Hi Im Joe

Double pierce for sure. Works very well if you are having trouble or the leather is very thick and you have to struggle to pull the needle through.

There are very few backpacks that stand up on there own IMO. I never try to stand mine up. I either lay it down flat or lean it on something. I wouldn't worry about that in the slightest.

That backpack is one of my favorite things I have seen you make! That is awesome. I love the soft front and the antique. Like a lot. Great job!

Sounds good!

Thank you very much!

I have the #9. They mark it as a number 9 but really its 8 sti. They mark it #9 because it has 9 teeth (at least I think that's why). If you are interested I would sell it to you. However, like I said...I think it could be ground down if you want to use fine thread. If you like the look of thicker thread it may be OK as is. The Japanese brand I have is Seiwa. They are made from tool steel and are very nice.

Yeah I use the Japanese style ones that are meant to be punched all the way through the leather. If you go with Dixon I have heard a lot of people on this board complain that the slits are too big for really high sti unless you get the "slimline" version. If it was me and I was going to buy a pricking iron to mark the leather with and then actually open the hole with an awl I would save up for the vergez irons. There is a reason Hermes uses vergez (maybe because they are both french?) but seriously I think its because they are the best. Having said that I have never used a vergez or dixon iron so I am just giving my opinion based on what I've read and not what I've experienced. I do have a CS Osborne pricking iron at 8 sti but the slits it makes are too wide for the sized thread I want to use. I am debating on grinding it down. I would listen to Macca as he knows what he's talking about. That needle sizing thing is freakin hilarious. How completely confusing could they possibly make it! Good luck and I can't wait to see your wallets...I"m betting they will be just as awesome as your bags!

I use the chisels. I get better results with them. But that's just my .02 cents. Also, unless you are going to use very very thin leather I would stick to around 6-7 stitches per inch. I'm sure others may disagree but that's what I have found got me the best results. I had problems trying to stitch heavier leather at high sti.

I think you want size 2 in the "3,2,1" option. You definitely don't want 2/0, 3/0 etc...as they all look enormous. For this wallet I used just over 6 stitches per inch and I used bonded nylon 207 machine sewing thread (T210). Size 207 thread is .508mm in diameter to give you a reference point. I hope that helps! Joe

Hmmm...I know Nigel refers to the needles he recommends as 002. http://www.fineleatherworking.com/leather-sewing-harness-needles Check that link it may help you figure some stuff out. Here's another: http://ludlowleather.com/products/john-james-harness-needles John James actual page: http://www.jjneedles.com/products/Saddlers-Harness-Needles-%252d-Bulk.html

I have ordered once from Springfield. I also was not happy with what arrived. However, they immediately fixed it and sent me out a replacement at no extra charge to myself. I will order from them again. Customer service was friendly and very helpful. Just thought I'd post my experience. YMMV.

Agreed. I would be interested in all the things you have listed. Patterns, tools, and leather.

I appreciate the mods here but I wish my comments weren't all deleted. Especially comments that are not offensive. I mean my last comment had nothing offensive in it at all. It was well reasoned and contained no foul language as well as no personal attacks. I guess I should just not bother commenting in these threads.

Thanks Russ. I'd say more but my comment would be moderated. Oh well. I doubt that is what made them successful.

Awesome pattern thanks for sharing.

Thanks Renee! I'll have to try the smaller needle and see if it helps.

I like the idea of using a wire like that! Very creative.

I like it! How did you do the handle? I really need to try doing some pleating but I really know I'm going to mess it up!

Thank you very much jr! Thanks Macca! However, you know deep down you will never be finished collecting..

Well I know the wife has plenty of that!

Sweet! I guarantee when they turn green my wife will want me to do something about it!

Well then....good to know. Can you remove the green by polishing? Thanks for the input that's good to know!

Thanks Bill. I'm sure the rivets will darken down over time. As far as turning green that I'm not sure of.

Man I went back and forth on this one. And actually it wouldn't have been any harder. I attached everything before I sewed the bag together. I guess I liked the more rustic look of having the rivet burr on the outside. Also I didn't want the user to reach in and scrap their hand on the burr.

Thanks guys for the great advice. Now I have to figure out where the hell I'm going to put it. My wife and I just sold our house and we are living with family while we build. Hmmmmm.....need to borrow someones garage I think.