YinTx

Sorry for the delay, my laptop decided to go kaputz, doing this on a borrowed computer. Skiver and I have a tumultuous relationship at best. I have been able to skive with it, but did have difficulty when I tried it on gator. I'll try it with the sanding on the sides I want to skive. The gator I have is a pretty level 2 oz. I'll send you the new dimensions I've come up with. Also, stitches are out, on a positive note! YinTx

I am currently using Fenice edge paint on a very waxy Horween Dublin lined with Chevre Chagrin. Barge cement is useless to give you an idea of how waxy it is. I'll post the results when I am done. The project is a prototype, so I won't be going after the flawless edge that @Danne has achieved. I have only just applied the first layer, and letting it dry. YinTx

Thanks for the detailed explanation on cutting into the hide. This will definitely save me some heartache and heartburn! I will take you up on your offer. As mentioned, my dimensions were too large, so I have to go back to the drawing board. Also, everything is all of a suddenly going slower on account of several stitches in my right hand, so bear with me. I'll have to make a new form block as well for the new size. YinTx

@RockyAussie, thanks so much for the info. Here is the design sketch I came up with. Lots of parts and pieces for such a little thing. I think twelve, not including snaps. I ended up using bag stiffener, about 1/16 inch thick, for the front and lower back pieces. Pellon (1/16") on the back and outer gusset piece, the inner lining and other bits were lined with fabric only to give me something to work up on to maintain dimensions. I had challenges at the transition between the lid flap and the body trying to not show any raw edges, which seems near to impossible since I have never seen it done. This is the form I made to shape it on. And this hapless fellow is slated to become fashion articles, so I can cut it in any direction needed. On the black and pink bag, I did not like the scales sticking up when the flap is closed, but I seem to have been the only one that noticed. I worried that cutting diagonally would be aesthetically unpleasing. Does no one notice that either? I had originally thought to use the tail, but if I read right, that may not be such a bright idea. YinTx

Version 4 of the case design. I think a bit oversized, very difficult to stitch together, particularly the gusset, which took nearly 6 hours. Of the 5 designs I prototyped, this is the one I liked the most. I am certainly open to constructive criticism, particularly on construction techniques, as the next one is to be made out of more expensive glazed Alligator. YinTx A couple more showing the inside, etc.

Cool story and nice sheath! YinTx

That bargrounding is impeccable! YinTx

Outstanding work! May I ask what weight leather you use for the tooled section? YinTx

I was starting to feel guilty about my knife collection, feeling a bit less so today. Very cool knives! Which ones do you like the most and least for which tasks? YinTx

Agreed. If you click on the link provided, you will see it is not in English. You will also see that he is burnishing with gum trag, and thus you could deduce he was agreeing with that method, as opposed to just leaving it to burnish itself over time. @paloma has some great work, and has been trying to share his experience with us. Sadly, some does get lost in the translation, which is frustrating for him as well. Please be a bit more forgiving so that we can all learn from his efforts! YinTx

Nice work, that is a ton of tooling!! I have the same issue with black. Folks like my work, and want to know if I "have it in black." Like, "love the creativity, can you hide it so I can't see it now?" argh. "Love the hand stitching too, can you make it disappear into the black leather with some black thread instead?" YinTx

Makes sense, pretty small for the belt! YinTx

Thanks, and I hid the ugly parts from y'all! I was almost happy with it, but the last line of stitching was so bad that it disqualified the thing from the sell pile. Thank you! YinTx

Ok, wait, I just noticed the coffee cup! That is fantastic!! The bag is still awesome too! YinTx

Cool combination. Just curious, any issues with flexing the snakeskin backwards? also How do you put it on a belt? Or is it not for that? Nice work! YinTx

If it were up to me, and presuming veg tan, I'd oil it then seal it to help stop any body oil/moisture from creating unsightly stains. It will at least slow the patina process. YinTx

If you are happy with the results, then you are there. You may discover later that you want a different profile on a different leather/project, so then get another awl and profile it differently. First photo is a sampling of blades that I have and use. The last two photos are of a flat profile blade that I enjoy using when I want the exit hole the same size as the entrance hole, and flat. YinTx

Sedgwick's tends to have a fish odor. I think they use some fish oil in the mix, apparently an old and very effective conditioner. YinTx

Fantastic work, and glad it is getting plenty of use! YinTx

Appreciate it. Skiving is a bit of a bear, rolled edges create crackles (in glazed alligator at least), stitching across scales can make the stitches look uneven, lining up scale patterns and avoiding any flaws without wasting significant amounts of the hide is a skill in itself, making bombe' is not easy (I failed I'd say), bends such as across the top of the little bag can make scale edges stand proud, and just deciding to cut into something as expensive as that takes some nerve. I'm sure folks like @RockyAussie could elaborate on other challenges and if you want to see how to do it right, he's got it down to a science. YinTx

Really nice work, getting all the dimensions to line up exactly is not an easy thing! My views on edge paint and rolled edges on wallets mirror yours. Keeping everything slim like that is no small feat! Kudos on an awesome wallet and a repeat customer! YinTx

True. I just end up with a lot of prototypes and practice projects piled up on the shelf. Appreciate the compliment! YinTx

Truly an understatement. Minuscule errors and design considerations are comparatively magnified and can easily ruin a piece that is miniaturized. I am working on Version 4.0, hoping some of the changes I have made will make an improvement in the aesthetics. Appreciate the compliment! Also, meant to mention this is the first time I have made a purse from Alligator. A different beast to work with altogether! I didn't want any painted edges on this one, so had to learn to roll edges and line with fillers. I think the Pellon I have is a bit thick for the purpose, same with the Bentex. But it is what I had! YinTx

Outstanding! Really like the dimensionality you accomplished on the flowers. Just curious, where would one use a 4" wide belt though? YinTx

I don't think I've ever made any tooled leather item in a weekend, the leather wouldn't even be dry in 2 days! Usually takes me a week just to come up with the drawing. Nice work! YinTx