billybopp

Even if her skills are top-notch, it is still probably a good idea to keep very different products separate. That keeps the focus of the store to they type of product being sold. Each has their own identity to appeal to different buyers. If a brand diversifies its product line, it can be a good idea to brand them differently. For example - Would you buy a gun holster from Hermes or Gucci? Probably not. Would you pay $1000 for a handbag from a holster maker? Again, probably not. It's probably better to re-brand the newer line. Just my thoughts - Bill

I use an acrylic gauge similar to the one that @zuludog posted from etsy. Works great, very simple. I found similar on ebay, but they are marked in mm rather than oz. - Bill

Wickett & Craig is very good leather. They are one of two remaining major tanneries producing veg tan in the US, with the other being Hermann Oak. I have only used their English Bridle, but their russet veg tan is highly regarded. Some like the way that Hermann Oak tools a bit better, but both are highly regarded. - Bill

According to Wickett & Craig's website, they list Coblentz Leather in Millersburg as one of their distributors.

Blessed are the cheesemakers? Always look on the bright side of life!

LOL! Love it! Thanks for a good chuckle. - Bill

Gray and white dyes are pretty awful, no matter the brand. It's more like paint, really. Impossible to get even when dying veg tan. I'd suggest get pre-dyed/drum-dyed for those two colors. - Bill

Whoa! You have tools made of METAL?

I really like the idea of a cot in the workshop. Naps are important! - Bill

Is this what you're looking for? https://sorrellnotionsandfindings.com/product/crimping-tools/ - Bill

I don't know of any way to lighten it. But dang! That's a nice design! - Bill

I have a civil war era Sauerbier strap cutter that was missing the gib for the blade, and made one from a nickel that I cut and bent. It cost me five cents, some propane for a blowtorch and some labor. - Bill

I find that this type of strap cutter works better with thick leather, and the wooden one better on thinner leathers. If you want a functional gib, it's not hard to make one and does keep the bar from getting buggered up. - Bill

... At the 30 second mark ......

In HS physics class, we divided up into teams to build bridges using nothing but popsicle sticks and glue, and then tested them for strength. My team won. But now they have many uses around the house both as part of leatherwork and many other things as well. In addition to what's listed above they're useful in tons of ways. From just a stick to try to get out little objects that roll under things to scraping and serving goopy things in the kitchen to forming a support for small sculptures and plastic models. Who knew such a simple thing could find so many uses. You can, of course, buy them unused at hobby shops and such - but it's more fun to buy the popsicles, eat them and get the sticks that way! - Bill

I agree with much of the above - I'd probably try to bring it back to life first, but if that doesn't work and you like the design, I'd probably disassemble it to make a pattern and re-create it! i like the design. - Bill

You might also try Lisa Sorrell @ https://sorrellnotionsandfindings.com/ She is a custom boot maker, and used to be a sponsor here on LWN, but i haven't noticed lately if that is still the case or not. She has a variety of tools, leather, lasts, and other supplies. -Bill

I was talking with an anthropology professor some years ago, and she told me that they had somehow discovered that throat skin from a seal is much like modern goretex - It is breathable, and passes water in one direction only. Ingenious! - Bill

I have to agree ... That's a workshop that I could deal with! - Bill

Some sort of dehumidifier might be good. You probably don't want a light source since that could possibly discolor your leather. For just head, I'd probably go with something like this ....https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KLZCDQH?pf_rd_r=2NF2ZEB06JHJEXEK3QN6&pf_rd_p=8fe9b1d0-f378-4356-8bb8-cada7525eadd&pd_rd_r=3bda8aee-7244-45b0-800e-e057d469968b&pd_rd_w=Tf3Nt&pd_rd_wg=07p3y&ref_=pd_gw_unk - Bill

Looking good. It's always a lovely thing when you get a commission - just to know that folks are willing to pay for work that you love to do! - Bill

Aint it great to have help with your work? - Bill

Well done! - Bill

You could, of course, sell them. There is a market for shoulders for sure. But imagine the marketing possibility of selling accessories made from the very same side that your belts are made from. 10-12 is thick, but if you get a skiver you could make wallets, key clips, and/or any of the things mentioned above. If you don't want to go to the expense of buying a splitter or the time to produce those items, partner up with somebody that can do those things and sell them to your customers on a consignment basis with your partner. Everybody wins that way! - Bill

You may want to do some searching on here - somebody did a post about beeswax/pitch/epoxy for a mug on here a few years ago. They had done some research on food grade epoxies for just this sort of thing. If I remember right, they had even researched epoxy for alcohol resistance, and even high temp for coffee, etc. - Bill