YinTx

I'm thinking this is probably the way, but was hoping not. Yeah, I did, several times. And it was Pro dye too. But clear lac can lift a lot of things, have to be careful with it I suppose. If I sprayed it on would not be an issue. Wonder if it degrades the thread? That's a different idea, could work. YinTx

As the title says, I made a Flat Back holster sheath for an odd shaped pocket knife. I am wondering if it is possible to stitch across the bottom? I've seen magazine holsters that manage it, but I am having a hard time seeing how to stitch this together without getting a ball of leather in the bottom, or having the leather too long on the opposite side you start at, since the top piece is by design larger than the bottom piece. Is it wet molded first? Or can it be stitched together before wet molding? Here is the prototype I made, you can see the bottom is open, which I don't want. Also, I managed to ruin the stitching when I put the clear lac on after wards: smeared the black dye onto it. Can it be finished before wet molding to avoid this issue? Or will that prevent the leather from wetting and drying out properly? These photos are before the clear lac wreck. YinTx

IMO, wet with casing solution, and let set in a casing box overnight. The moisture and oils will distribute evenly in the leather and help it to carve better. YinTx

I've not used gum trag with the edge paint, seems counter productive to me. If you want it to be shiny, just polish with a bit of wax and rub after the last coat of edge paint. I'll usually use 150 or 220 grit for sanding. It needs to be pretty rough for the next coat to adhere well. I don't usually sand the final coat. I've used a soldering iron in the past to heat, but on low setting. Just enough to get the paint to melt into the leather, not to burn. First coat should go on rough sanded leather also, same reason: allows it to adhere well. Just my experience, others have more expertise on edges around here if they chime in. And for bridle leather, I've had good experience just applying dye to the edges, then slick/sand/slick using water then gum trag. No need for paint. YinTx

sorry, tho, that style I don't have. YinTx

What in particular are you looking for? I have quite a collection of used round and head knives, one rather old Blanchard as shown. The handle was in bad shape, so I am looking to put a new one on it. YinTx

Try Maverick leather. For sure they have the basketball leather, I imagine they have access to the football stuff too. YinTx

As I was typing it, the terminology evaded me. Dry distillation. For birch oil, as I understood it, traditionally done in a container without oxygen, and a fire set under/over/ or around the container of birch bark. As opposed to the steam distillation processes you were referring to. YinTx

This equates to "soggy" leather around here. I'd have to wait a week for that to dry out enough to tool. I can't imagine it being dry enough in an hour unless I set it outside in the sun on a summer day in the desert southwest. Try a bit less water. In fact, a lot less water. Don't even submerge it. Just spray it until it is plenty wet, let it soak in and even the moisture out a bit. It will begin to return to it's original color - it'll cut and tool much nicer that way. For me, that is a few hours minimum, overnight in a bag to really even the moisture out, and another hour or two on the table to get it right. And I am sure there are others that understand moisture content a lot better than I do with better methods. There is even the wet sponge method: wipe it on, let it soak in, wait 5 minutes, get to work. But sop it in a bucket of water until it stops bubbling? A bit much water in my opinion. Let us see the next version. Make small things, like 5 different squares of leather, with different stages of dryness, cut on them and tool/stamp them, and you'll begin to find what level works best for you. YinTx

I've used denatured to dilute Fiebing's dyes. Works well for me. YinTx

This in itself would seem to result in a significant price difference. Would we then have to cut the tar to enable application to leather? Tar might make a bit of a mess of things I suppose...but mixed with alcohol or beeswax or oil might make things interesting... Does the manner in which the tar is produced have a significant impact on the quality of the tar as it pertains to leather treatment? as in distillation process versus cooked over a fire? YinTx

3 coats seems pretty stout using dark brown dye! I would expect a lot of rub off from that. But I like the sunglass case design: what pattern did you use? I've been looking for something like that... YinTx

This is what I refer to as "progressive engineering" where a design is developed as the item is built. !! I like the idea of a drawstring combined with a separate flap over the top. It will look as though you built it that way intentionally. You could also just install a loop style metal closure, grommets and the trigger snap on a strap. I think military style duffel bags had something like this. YinTx

I have recently purchased a snap setter from Kamsnaps. The customer service is top notch. I had some issue with their new style die not setting the dome section correctly, they sent one of their old style and it worked really well. If you buy from them, request one of those when you order. Having a press of any sort that works is a game changer for sure. YinTx

Indeed, outstanding. Did you do the basket weave repair also? YinTx

Cool hardware, too. Stitching is nice but scary close to the edge for me. What kind of watch is it for? I've only made one or two watch straps, and have one half way done. They require a lot of finesse for sure, since they are so small! Nicely done, glad to hear you have improved on each one, look forward to seeing the next one! YinTx

Pretty nice! How long does it take to braid a cord like that? YinTx

I am in the area. PM sent. YinTx

Love the script "Ford" Nicely done! YinTx

There was a thread somewhere on this forum where an individual used wood stain on his leather successfully. Not sure the long term outcome. But anyhow, you wouldn't be the first to use it. YinTx

Awesome tooling, and the colors are awesome! What colors are you using? YinTx

Really liking these sheaths. Nice! YinTx

Awesome. And your example of giving vs. holding out your hands is to be followed. Nice. YinTx