JMcC

Thanks again Yin, If you buy one of those swivel knifes from Leather Wranglers, you will never use anything else again. They cut like butter and make carving a delight. I used an adjustable wing divider to draw the border lines and then used the swivel knife to cut the border lines followed by beveling. I will attach a pic of the swivel knife I used for doing the carving. And, I am not affiliated with them in any way, just love my swivel knife!

Hi Scott from a fellow Texan out here in the badlands of west Texas lol (Midland)

I always use rubber cement to glue any leather down before tooling unless it is a belt or something similar. I learned as you did by noticing misshapen rounds when tooling them before I was instructed to glue them down before casing or tooling.

Oh yeah, if you will notice on the second set of acorns from the left, the bottom acorn I screwed up on by beveling it the wrong way and then had to go back and re-bevel it on the correct side near the bottom . You can definitely tell if you know what you are looking for. It is the only one I screwed up on and is what happens when you get in a hurry and don't pay attention

Thanks Yin! Here is a closer view of the acorns. Just traced the pattern onto the leather and then very carefully cut the lines with a swivel knife. After finishing all of the swivel knife work, then started on the shading with the different size bevelers around the outside edges of leaves and acorns being careful to study the acorns to figure out which way the lighting would actually show the shadows on the acorns and the leaves. Used different shaped pear shaders for the leaves. The lines for the bottom part of the acorns were done using my swivel knife by cutting the lines diagonally, closely spaced and then going back across them in the same fashion. It helps to have a small sharp blade in your swivel knife for doing detail work. Lots of stropping while cutting as well. I bought my swivel knife from Leather Wranglers and it is one of the best investments I have made when it comes to tools. I highly recommend their swivel knives.

Thanks Matt!

Nice tools Mutt! You have some serious coin in those three knives. And thanks for the book mention. It isn't one that I have in my library. Does it do a good job of presenting pictures that leave no doubt on how to sharpen the round knife? I wonder if there any good instructions on youtube on correct procedures to sharpen a round/head knife? I do better seeing it being done than trying to look at pictures or drawings.

Thanks guys! I had between 30-40 hrs. in that belt. I enjoyed doing it and yes, I did dodge a bullet on that fit for his waist size!

Thank you garypl. The belt was a blank that I ordered from Tandy's, the background dye was Fiebing's "Light Brown" applied with a small brush and the finish was Fiebings "Leather Sheen" which comes in an aerosol spray can and since discovering it, I use on all my projects. It is easy to apply and gives the work a flexible wax finish.

A belt that I finished up recently. I was pretty pleased how it turned out as this is my first belt that I've done. It was done for my brother at his request. I was a little scared of it not being the right size as he lives in another state and all I had to go by was his pants waist size that he gave me over the phone. Turns out that it was a perfect fit for him! Thanks for looking.

Thanks guys, and after looking at the knives on Knipschield Custom Knives and talking with Terry on the phone, I decided to bite the bullet and pony up for the Chan Geer Bench Knife. He also said since I was a first time buyer from him that he would get my order out a little faster than normal. Also, he said that if after using the knife, if I decided that it wasn't what I expected or needed, that as long as the knife was still in good condition, he would give me a refund. I just feel like I can't go wrong with his knife and quality workmanship.

Hi all, I am in the market for a Round/Head Knife and am looking for suggestions as to what brand(s) to buy. I am not a fan of Tandy's tools anymore so the Al Stohlman is out of the question. I don't know anything about the Osborne brand knives. My budget unfortunately is only in the ballpark of $100-150. Can I get a decent knife for that amount or am I dreaming in Technicolor? Any help would be greatly appreciated. James

Thanks Stewart, I will have to give it a go!

That is a beautiful coaster Stewart. I just have one question...how did you get that nice border on the leather? I haven't seen a border like that before and would like to know how to do that! Thanks! James

Indeed! I am also thinking (as an after thought) that maybe the time to lather in the conditioner/cleaner might be while it is still damp from the steam while the pores are still open? I am no expert on reconditioning old leather but it makes sense in my mind. Your pores open when you are in a steam room so I am thinking the leather pores would open to some extent as well. This would allow any conditioner to be more easily absorbed into the open pores maybe? Anyway good luck with that project! =)

Hmmm...just a head scratching thought but maybe use a steamer to soften the leather enough to bend it to the shape you want it in and then maybe some leather conditioner after it dries? Good luck with it whatever you decide.

Thank you Twin Oaks for the reply. I already own a set of small punches that are round but I have noticed some of the small buckles that have a tang or whatever you call the part of the buckle that goes through the hole that are oblong. I guess one could just punch two small holes next to each other to make an oblong hole. Anyway, I just figured that if someone is making that style of a buckle, that there would be a punch to work with them. Guess I was mistaken. I just won't order that style of buckle and problem solved!

I think it looks great. The only suggestion I would make is the shading seems a bit light on the bottom flower. I personally like the brown edging but if you are making it for yourself, you know what you like better than I. Overall a nice job sir!

I am looking for mini oblong hole punchers. Small enough to use on things like watch bands, etc. Does anyone one have any suggestions as to where I might find such a critter? I have searched the web without much luck. The ones I have come across so far are all too big. You would think that Tandy would have something but alas, no luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Just wanted to say hi to all and I am looking forward to learning new techniques and being inspired by others. From what I have seen so far, there is quite a bit of talent here.