bikermutt07

What are these?

I likey.

That's looking pretty good. When you do your back stitching, try going really slow on pulling them in. When you get to the end fiddle with it a bit and you can get it to lay on top of the previous stitch.

It may not need anything. On a scrap try this: warm it with a hair dryer and give it a buffing with an old t shirt. See what that does.

If I remember right, Kodiak was an oil tanned leather. You may want to call Tandy and confirm that though. I haven't really messed with oil tanned.

This reminded me of how they used to try and make phone's smaller. Remember that? Nice case.

I was using the same process. Then when I was gearing up for the messenger bag I'm making, I noticed something. Neither if my awls match my chisels or irons. Then I noticed a review by Nigel on the Wuta pricking irons. At the end of his review be tried them as chisels and it worked fine. Also, this is the video that made the stitching click. I have used that method on my entire bag so far. I was always confused by the terminology he used in his stitching lessons.

Thanks, Plink.

Did you use USMC black? That one is notorious for bleeding.

Yes and no. I have a full set of all the cheapo Amazon sizes. 3mm, 4mm, & 5mm. I have one set of Wuta pricking irons in 3.85. I also have the crafttool pro 2.7?mm pricking irons, which I find totally useless. I am finally getting the zig zag. And it is completely simple. At least in my head. Here goes. 1. Pick the front. 2. Front needle always goes on the bottom to the hole. 3. Back needle always goes on top of the hole. 4. Rinse & Repeat. 5. The back is the back, let it be. That's how it's working for me, anyway.

I just use the chisels. After finally figuring out the saddle stitching, I'm feeling much more prone to expand.

Nice.

You might get lucky as someone starts looking toward retirement or goes under. But it will be hard just finding one for sale. Good luck.

@plinkercases how does that homemade book press work? Do you use it for molding only or can it be used as a clicker?

They all look nice.

That is a pretty good list. I have seen a few starter kits on Amazon that look worthy of a 50 dollar investment. This is one Leather Craft Tool SIMPZIA 28 Pcs Professional Leather Sewing Kit That plus, Plus the "The Art of Handsewing" should get anyone to a good start.

Welcome aboard. That is a nice looking piece.

It does look fussy. Nice job on the stitching.

Great job on your tooling and stitching. I think you did great on the belt.

That is a lot of front to back depth. I like the concealed pocket.

Thanks for the heads up.

I'll take it.

Procrastination is so easy when you make a mistake on a project that you have already invested yourself in. I have 2 card wallets, and a passport case that have contributed to at least 6 months worth of procrastination.

The bag looks great. I don't think you will have much luck wet molding oil tanned leather. You're gonna need veg tan tooling leather for that.

Great job. I remember you showing the box a little while back. Glad to see it completed.