learn more. Nice job Steve

My thoughts on my first trip to Tandy... I will take a trip to Tandy this weekend and I am thinking I would like to pick up some scrap leather, a knife, punch and some stamps... Maybe look at a starter kit just to get me going. First stop to get a good book... I figure I need to just start getting the feel of working the leather. I like making containers, bags, back packs, cigar holder, things like that... Not sure if it would be a good idea to get some leather and a pattern of something I may like... something simple like a small pocket book or wallet and have at it. Is this what most of you think would be the best way to get going? Any ideas on a really good instruction book? Thanks

Nope, none in Massachusetts... Oh well I was just lucky there is a tandy not to far from my work. Thanks

Thanks very much for the PDF. Yes I am sure it will help a lot. I will be heading to Tandy this weekend and pick me up some scrap leather and a few tools and just dig in. I am sure I will find a book that will also help out when I get there. Thanks to everyone for there help. Steve

I just signed up myself! Thanks

Thank you all, I just found out I have a Tandy Leather Factory in the same town I work. Looks like I will be making a road trip real soon. I will also check out the kits. Thanks Steve

All, I am new to this craft and have really never done much at all with leather. I want to get started and would like some opinions on how to start. I am learning a lot from this web site and would like to purchase a book too. Any ideas on how I can get started or I should say the best way to get started? Rhanks for all your help Steve