Tiffany

Here is the link to the item I was admiring. Look at the stitching and quality of the leather. http://www.swaineadeney.co.uk/catalogue/we...?productsPage=5

SAB looks to be some amazing leather and craftsmanship. Does anyone have one of their briefcases?

Hello Ed, Thank you for the reply/information. How do you finish the flesh side of your bags? From what I see in the pictures, most of the bag is handsomely lined in suede. The Swaine bridle leather flesh side you identified for me in the picture looks very smooth and sealed. Is that done by sanding? The bridle I've seen has been very uneven, nappy and veined. How would you go about smoothing it out? Your leather looks just about as thick as the pictured case, but not as stiff. Is that simply a function of the type of leather and from what portion of the hide it's taken from? Thanks! and again, your bags are simply amazing!

I saw your beautiful bags on Waldenbags.com and noticed that the leather you're using is rather supple but thick. How does yours compare to the leather used in the attached picture?

Thank you both for the wonderful responses.

I'm trying to practice my handstitching on some 14oz saddle skirting and having a devil of a time punching the holes. I wet the leather beforehand and it cut relatively easily but trying to use the Tandy 4 tong punch is just impossible! I got the idea to use a thin drill bit in my dremel and "pre-cut" the holes before using the diamond shaped awl..seemed to work pretty well. Is this a correct method or is there an easier way? Thanks!

A friend of mine just gave me 25 sq ft of Elephant hide. Looks like full grain, 4-5 oz. Is there any special characteristic that makes it particularly desirable to anyone but the elephant? :angel_not:

Has anyone used these manuals? Seems like a lot of money to spend if they're not any good. http://www.theleatherconnection.com/id57.htm

Thank you for all the thoughtful replies. I just ordered the Michaels book online and had the Stohlman volumes already. After looking at them again, the idea of creating heavier bags and maybe briefcases is intriguing. I could use an extra saddlebag for my Harley and a classy briefcase for work!

I'm a complete beginner and wanted to get some advice on the best hand tools to buy for starting out creating custom leather handbags. Which ones do I need and what's the best quality brand to use for cutting and sewing medium to heavy leather?