MonicaJacobson

Heh heh, thanks, that's a very helpful thought. There are so many amazing leatherworkers on this forum that's it's difficult to find the balance between what you can do at the moment and what you want to do eventually. CJ, I look forward to seeing your solution.

Hi, and glad to be of help! 1. The straps on the side are the same as the shoulder strap: 1 3/4 ". Unfortunately, I can't remember how long they were. In fact, I had to keep cutting them short when I miscalculated. 2. I'm sure I could have done this better. But I measured every 1 1/2 inches, and then removed a little more than 1/8 " of leather right on that line. Which leaves a little over 1 1/4" between each slot. 3. No, I only have the flap strap on the front, but that's not to say you couldn't have it all the way around. Mine measures 18 1/2 inches. I wove it in with the side straps, but it might look better sewn on. I'll be interested to see it when you get finished, if you plan to share!

Thanks!

Amazing. Thanks for the progress pictures!

Dude, that bag looks like it could survive a bomb. Cool!

Thanks Karina! I'm also considering getting some bison leather from buffaloleather.com. The price is excellent. 7.00 a ft. instead of 11.00 a foot.

I've been wanting to make shoes for a year or so myself, but so far haven't had the courage to give it a try, so I'll be watching your progress with interest!

Ridiculously cool, as usual.

Thanks! He wore it ALL day. And he'd better wear it more than once, that was the idea. He old fashioned armor. Maybe one day I'll help him make a complete set of armor!

Beautiful work! I like your in-progress pictures on your website as well.

I waited until the last minute to start making this, so of course it was rushed and sloppy. The edges are barely burnished. However, it was a fun project, and my son loves it! P.S. Need I add that it's for his Halloween costume?

Thanks Jenny, and Feraud! Jeremy, thanks for posting an actually usable template! Yes, I really should take the time to add pockets.. I always hesitate to start putting holes or grooving lines into leather so far away from the edge. It seems like an accident waiting to happen, even with a ruler.

Very professional looking, makes me want all of it.

I absolutely love this bag. Really nice. And bison is my favorite. I'm going to try to buy some soon for myself!

Jeremy, I'd love to see a picture! The masonite is a great idea.

Wow. He'll be very happy. It's beautiful!

Awesome!

Really fun! My boys would think that was an awesome present!

Bill, that is an excellent idea. Thank you!

I guess I need to leave enough to roll under, next time. However, I have a recovery plan for this one. Thanks!

Really amazing work. Way out of my league.

I was thinking of making a camera bag, but you just talked me out of it. WAY too much work. Regardless, it's a really cool bag! I love the mixed color leathers.

Really nice! I love the stingray, and the colors look very rich together.

Hey all, I need some advice. I made this pouch. I didn't really want to go all out on it because I didn't know how well it would work, but I ended up liking the look of it a lot. However, the soft leather edges are terrible. At least, I assume anyone who knows anything about it would think they were terrible. As I'm in the middle of making one more and I have another one cut out, I thought I'd ask if you guys have any advice about the best way to make the soft leather edges look nice. I don't have a skiving knife, but perhaps that's something I need to look into. One option I was considering was sewing a strip of veg tanned all along both sides and finishing that edge. Thanks!

Wow, kind of ridiculously cool.