TwinOaks

Depending on the type of rope, you might be able to 'compress' it by twisting it. Follow the direction of the rope and just twist it tighter. A set of clamps on a bar of appropriate length would let you work hands free once it's 'compressed'. Then, once you've covered it, release the extra twist(s) and it will return to it's normal size, filling out the leather.

Nope, Windy, none of my food has bones in it. The name stuck some time ago I believe, and for the reasons you presume. However, it's simpler to stick with a name that everyone knows than to start getting picky. Of course, then you'd have to think about the second word of the name- folder. Well, it certainly doesn't fold, and from what I've seen, it's used mainly for pressing or creasing. So back to the second part of the second sentence- it's easier for jammon (member) to say I sent him a bone folder/ slicker than to say I sent him a "chechen wood creasing, folding, and burnishing tool", because not everyone would know what chechen wood is. The generic 'bone folder' is more readily recognized.

Very nice, I like the coloring you've done.

For the cartridge loops: they're fine; it's the end of it I was talking about. Just that little piece that's sticking out in mid air in the second picture. As for a border, with the basket weave, I meant that before you get to the stitch, you tool in a camoflauge stamp at the end of the basket weave. It's a useful way to cover gaps and overlaps where the BW stamp doesn't get exactly to the end of the 'line', or...to get to the end, it would extend too far, possibly getting into the stitching groove. I suppose that's where the name of the stamp comes from...it camoflauges the end of the pattern, transitioning to 'untooled'. Did that help to confuse things? I hope not. Perhaps one of our members has (1) knowledge of where some pics are already posted showing this, or (2) has a camera with macro feature and can post some.

Wow! Thanks Myriam! Great tutorial- it was pretty easy to follow. Only suggestion I have is when showing the strands weaving into the existing braid, tie a string or other marker on the side of the loop that was covered first. This would help identify it when the whole piece is turned to show the back. Just a simple visual aid for those of us who got confused. And as to your reason for the leash being so short......just say it's for husbands.

Thanks, Barra, since I'm not fluent in Aussie, I was wonderin' what that was.

Thanks for the clarification, my friends. Clay, the link took me exactly where I needed to go. When I'm able, I'll order directly from him. Thanks for the contact info Beez.

Critique: First off, Welcome to Leatherworker.net! Very nice job. You did well keeping the BW lined up. As far as critiques go, here's mine- As I did on a sheath for a PIF gift, you ran the basket weave all the way to the edge. I think in the future I'll stop short of the edge and use a cam tool for a border of sorts. There's nothing wrong with running to the edge with the BW, but it seems kind of an abrupt transition. Also, where you cut the leather for the 'loop' that the holster sits in, you might consider using a small round punch at the end of the cut. This will help keep the leather from tearing. And, finally, the tab of leather from the cartridge loops looks a little out of place (where it hangs out over the front of the holster----but that might just be a perspective thing). Consider trimming it a little closer, or tacking it down. Again, you did a very nice job on it.

I'm looking to replace a few if not all my Craftools that have been recently purchased (I'm keeping the ones that are 30+ yrs old because they're made well). Beard tools are pricey, so I looked for Barry King tools. Montana Leather has them listed at one price, with a corresponding part number that exactly matches Tandy. Hidecrafter also has them listed, with different part numbers and at approximately 4 times the cost. Are these the same tools?? Is it even the same Barry King? I've seen the posts here, but can't determine the answer to my question. I do know that there's contact info for him, and I will go that route, but I'd like to know that I'm getting SS hand made tools by Barry King, and not some repackaged craftools. Does he have two production lines or something? Thanks for your replies, Mike

Copy away. The heart pattern is created by stamping with a D445S (craftool) and offsetting it like a basket weave. The pattern is in the '08 catalog and is beautiful. What they don't tell you is that you have to align everything just so...and that the current production run of that stamp is nowhere near symetrical. I picked up one while traveling through Montgomery, Al, and then by time I got home, the one on backorder arrived. Neither are really very well done, but what do you expect for Taiwanese made stamps that are poorly chrome plated and cost $6??? If you really want to do this pattern well, it'd be wise to either visit the Tandy you'll be buying from and hand pick your stamp...or see if Barry King or Bob Beard is making one like this. Sorry for the RANT, but it kinda bugs me that Tandy has outsourced the tools and their quality is dropping.

Welcome to Leatherworker.net! Drying rate and temp can have a profound effect on stiffness of leather. Slow, cool, drying will be more pliant, while speed dried with a heat source will be much harder. As Andy discovered, using a solvent will rapidly dispell moisture, and oils in the leather. Adding a lot of conditioner/oil to a piece of leather will soften it. When you post something on this forum, you can expect quite a gambit of responses. If you ask for a critique, though, expect one. I've yet to see any harsh criticism here, and I don't think I ever will- the people here are just too nice. What you may look forward to is : '....try doing ____, instead of ____' ; and perhaps a few questions along the lines of ' Have you tried ___?', 'Did you know that you can do ______', etc. Ask questions until your fingers are too tired to type anymore. We'll help all we can

For your removable buckle, have you considered using 'chicago screws' in lieu of rivets? They're also known as "threaded post fasteners" at somewhere like Lowe's and Home Depot. There's lots of styles available, and the only caution I'd give about them is to place the smooth head (female half of the fastener) to the 'inside' so that the slot on the other half doesn't tear up any clothing. Once the end of the belt is through the buckle, it'll cover the screws completely. As for the shaggy leather, I had it happen with a holster. So, while having lemons, I made lemonade! I turned it into a rough out holster, and sanded it until my arms burned. Then...I read about burnishing it down so I did that too. You may want to consider putting a thin liner on the back of the belt if you can't get all the strands to lay down like you want. Get some glazed pig skins, cut your strips, then glue down, followed by a stitch line.

Ken, that is a terrific tutorial. You've laid out the steps very clearly, and that makes it wonderfully easy to follow. It'll be a while to do it, but I'll be using this for a hat before too long. Thanks for sharing your skills. Mike

Spider, mine doesn't usually wear belts either, but I had to make something to hold the holster in place.

Sorry, had to add that little description in there after my comments about Rookie's purse for his wife Here's a belt I just finished, made for my wife.

Hey, Regis, here's a link that has LOTS of info. Starts at the current linked page and goes on for several pages Enjoy your reading http://www.kingsmerecrafts.com/page17.html

I think that we should instate some rules requiring disclaimers for those of us whose wife may be reading the posts with us. I just got a glare and a squinty look from my wife, followed by " Oooooooooo....I like." Thanks Rookie, ya just made another item on the honey-do list for a lot of us married guys.... And... very, very nice work. I'm sure she will proudly display that.

Leathernut, the idea is that to spread good will, cheer, karma, etc... , we 'sign up' on a list for a "Pay It Forward" (PIF) item. You find yourself on the list, look at the name below yours, and make and send something to that person. It's a wonderful idea that kinda blossomed into a marvelous thing. The item's (as far as I know) design, craftsmanship, etc. are up to the creator. It gives all participating a glimpse into something that they perhaps had not considered in leather working. There is no specification as to $ value of the piece, but I like to think that all participating are making things with care and thought. I don't think there's any cases where a saddle maker has sent a $6000 dollar saddle to someone as a PIF, but hey, I can hope.... ...ahem...this is really just a nice way to send some of your work to your online friends- to show off your work, and try to brighten somebody's day. It's a leatherworker.net version of "Send someone a gift to make them happy, and don't worry about what you get for it." I'll use the PIF I sent Jammon as an example. I read his profile, then decided on what to send him, made it, and sent it. I made it as well as I could, and tried to incorporate some design elements that he and his daughter, being fairly new to leather working might not have had exposure to. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. Just a way for us to spread good cheer. Sign up and join us! I think Holly has set the sign up deadline at the beginning of May, so there's plenty of time.

Jammon, you are most welcome, it was my pleasure to send it.

But...but....that's a SMITH!!!!! You tryin' to rub some S&W goodness into the holster for the Taurus to soak up??? Nice work, and unlike Jordan, I don't mind 'crinklely' on a holster.

If I may offer a humble suggestion...since the piece has a Japanese art motiff, have you considered replacing the leather lace where you replaced the woman with silk cord? Take a nice flat 2mm silk cord and lace it the way (tsukamaki) katana handles were wrapped?

Cool idea, Johanna! When I get to the point that I have enough pieces to do that I will. And when I actually have a 'store front' I'm sure it'll help people decide.

Zen leatherworking Ken, it's beautiful, serene... inspirational.

Very cool work. I have a suggestion: when you use the 294-__ stamps, rotate it every few stampings and it will help you maintain a more random pattern. Keep up the excellent work.

I hope I'm not missing something and misspeaking here, but....with the scroll work on the inside of the belt, doesn't that make it reversable?