YinTx

Another mystery tool, maybe someone here recognizes it and can tell me what it does... YinTx

Maybe, but what about the two holes it makes? I understand it may have come out of a fabric or furniture place if that helps the mystery... YinTx

OMG, Bill the CAt! I've got to add that to my list of things to tool... now, how to do a fur ball.... YinTx

Also turned or rolled edges as another method. YinTx

Nice colors, but hard to see the tooling! Any chance of a photo of it stretched out? YinTx

Just looking at it closely, maybe not. It'd need to taper at the waist. Anyone know what it is for? YinTx

Is that what this is for? YinTx

I went looking for a set as well a few months ago. Did not see a cheap set that didn't cut a circle out of the leather. So, I went for using a stitch marker (overstitch wheel) and a round awl as an alternative method. Worked out ok. YinTx

That is a lot of carving and beveling! Came out really nice. YinTx

It's creepy, so I'd say you got it right! YinTx

Blindly. And with small pliers. Because my hand didn't fit in there. Not even my pinky really, for that matter. Not sure I should subject everyone to my ugly mug...or if I'll ever get around to doing a full sized version.. but time will tell! YinTx

Impressive part was getting the needles in and out of that thing with my big paws. And thanks! Them would be some big ol stitches too! It was the closest thing I could find that was remotely to the scale of the hat, so yeah, it does make it look a bit big! Thank you! I have no idea how to make a hat. Still don't. Not sure I even did this one remotely correctly. But it'll look the part. What I really need is a full sized Mad Hatter hat, but not enough time to make it... YinTx

oooh, yeah .... here is a hammer for reference.. (didn't have a banana handy...) YinTx

Very unique design, well executed! Look forward to seeing the final result! YinTx

Been working on this off and on for the last couple of weeks. Finally finished it up today - not as easy as I had thought it might be! Enjoy YinTx

I always tell myself I am still learning... and they had to wait for me to learn, and I would not have made it if someone didn't want to buy it...and I never mind selling to friends for less than the general public. I do let them know they are getting the "friends and family" discount, and if anyone wants one made, how much they should let that individual know I would charge. I get good advertising, materials paid for, and low stress on time frames. Win win. They get a good to great product, lifetime (mine) warranty, excellent pricing, and the opportunity to give me valuable feedback! Eventually, though, I have to make some money at this job.... YinTx

So neat! This guy has hundreds of topics covered! Not just leather! any idea on the quality? YinTx

Saw this in a museum. Be willing to bet it was used on more than buckskin. Looks a bit hand crafted in Fredericksburg, Tx, ingenious adjustment and lock mechanism. Looks like it was carved from a stick to do the job well! Smooth curves to fit the hand nicely, great design and finish. Stood the test of time, I'd say! Just wanted to share. YinTx

You can also take a look at a "hidden stitch." They use them on saddles and shoe soles, other places as well I imagine. Basically, with a sharp blade, make a diagonal slit in the leather along the line you want to stitch, open it up at the slit, stitch through the bottom of the slit, dampen the leather, and glue the slit back down over the stitch. Viola, hidden stitch. Protects the thread on bottoms of shoes, etc. YinTx

Looks pretty nice so far. Generally, I wouldn't use a hot heat gun to dry the leather, just shape it and let it set overnight. Adding an oil like neaatsfoot after all the dying, tooling, shaping etc. helps to renourish the leather, and also tends to make the black dye or whatever color you used a lot richer. Then I like to finish with Aussie and buff. Put an acrylic seal on that if you like. @immiketoo did some historical armor, might be worth looking at how he put it together. Glue will probably come undone, and at the worst possible moment. Black stitching would be pretty hidden on black leather. Not sure why you would need 3 blade changes to cut your leather? I have been using 1 razor blade for 2 years, just give it a strop and keep going. Like seeing all the progress pics and explanations! YinTx

I've read that you have to get up to 75% neatsfoot 25% beeswax before it starts to get to a soft stage, so take a small bit, keep adding oil until you are happy. Then, you have a recipe to do a larger batch. YinTx

First! Fantastic, totally unique look, and a good one at that. I like everything about this. Now, to put some leather in the bottom of those holders.... That basketweave came out awesome, even going around so many things! YinTx

Wow, would like to see the original card sleeve to understand how it got destroyed in less than a year! Good job on the new one. YinTx

Just some thoughts since you are just starting. You may discover you don't like to hand stitch. It is slow going, and frustrating to begin with until you get it figured out. Videos are free on how to stitch by hand, and plentiful, which could save you buying the book for now. You may find you like 0.6mm thread better. Many people sell small lengths (25 yards or so) for $6 or less plus shipping, might be a way to go before you commit to 500 yards of thread and decide you want a different size. Or material. ( I have a lot of Tiger, but find I mostly stitch with linen) Mostly, don't recommend cheap thread. It is the least expensive component of hand stitching, time you put into it is worth more than any savings you might get with the 3 foot of thread you use on a project. Don't spend money on a stitching groover just yet. It isn't necessary at all, and many advice against it. If you discover as you go along that you really want to have your stitches sunken into the leather, then go ahead and get one. You can make a decent stitch without expensive irons. Once you decide you like to hand stitch, then do some research on the dozens of irons available, pick it then. Awls: I have an Osborne, never use it. Used a cheap Tandy awl more. Don't like it that much either, but it worked fine to start. Most important is that it is sharp and well stropped, something you will have a hard time finding, so will have to learn to do it yourself. Flat blade is the style you need to start, not the round one. You also need a set of dividers to mark your line. Alternatively, you can use a scratch awl and a ruler, but dividers are easier. Once you get into it, you'll have a better idea of what you want. My thoughts are not to go all in high dollar to start, then get the tools that best fit your style that you develop. YinTx

Agreed. annoyed. But as Roland says... "the world has moved on. We have forgotten the face of our fathers." YinTx