YinTx

Pretty much why I needed to keep time. I just noted what time it was when I started, then again when I finished. Usually took 3 to 4 sitings/day, so I removed the time I took for breaks. I very rarely do straps or tooled belts, precisely because it is impossible to compete with imported roller embossed stuff that you can get in the department store or online. However, on the rare occasion I get a request, I have to give an honest quote that will at least keep me whole. If they are still willing, then the pay has to be enough to keep me willing also. If I don't know how long it takes me to tool out a foot of 1 1/2" strap, I can't do that. Oftentimes the first customer gets the best deal because I underestimate, like in this case. My hardware costs went from $4 to $35 and I didn't know. Tooling took a bit longer than I thought it would. I will end up eating all that. Next one will have it factored in, and may mean I don't sell another, we'll see. YinTx

Thank you for the sentiment. Mr. Linnell is fond of saying the special thing about his swivel knife is the number of miles it has cut into leather! I have to agree. His work is infinitely superior, but I am glad that mine has a modicum of talent showing. By the third try I was running low on patience. Had to get an extra bottle of it! Thanks, also! Almost, not quite. Plenty of errors in all that tooling, that isn't one of them. If you look really really close, you will notice that one strap is different. Next to that scroll, there are three more "vines" or whatever you'd like to call them. This pushes the scroll down under the flower. I didn't really like the way that was turning out, so I redrew that section and a couple of others to appeal to my sense of aesthetic and tooling ability. The other straps have only 2 "vines" in that section, and I moved the scroll a bit away from the flower. I removed some other vines also. Not sure it made all that much difference, but it's what I did anyhow! Experimentation helps me improve, I find things I like better, and things I shouldn't have altered. Thanks for deciding my piece was worth studying so closely!! YinTx

Half of it ruined by some random stain that showed up, hence why I had to repeat over and over. Anyhow, got it tooled, now to get after finishing it out! YinTx

Hahaha nice edit! and you are welcome, well deserved. YinTx

All those came out great! I put out a sling, and the first thing folks wanted was one with a thumbhole, lol. Just makes hanging on to it a bit easier I suppose. YinTx

I have worked in industry long enough to understand what is sensible and what is not. Sensible regulations allow industry to function while protecting the environment, workers and consumers. What we have leads to tragedy of the commons. The environment, workers and consumers are suffering the consequences.

It is. All the quality mfr's have been priced out by low priced import junk or regulated into oblivion. There are those that will do special order, but as you mention, small quantities may not warrant it. Abbey England had a foundry at one point, not sure if they still do.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=tack+puller&t=h_&iax=images&ia=images to go with my tack puller comment.

Nicely done. I've found that round holes work well for this style of stitching also.

Did you find what you were looking for yet?

I have dealt with KamSnaps. Had an issue where it was flattening the dome cap on the snap. Contacted them and they set me up right, no charge, and even sent extra bags of snaps. First rate customer service in my opinion, and the press works fantastic for me.

That is some rough news, thanks for passing the info on. I've definitely been praying for him. YinTx

They do look like they started life as a nut pick. Perhaps being used as tack pullers?

Fantastic! YinTx

Nice! YinTx

Also saw this photo, but Bronson's are pretty clear. Edit also to say, there are some fantastic photos on this website specifically of the hat band, and the history of the hat. https://www.themanwithnoname.info/the-hat/the-original-hat YinTx Edit to say, and dang you for sending me down that rabbit hole, lol.

Google translate says "Am new to this site and I hope to find ideas there, I am constantly looking for techniques to evolve as best as possible." Welcome. YinTx

Apparently $2600, give or take. And well earned. His skills are beyond remarkable, they are exceptional. I mean, he was even winding his own thread for the welts, from linen! YinTx

Someone help me out here. What is the significance of this swivel knife? https://www.ebay.com/itm/165628586694?hash=item26903baac6:g:Mn4AAOSwm7Bi-lhi Thank you! YinTx

Thanks much! YinTx

Pretty neat design! YinTx

Thanks! The front are also feathers, but a bit stylized. YinTx

@Leescustomleather, If I see that right, you would only be stitching through 5 layers for the belt loop to sheath back, then 3 or so layers for the back, welt and front? Seems like a decent way to do it. I'll keep it in mind for the next one. Thanks! YinTx

Jim Linnell uses an old Tandy rawhide, says it is the best for him because of the way it interacts with the tool - no bouncing, skating, etc. I have a pile of them, never used them. Used a cheap $15 round head poly maul for years, finally splurged and got a 32 oz Barry King and a 16 oz Wayne Jueschke maul. Love to use them both, but really can't say they justify the 17-10x price. Interestingly, now I have more than one Barry King. YinTx

If it only slightly resembles a feather, I guess I can't claim success. It is supposed to be a feather... same as the decorations on the front are feathers. If I ever get enough confidence in my Techsew, I'll use it. Spent a couple of hours cajoling, cursing, sweet talking etc to it, and managed to get it to sorta sew a belt. Certainly won't be using it on something with as many hours into it as this sheath! YinTx