Bob

Tom, your contributions are greatly appreciated and more than welcome. "GREAT MEN DO NOT BECOME GREAT MEN, WITHOUT STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF ANOTHER"

There's a fine rig Elton. Good work!!!!

Tina, those are great questions to ask. But to buy something that will work best for you, years from now. You must ask yourself. What kinds of leather/rawhide work am I going to be doing? I prefer the older splitters made years ago, because they seem to have used better/harder steel than nowadays. There's lots of great used equipment available for sale. One other things is, how much shop/bench space can you spare to mount this on? It should be mounted something solid to stay. A 6 inch osborne would be a great place to start, it's small enough to take little space, easy to use and quite abit cheaper then some others. How big of pieces do you plan on splitting? One of the biggest hurdles I've seen with many leather workers is sharpening their tools. Most don't take the time and effort to get them sharp. Thats the most important thing with splitters, you will have much more pleasure from using something thats sharp. Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox. Gotta get back to work.

I agree with Bree's comments also. Lots of us make mistakes and just sometimes need nothing more than a bit of time to do the right thing... Someone once said that "Wisdom comes with age", sometimes age comes by itself... LOL Sometimes we just don't know why people do what they do and are too quick to jump to conclusions about it. Making a quick judgement on matters sometimes can only make the matter worse. Again on this point, I agree with Bree. What your child sees you do in this matter is also quite important. Way to go Bree !!!!

Holly, your story sounds quite funny. Though I'm sure being there in the midst of it, your not laughing much. Sorry. Bob's column, (free advice is what it's worth) Sounds like the neighbour lady has more issues than the City new paper. Secondly, Immature Christians cause more wrecks than you can imagine. Confessing His name, sure don't make any of us perfect. I don't know what to say about anything else, except our cat takes care of itself. Outside with a large bowl of food and water. The gold fish are 12 for 1 dollar at the pet store.... what can I say more. Chances are the nonsense with the kids will blow over in a few days.... Look at it this way Holly, when the toilet bowl stinks, flush it and don't look back. LOL This is Bob's column, see it here weekly for plently good advice....

I like it, nice work. Is it my eyesight going? Or does the "W" have an extra leg? I'm sure this is not a spelling mistake. Is it their brand? bob

Fpotter, I like the work your doing, based on what I can see. (more pictures would be nice) The edges are rubbed to a nice finish. Stamping looks fine. Lines appear good. There's only a couple things I'd suggest. A smaller concho on top would be good. The two you have there are very close in size. The lacing on the back billet could use a smack with a hammer. I do that to help keep that knot from coming loose. I agree with JRedding, you may want to buy a bigger edger for the horn and binding, they look pretty square still. These are nit picky things. Your saddles look really good. I wished mine looked that good after 9 saddles. Keep posting your work, it's nice to see. Respectfully Bob

This leather work is INCREDIBLE.

Thats an interesting design alright. Looks like it would well for skiving, for sure.

WOW, fancy.

I couldn't agree more... for 40$ Barry Kings is the best deal/with a blade....

I would also suggest an inskirt rigging. Custom saddles today should be made to FIT you and your needs. The inskirt rigging is great for getting you close without the bulk. Again, just like Andy said. The half stirrup leather with also reduce bulk. One other thing I can suggest is, avoid tying a knot on the latigo, use the tounge (spelling?) on the cinch only. Here's a picture of something I might first suggest. It may work the best, besides it's plenty strong for ranch work.

Happy Birthday Regis....

OH ya, horse meat is the best.... Keith. Havn't you tried it yet??? With all the two bit american horses coming across the line. Thats about all they're good for. They taste just fine. As a matter of fact, after couple horse steaks, you begin to look over the fence an winney.... hehehehehea LOL We're having a BBQ this weekend too and you're invited Keith...

Barra, 1962 was an exceptionally good year.... LOL

Happy 45th birthday Rod & Denise, we're not sure who's birthday it is. Have a great day. From us at Kamloops Saddlery

Sure thing Jim, take the horse to some ranch brandings with one of my saddles and write off the horse for advertizing and promotion...... it works for me...

Oh ya, for sure you wanna be sure to pay your taxes.... on all income... LOL

I did that several years ago. I got two good shitters for a saddle

I can't hardly wait to see rawhide taps.... This will be a first. not that it's never been done before, but in our part of the country taps are used to keep your feet dry.

UKRay, old machinery an tools. This is a great topic to start. This ole stitcher is a Landis 16, it added to the shop late last year. It's been such a nice addition, we decided to add another one like it while in Sheridan last May. Around here, if we had more room for machinery. The place would be full. What can I say, I love the way these machines sew, built like a tank. Just as heavy..... But it pulls the tightest stitch, hard to beat.

You sure can't go wrong with the price. Question is, do you have work for it? It's light duty for sure. I've bought and sold machines like this for to earn extra cash. Just my oppion.

I'm open to offers for these two knives. They are a quility knife made by a veteran knife maker who since retired now. I no longer use them. (too many)

UK Ray, you did good. Finding something you can work with and LOCAL too. No sense spending a bundle to import something across the big pond, that costs alot just for shipping. Cheers...

Yes, Harris at Pilgrim shoe is the best, most resourceful man for that sort of thing. If anyone knows, he should know. His name is Harris.