YinTx

Awesome belt, and fantastic instructional, many thanks. This should be pinned in the stamping/carving section! YinTx

So after a long time, finally finished the practice flower. Thought I'd show off the results of everyone's suggestions! Tooled it on some Hermann Oak Shoulder with a big ole scar running down the center, but still came out ok! First time using Amy Roke linen thread as well, in 632. I like it ok, seemed to have a tendency towards friability while stitching, so had to wax more often. YinTx

I think for some of these businesses that have been around for 50 years like Pilgrim, and have over 1 million parts in inventory, we are lucky they have a web site. I couldn't imagine putting all 1 million parts online with a price so someone could go kicking the tires. I need it, they have it, I'll give em a call. He'll look it up and let me know how much it is, if I want to call someone else, I can do that too. What other websites are you looking at for parts sources? I'd like to add any new ones you might know to my list of resources! YinTx

Experienced or no, that is a large project to take on, and you should be proud of it. Many experienced leather workers won't antique, so don't worry about that, you can see the burnish from your tooling just fine. Stitching is pretty decent, dye is nice, color combo is excellent, etc. Yes, it would be nice to perfect skills on key fobs, but then hardly inspirational right? You can always go for version 2... or pick another inspirational project. My first figure carving was a large eagle on a 3 ring binder... I was driven to complete it, and thus I did. I have some coasters to make... still need to make them... don't know how long it will be before I am driven to complete them... YinTx

Pilgrim Shoe has some parts if he is still in business. However, beware that most of his parts are for later Landis splitters, and don't fit this one well. I think @bruce johnson does splitter blade sharpening, and he's mentioned that Art Van Hecke also does blades. Your splitter looks pretty decent in the photo you posted, what does the whole thing look like? I believe I have the same model. Some photos of the parts you are looking for may help identify them. YinTx

Knife has been sold, thanks everyone! YinTx

I'd say you've got it down to an art. Congrats! YinTx

So now that I have a Rose knife that I am happy with, it is time to let go of this one. This is an Al Stohlman brand round knife, well cared for and very sharp. I'll include the sheath as well. $35 plus shipping.

I too do things the hard way, and would have done it as VYO mentioned. However, this looks like block dye technique. YinTx

awesome! hope it serves you well! YinTx

I decided to leave the handle for "patina" and shine up the blade as best I could, figuring this was the best for longevity and functionality of the knife. If I ever change my mind on the handle, not a big deal. Four hours into it...and then the arthritis took over and I had to give it a break. Suppose I could take it down further, but not sure it is worth it. I like the look, tried to make sure nothing that touches leather would have pits or scratches/grind marks, which took the majority of my time, since those grind marks were pretty deep... all done by hand with varying grits of sandpaper/emory cloth. I spent more time on the back of the blade than the front. From 1 foot away, this thing looks shiny. Up close with the camera shows the discoloration in the blade. When my hands recover, I'll get to sharpening it again... YinTx

Think I'll bypass a website for now. Busy enough anyhow, I don't need that stress or the bill. Thanks for letting me know how it went so I can live vicariously through you. YinTx

Solingen Steel is some of the best. I think these are skiving knives, I've always wondered how the curved ones worked. Nice! YinTx

Wow, this is the result of trade negotiations? Sounds like a lose-lose result, with dog bones stuck in glue pots (great idea, btw!). Perhaps just get one of those rubber stoppers with a hole in the center instead? Pretty cheap on Amazon also, could probably find one at your local hardware store... YinTx

Maybe it was too big? Cuz all I see is a blank space.... or I'm missing something... YinTx

Reminds me of the story of the monkeys and the hanging banana. No new monkeys are allowed to touch the banana. YinTx

Awesome gifts! YinTx

I think someone diluted Fiebeng's Oxblood and got a bright pink out of it... YinTx

YinTx <-------- (looks around nervously) I don't know what you are talking about.

Looks like shoe maker's tools! Nice. I have some old awls, they are made with those ridges. I think they are there to help the blade retention when set into a wooden handle. Doubt it was a file to start with. @Samalan, you should start a separate thread and share images of some of your old tools, sounds fascinating! YinTx

Might be nice, but I'm not going to download random files of things I don't know what they are. Just a photo uploaded here so I can see already is nice. YinTx

Hmm.. OP posted, then bolted. Wonder, will he return?

As Rockoboy mentioned, gum trag will work. I tend to use Tan-Kote to slick the back of leather, and it works well for me. I've heard of some using Resolene for the same purpose. I just apply, and slick with a glass slicker until dry and smooth. YinTx

That is going to be a lucky dog! Fantastic work. YinTx

Those are fantastic! I just accepted a request for a knife sheath, so I have to do some learnin as well... what is the intent/thought process behind the detachable strap? YinTx