Mockingbird

Anyone know anything about this new version? http://www.mando.fr/17-fileteuse-manuelle

Just an update: I went with the 105cm one, it's perfect for normal swivel office chair. I found I use it with one foot on the chair leg, elevated from the floor. A bit like when you have one leg higher when you rest a guitar on it. There's no problem not seeing the back side. I punch the awl from the right side, and on the pull it helps guide the left needle in without seeing it. Covered it with leather pads and sanded the wood to 1000 grit. Joy to use!

Hiya, The ebay site you gave is prob http://elfitakorea.blogspot.ae/2013/10/pony.html I don't know why the prices are so inflated on ebay compared to the site. I'm probably going to go for the blanchard one for simplicity. I have an ikea table at the moment that splits in half down the middle http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90116261/ I do find myself leaning my head left and right with the vertical clamp kind. I'm guessing when the clamp is at an angle, the right side of the hole is visible already and I would only lean my head left to see the left side of the hole (or do it by feel?).

Django have you tried Abbey England? http://www.abbeyengland.com/Store/tabid/77/txtSearch/clams/productid/74749/language/en-GB/Default.aspx Might be far stretch for that guy to ship to Japan... Here's an old thread on it: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=51891 I was more wondering about whether to go for the 130cm or 105cm one. I think I'll jump on the 105cm one... seems like 130cm would need a stool or the likes.

Thanks for the replies. Yes after reading up more the type I have are Japanese diamond type, different from European type e.g. Blanchard and Dixon. So the holes are more compact diamond shaped than slanted slot like shaped.

For those with experience with this type of stitching clamp, is the 105cm or 130cm more preferable? Since it's used at an angle, isn't it annoying not being able to see the back side while you stitch?

Has anyone tried sharpening pricking irons? I just got the chisel type pricking iron and feel that the imprints could be more diamond shaped and sharper.

Did you have any luck sourcing Vergez pricking irons? I'm thinking of 'upgrading' from my Seiwa pricking irons. I'd love to see a side-by-side comparison!

How do you install snaps and short rivets onto thicker leather? I'm guessing after punching a round hole the leather is thinned somehow? Any tips/tricks is much appreciated

Thanks!

Thanks for the link! Lots of attention to detail. Any good sources for the fileteuse and attachments? Where can I find the rubber cord he uses for the handle and core material for putting in between the leather to make it bounce out. What are the pliers called that he uses to round the handles? I guess I'm looking for bag-specific making tools and materials.

I'm using The art of making leather cases vol.2 and 'sewing rounds' section of The art of hand sewing leather. Are there any other resources that go into depth on handle making? I'd love to see a video of the whole process of making a handle, especially on making/using fillers and piping and the like.

CustomDoug: Yeah, just left a message for anyone in the future that's also looking up Japanese suppliers. The tannery you could be after is Shinki-Hikaku. Here's a few links you might enjoy: http://www.styleforum.net/t/66697/japanese-cordovan http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?67440-Horween-or-Shinki-Whose-horse-is-your-pick

ramrod: thanks for the reply. For future reference: http://www.leathercraft.jp and http://leathermania.jp/ are good.

Hello all, First time poster I'm a brit living in Kyoto Japan and want to have a go at leathercraft after seeing a satchel made at a local crafts fair. As far as I've gathered there are 3 main suppliers in Japan: Seiwa, Craftsha and Kyoshin-Elle. I went to Tokyu-Hands to pick up my first tools, they seem to stock only Seiwa products. Can anyone recommend anywhere I can get some tanned leather? Tokyu-Hands Kyoto only seems to stock 30cmx30cm tanned leather. I'd like to get started on beginner projects like coin case, keyholder and wallets. Thanks!