rktaylor

Jim, I called the buyer this morning and as expected it hasn't seen much use. This was a 'one off' project for me so I can't offer much advice. @Goldshot Ronshared his pack saddle instructions after I was done. They are now in my 'instructions folder' for future reference. He might share them with you. Let me know how it goes. Randy

It wasn't sweat. I don't think it was sealed. I applied neat lac with a piece of shearling and since dye came off. I'll add another coat and put it back to use. I also think I'll stick with plain liners in the future. Randy

I have been using Gum Tragacanth and Tokonole for the past few months. Both are working fine, but I prefer Tokonole. That might change with more use, but it is my go-to at this time. Thanks for all the tips. Randy

I thought I had it buffed. No dye was coming off at that time. I will give the neat-lac a try. Thanks, Randy

I made a really nice lined belt for myself. I dyed the liner with Sheridan brown Pro Dye, oiled it with 100% neatsfoot, then sealed it with 50/50 resoline/water. The dye is rubbing off on my jeans. Should I add another coat of resoline or maybe some neat lac? What's the best way to prevent this from happening? Thanks, Randy

This belt is made with HO old world harness leather from Weaver. It's a little thicker than I intended, but it could double as a tow strap. I haven't written it a lot, but I like it. Randy

Ron, Wow. This was sure a long time ago. I ended up not building that saddle, but have built a few others. They are dominated by Will James, modified associations, and Buster Welch trees. I have recently used Timberline, Swanke, and Double L. They all seem to have their place. I really like Swanke, but they were 9 months out the last time I checked. I'm looking forward to seeing your saddle. Randy

Thanks. I'm looking for an easy, and effective, method for long straight bevels like belts. I watched a Don Gonzales video where he used a push beveler. Now I'm thinking the swivel knife beveler might be a better option for me. Randy

Sorry to hear about the gift card. That's unfortunate. I have been thinking about a push beveler, but now you have me thinking about the swivel knife. Have you used both? I'm also making a longer list of tools that I think I need. Randy

I am currently focusing on these as well (among others). My background areas always seem to grow. Your work looks great. Especially the decorative cuts as noted. Randy

Thanks for the suggestions. This sheath has a welt. I have tried wet forming, but I think I need to cover more of the handle. Wet forming is a skill, like many others, that I need to work on more. Randy

Thanks for the input. I've been focused on other projects recently, but will return to this soon. I can report that v2.0 and v3.0 (not shown) lost their retention after wearing for a day. I have plans for another version, but it'll be a couple weeks before I work on it. Randy

Thanks for the feedback. Here's v2.0. Critiques are always welcome, but I will note that I'm making these from scrap leather until I settle on a pattern. Both versions have welts, but the second one covers the tip better. I like this longer version, but there's still room for improvement. I think the stitch line along the top of the knife is too close near the handle and too far away near the blade. There's still time for input before the final build. Randy

DieselTech, Thanks for the compliment. He calls this a straight trapper. I've used it on anything from leather work to field dressing deer. I also think it could be longer and have some thoughts for other changes. I thought I would get input before I made the next one. Randy

I have two of these knives from a local maker and want to make a sheath. I made this real quick based on a similar sheath for a folding knife. I'm open for suggestions to improve the design for function and comfort. Thanks, Randy