seagiant

Hi, Interesting! Where are you guys buying tools now?

Hi, Thanks, I'm not retired yet and use leatherworking to relax. I got bit by the belt making bug I guess. I will probably just keep hand sewing for now. I really like this Tiger thread they have now. Never saw that before and it lays down pretty good on the belt. With my new tools I'm trying to stick to quality like Osborn as my old stuff was mostly Tandy! Quality leather tools ARE expensive it seems or I'm stuck in the 60"s!!!

Hi, Thank Gentlemen! I started working with leather in the late 60's "Hippy Days"! Belts, Girls Purses, the wide watch bands, ect.ect. I then got into forging knives in the early 90's, making mostly hunting knives and actually pretty much paid for my small shop working part time at it. Of course everyone wanted a sheath for their knife so back to leather I went! I now needed a new belt and a few folding knife sheaths so decided to buy some new hand tools to upgrade my old set... And figure I might as well make a few belts, some for me and friends. I don't really know what the market is for a real hand made,hand stamped, border sewn, brass buckled belt? I guess you can put anything on E-Bay and see what happens or offer it on a Forum for a price??? I think handsewing looks better than a machine, but is laborious for belts!

Hi, Thanks, saw this!

Hi, Any suggestions on machines, in that price range, that do a pretty stitch for belt borders???

Hi, Thanks! I'll pass, as I'm left handed. If you didn't highlight the spot, I don't think I would of seen it? Looks like you hand sew? I thought of a used sewing machine for the belts, but is seems to get a decent look, you need a $3000 machine? I guess I will stick to handsewing for now! (I actually enjoy it anyway, no more than I do it!) I just made a belt and a knife sheath (spydreco folder) But I don't have my camera with me, I'll put up a pic here later so you can see what I'm trying to do! Thanks again!

Hi, I just figured out who you are. You have a nice site and you very graciously offer free patterns for different items! I am a hobby 1911 pistol gunsmith so thank you for the "Avenger" Pattern. Haven't got to use it yet, but will shortly! I will have to make some calls tomorrow and see what I can find out. Thank you very much for answering my questions and pointing me in the right direction! Greg

Hi, Saw this! I guess a "bend" is a single back? I would think a "back" would be the best belt leather? http://rjfleather.com/products/#vegtan

Hi, Thanks! Got a piece of HO I could get some belt blanks out of? Looking for at least 10/11 oz thick? 54-60" long?

Hi, Yes, admittedly not a lot of info! Need to call I guess? You seem not to want to divulge where you buy leather from???

Hi, Thanks! I saw this at Panhandle Leather. Can all of this be used for belt blanks??? http://www.panhandleleather.com/HERMANN-OAK-LEATHER-SIZE-11-13-HOL-04.htm

Hi, Can I order from HO Tannery??? http://www.hermannoakleather.com/

Hi, What Tanneries do you buy from??? I can order from anyone I guess! Has anyone tried any of the imports from Argentina, or is HO just the way to go????

Hi, Thanks, I saw this.... Herman Oak, I guess that is good as it gets. If I can get 17 blanks that will be under half price per blank, that I was paying individually!!! http://springfieldleather.com/Bend-Belt-HermannOak-Sngl-9-10

Hi, I want to make a few tooled belts (9/10 oz.) and I'm tired of buying blanks. I want to get a double shoulder or back so I can get a better price per blank. I'm looking for good tooling veg-tan, but I would prefer not paying $300? Is there a "best buy" on a good belt leather hide??? Thanks!

Hi, I worked with a guy that BEGGED me to sale my Norton.... I said, no way, go order your own! I use it for everything,knives,leather tools, plane blades,chisles,ect.,ect.! I buy a cheap combo diamond hone (Course-Medium) from Amazon, to make quick work of setting the edge. Then go to the Norton India for finishing! https://www.amazon.com/DIAMOND-SHARPENING-STONE-double-MEDIUM/dp/B000TY15AQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1475945813&sr=8-3&keywords=diamond+hone

Hi, I found out this was made in India. So I will be looking elsewhere!

Hi, That Norton combo is excellent, and the India side is just a fantastic finish hone. Make a leather strop on a board with some green or white rouge and you are good to go! I've had mine for 25 years and still going strong!

Hi, Looking to upgrade to a better swivel knife, without breaking the bank. Has anyone used a Zelitool knife? Thanks!