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TSes

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Posts posted by TSes


  1. Not sure what you are trying to achieve, but block dying only dies the top surface of the leather, leaving the stamped or carved work un-dyed. Antiquing does just the opposite, by filling in the stamping/carving work. Block dying is done with a not too soft sponge, and a light touch so it slides across the surface. Antiquing is done with a dauber, or sheep's wool, or a soft cloth so you can work it down into the cuts. Hope this helps. 


  2.  

    If you're going to make sheaths for folders, you could probably make two or three sizes and have a good chance to fit several brands. But straight knives are a different story. We get a couple requests every week for straight knife sheaths, and I don't think we've ever made two the same.  Too many shapes. 

    Buying a couple knives and using them to show your work is a good idea. But over the last couple years or so, knife prices have skyrocketed. Custom made knives are out of reach for most people. It's even hard to find a "custom" factory knife for under $100. But don't give up. There's a big market for sheaths out there. 


  3. Try cutting your leather about 1/2 inch longer than needed. Then cut the fringe, leaving that extra length on the bottom uncut. That way every thing stays straight and even. When all the fringe is cut, cut off the extra length, leaving the fringe the right length. I hope I explained that clearly enough.


  4. Welcome. I hope you enjoy your leather experience. As far as your questions go...    #1 (first #1) Tandy tools are a good place to start. Better tools are available, but until  you get some experience, expensive tools aren't needed yet. #1 (second #1) Dividers will make a nice line to follow on wet leather for stitching. Plus they have other measuring uses. A groover will remove a small amount of leather from the surface, and allow stitching to be a little more protected. Both will make decorative lines on projects #2 No need to overstitch if you use a hammer. #3 An awl would be nice to have. I have a 4 prong and 2 prong chisel and they cover all my needs for stitching. But sometimes an awl will be needed for special projects. Even though I use chisels, I use an awl while stitching to open the holes slightly, and help line up the needle on the backside of the hole. Strap punches make life a lot easier, but cutting with a Stanley knife will work. A round knife, or head knife will work, but sometimes there's a long learning curve with those. And they could be very expensive. As you progress, they might be more attractive to you, but get some experience with the entry type tools. Good luck.

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