YinTx

Very well explained, thanks. I think the biggest issue he has is with the belt "sagging" over time. Right now I have prepped a 9 oz top layer and a 4-5oz liner. I've done 7 oz and 4 oz for him before and it sagged. I'm beginning to think I may have to do the steel strap lining that @Dwight does.

I am trying to make a free belt for a neighbor that is hard on his belts, thought I would try to reinforce it somehow. I have some Texon or Bontex I think. What weight do you use? Do you bevel/skive the edges of it, or does it not make a visible line? Does it go the full width and length of the belt, or only up to the holes? Does it have to be in the stitching, or not? I've already done some stamping, dye work and oiling, just trying to figure out all the rest of it! Thanks in advance. YinTx

Looks good. What did you use for the stiffener?

So basically a friction fit? I had hoped to make one and put it on the table to sell, but apparently it needs to be custom fit to some degree. Also, thanks for all the details!

I'll message you so we can work through the details. Thanks!

Outstanding! Fantastic leather choice also!

I do a lot of hand stitching, and have dozens of pricking irons from many brands in many styles and sizes, as well as a stitching wheel. Of all of them, I generally reach for my 3.38mm KS Blade Punch irons, followed by 3.85mm KS Blade Punch, with my Vergez Blanchard coming in a distant third. If I had known now what I knew when I was buying irons, I would have only bought these and saved a lot of $$.

Top notch. Did have to return a side once, they took it back. Usually I really like what they send, it is what I ask for.

I'm looking for matching dark brown in 138 and 207, not sure if that matches up to anything you have?

Those came out well. heck all your stuff is looking good! I've always wanted to make some hat bands, but I've always wondered how to make them if you don't know the size of the hat it will end up on, and how they are attached to the hat. Any pointers?

Something the artist only notices. All the rest of the cats just appreciate the fine work! If you printer is connected to your pc, and you can scan, often you can manipulate the scanned image. Your artwork is great, I've seen lesser quality sold for good $$. Don't be afraid to hang a shingle and put a price on it, a lot of us would be more than willing to spend some to save time. I have things I've wanted to tool out, but get 10 hours into the drawing and then it sits for years and never gets tooled because I'm not happy with it.

They came out absolutely fantastic. How did you do the lettering for the "Surly Joe" lyrics?

@Tim Schroeder, Your art is fantastic. Do you or have you ever considered selling patterns?

I realize this post is a few months old, but I did want to mention a different style of sharpener that I've used with some success: https://www.amazon.com/TrueCut-TC-01-1345-TrueSharp-Linear-Sharpener/dp/B07ZWGX3DH/ref=dp_prsubs_d_sccl_3/133-5690165-7664204?pd_rd_w=zRq1I&content-id=amzn1.sym.be3a2f09-77ee-4ba3-b2da-1b73c76c3fe2&pf_rd_p=be3a2f09-77ee-4ba3-b2da-1b73c76c3fe2&pf_rd_r=DZ721CH81TF02JS63SM7&pd_rd_wg=WZGeF&pd_rd_r=63833c2a-5555-465e-8890-9635e3c15f1d&pd_rd_i=B07ZWGX3DH&psc=1 You pretty much just roll the blade through it as if you were cutting something, no need to remove the blade or anything.

This! The sample you show looked a bit loose. Another trick I've learned is to make casing solution with some saddle soap, it really helps to lubricate the surface and allow for cleaner/smoother more controlled cuts. Give it a try. Also, sometimes I'll run a glass slicker over the surface a bit to help even the compression of the fibers. At any rate, after I've cut for a bit, almost inevitably material builds up on the blade and I will begin to feel a bit of drag, so strop again... and again. Casing solution done right can help prevent any mold forming. I live in a very humid environment, and have had work on the bench for days with no issues. Heck, the first thing I ever tooled got interrupted by a hurricane, stayed in a zip loc bag with no air conditioning in hot conditions for over a week before I could come back. It is now a 3 ring binder with an eagle. Do some experimenting with scraps to see if you have any issues.