MattW

The tool was A103 Background Tool from tandy. I used the straight row of four small bargrounder to do the edges of the design then filled in with the a103. I'm thinking about haveing a custom one made that would be closer to what you'd see on an engraved gun.

Please add me to the list of folks impressed by the snaps. I want some when you are ready to sell. How many designs will there be for the covers? Victorian scroll maybe???? Matt

Very nice! Great concept with the matching wallet. The contrasting thread adds a lot the the effect. I hope you charged a lot! Matt

The scroll design is entirely original. I used a scroll template set from GRS for most of it. Did some freehand to fill in big blank spaces. The contrast is from using feibings antique leather stain and using a damp paper towel to "pull" the stain off of the raised areas. Alot of research went into the design before I picked up a pencil. books by ron smith on drawing scrolls. studied everything in print with L.D Nimschke's work in it. Matt

Thanks for the compliments, The stamp on the belt is a Rams Curl from Robert Beard. When doing the background I overlaped just a little. This is a forgiving stamp for backgrounding and gives the correct "punch dot" impression you would see on engraved firearms.

An American scroll style design.

So, how easy is it to adjust the width. Very easy, just loosen the knob at the back and slide the guide to the desired width. Is the leather held down at the blade, like the wood one's Tandy sells. Haven't looked at the Tandy one in a while. The leather is held down by the top of the guide and the angle of the blade. Matt is that the same as the one I bought in Wickenburg? This is actually the 3rd incarnation of the Cut Quick. There are some subtle differences. I'll try to take some pictures of both and post them. Esantoro, I haven't used either of the cutters you mentioned so I can't compare. However, The U shaped guide works better for me than the old Strap Master. I have the top and side of the guide to place the leather against. If I keep the guide on the leather it cuts fast and accurate. Most of my strap cutting is on <8 oz leather. I glued leather to the underside of the guide to reduce the space there. If the gap in the guide is closer to the thickness of the leather you are cutting you don't get any curling that may affect the accuracy of the cut. Hope this helps. pictures later this week.

I can answer any questions about this draw knife. Matt

Thanks for the warm welcome folks. Luke, I have aquired two collections of the old John Bianchi Histographs over the years. There are five total. Of which "The Wild Bunch" is one. I got every one of them from EBAY. I have a couple of reprints available. I'll trade you something for it. (old tool, rare pattern, deed to a silver mine ) Calleather, The Shop is in Cathedral City, Ca. Thanks again for the warm welcome. Theres lots of great info on this site !

I am the shop manager for John Bianchi's Frontier Gunleather. Here's one of my favorite projects. Lots of great information on this board. Hope I can contribute my share. Matt Whitaker