Ski

Over tool them. Put a back ground in that should sort it.

Hi Paul, Just wanted to stop by and say your knife work is fantastic. When my firesteel runs low I'll be sure to come to you, or if my F1 needs restoring. Always wanted to try making my own knife, bought a few old files, but as most hobbies it got put on a back burner as I lack a decent grinder. I wish you a speedy recovery and hope you get back to what you love doing by January. Until you recover, or sort out your machine, I would be glad to (hand) stitch the occasional sheath for you free of charge.

Access please.

that is beautiful! One of the best sheaths I've seen.

Yes the stitching all the way around prevents the leather from stretching for sure. Very labour intensive if you want to hand stitch it all the way round, I also did it on a curve, so the inner piece of leather is shorter than the outer, thus less stress on the stitches when its around my dogs neck.

HI, Im in Manchester, unsure what machine I need, one that I will not struggle with in terms of replacement / modified parts. Im not in any hurry, if I know what to look out for I could take my time. Can you get cowboy or number 6's in the UK? Ive used industrial machines before, but never serviced them.

Hi! Welcome. Best thing to do is practice. I made a collar best I could, then used it on my 35 ..at the time.. KG Doberman. After 10 months it was heavily worn and I could see where the weaknesses were and what needed improving. the result was a 5mm leather stitched onto a 3mm leather and I ensured the stitching was hidden, within a groove so him scratching would not effect it. 2 years on the collar is not showing any signs of wear and he is now 45KG, scratches it daily, gets it wet and pulls a lot.

Hi Guys, I want to be on a look out for a sewing machine in the UK for my needs, so far all the sewing machines recommended on this site don't seem to be available on this side of the pond. Can anyone point me to in the right direction, what make / model I should be looking for, that is widely available (plus parts) in the UK ? I want the machine to be able to sew 3 layers of 4mm of hard leather, with the thickest thread possible.

Never mind semi circle, I struggle in a straight line! Nothing worse than screwing up on the stamps once you have everything cut out and ready to go.

I got a 2mm piece and shaved it at the back. Used some very thin leather for the inside lining. turned out good, but a headache skimming it.

haha! Pretty much all leather will dint and scratch really, but you will find it will buff out. The stiffness will eventually disappear too. Obviously this is not as it should be, but for your first belt you can turn a blind eye to it. Everyone will tell you a different finish to use. Resolene might be best to stop the dints and scratches, although I find using carnauba crème gives me a very nice aged look that is not too shiny, and I like the dints and scratches. The first scratches hurt a lot, then by the time its all scratched up it looks the part, and when you re-treat the leather and buff it, usually its as good as new Sno-Seal is pretty over the top I think as its waterproofing, which may not be that necessary for a belt. I too was drawn to this hobby because of a need for a real belt, something I could use as a strop in the field.

No pics = it didn't happen

Hi sharkeyfinn OK so start with a iphone case. get some 2mm veg tanned cowhide from The Identity Store (I buy large £110 pieces as I will use it all) 2 diamond shaped awl's pack of stitching needles 0.8mm or close to thread If the thread is not pre waxed, get a small amount of bee's wax edge beveller edge burnisher (or use an antler) Leather Dye Leather treatment of your choice. with the above you can create a quality iphone case. Try and buy the budget type of tools, most likely they will last you years anyway. Feel free to email your order to the shop, get them to eye ball it so ensure it will all work together, they are usually good like that.

Hello, welcome!

Love the progression. Addictive huh?

I would of been tempted to use black thread, also invest in an overstitch wheel or a pricking iron to make the stitching neater. But really good work, if you saw my second project you would have a giggle

I use a cheap handle with interchangeable diamond shaped awl blades. maybe 4000 stitches later and its still good, still same blade. Ive dulled the (top) edges so the last final push stretches the leather and not cut it, and ofc strop it every now and then. So far it works fine for me and I don't have a need to buy a expensive one, especially when there are other tools I still need (like a head knife for example, which is important to buy a expensive one).

Superb!

Very Impressive! Well done!

Stuff lasts forever. Bought maybe a dozen 1inch square blocks 3 years ago, still using my first block. Found other uses for it like mixing it with paraffin and linseed oil to treat metal tools like axe's etc..

oo, I regularly shop at Abbey but never thought to ask them the source of their leather. Leprevo is good but the ordering system is terrible.

Hi Zip, I bought it from a UK supplier and was told they source their leathers from Spain. Give them a try they are very helpful they might point you in the right direction www.theidentitystore.co.uk As it happens, I'm on the lookout for English leather with no luck so far.

Thank you. being 50 inches long took a long time to sew together but proud of this one

<--------- mine is in my avatar

Hi All, I've never really shown my work here, but I guess its about time I show you a belt Ive made for myself since my last one has disappeared somewhere and I feel naked while camping without one. Made from Spanish Veg Tanned Cowhide, 0.3cm and 0.2cm hand sewn together using 1mm Tiger thread. Treated in neatsfoot oil only. Your comments are most welcomed.