Tugadude

We really only learn by doing. You are to be commended for jumping and in adding content that you desire to be helpful. You are also to be commended for asking for feedback. That is a sign of humility and I appreciate it!

To me it was a demonstration, not really instructional. As was said above, it might have limited value to the audience you are targeting. I like that you tried to add some information on the screen with graphics, but to me, why not just speak? I get bored pretty quickly when there is no sound or just background music. I want to hear the maker telling me why he/she is doing what they are doing. In the beginning, you use a skiver but don't really explain the purpose. Beginners don't understand why that might be advantageous. So decide what you want it to be, a primer, where specific skills can be learned or simply showing the process with little explanation. That's what I got out of it. Nice work, by the way!

I also love the black/red combo. The shape is nice also, not the typical dopp pattern we usually see.

I am beyond excited that Mr. Armitage agreed to help with this project. His post fills in a lot of gaps in the story. I came away with a clear understanding of the two styles of iron in question, their strengths, their limitations. That was my hope, to create a place we could refer beginners or the uninitiated to get solid information. Nigel has used all of the irons he reviews and has videos on youtube of same. The written reviews contain more detailed information in some cases, while the videos are invaluable because you can see the iron, the needles, the thread and the resulting work. Priceless, in my opinion, if you are looking to purchase somewhat expensive tools. It is a wonderful service to our craft. And yes, Mr. Armitage displays a bit of humor, decidedly dry and appropriately British.

Tim, I agree with the others, your work looks great. Nothing is perfect, even when performed by machine. Just look at all of the posts about issues people have with sewing machines. So carry on, you are on the right path.

I agree that we sometimes are guilty of being too nice. Generally too nice to beginners. We obviously want to help encourage them. But, and there's always a but, we shouldn't shy away from point out where they are in error or heading down the wrong path. If done with tact, and with respect to where they are at in their development, I can't help but believe they will appreciate it. There is another current thread where someone posted something they were obviously proud of. It had serious flaws. I could tell by the posters reaction or lack thereof that they weren't happy with any criticism. That's unfortunate. Helpful, thoughtful criticism is a gift. When people stop caring enough to even comment, we're on the wrong path.

An extra disc of leather can be glued over the back of the magnet to help them from showing through so bad.

Thanks for the additional photos, they were worth waiting for. I'd leave the edges the way they are, I think they are fine. I see where it might get a little think on the margins, but that is being super picky. That is work to be proud of.

Here is a plethora of choices. Some I've seen mentioned here. https://www.etsy.com/market/custom_leather_stamp

Welcome to the forum. There are others here that also make shields for firefighters. You might try the search function and see examples of other people's work.

In my opinion there is something wrong. Water will soak through veg tan leather, so a water-based dye will also. If it is not, then there is something "foreign" preventing the dye from going through. There may be s conditioner, an oil or wax that has been applied previously. If you have soaked the leather and it still will not penetrate, by all means give Dwight's recommendation a try.

Well, good job on the photo then if you used your cell phone! I always like to see things from a number of angles. I can imagine what things look like but would rather see them. Thanks for sharing your work. It inspires myself and others.

Frodo, It appears that much of the stitching isn't drawing up tight. Do you know what is going on there?

You are very welcome! Happy to help.

I'm sure you're right on all counts. You have waaaaay more experience with these sorts of things. I threw it out there to stimulate ideas mostly. Sometimes ideas serve to show what not to do. If that describes my idea, I'm happy to have helped! Lol.

There is a sidebar on the right hand side, just scroll down a ways. It says 'Support This Site' and you can choose your amount. You receive some special permissions (functionality) with the contribution as extra incentive. Regarding rules, there is no specific, detailed list of rules on here that I'm aware of. I searched just now and I found that there are rules set up in the 'Marketplace' section of the forum with conditions for those wanting to sell there. There is also the 'Announcements and Administrivia' section where there are some topics that sort of apply. Johanna has a sticky thread there on 'How You Can Help Leatherworker.net'. There is also a FAQ section and again, Johanna lists some goals for the site. I have a suggestion. There is a section of the forum called 'All About Us and Off Topic'. Perhaps that is a good place to hang out if you want to rant. In fact, it is mentioned in the description of the forum. "We all have real lives. Share a birthday message, wish holiday greetings, post links of interest for IRL (in real life) stuff. Rant and rave, any subject. Congratulate a soldier, mourn a loss, share a laugh, a comment, some wisdom. We're more than leatherworkers, we're people with jobs, families, hobbies, happy times, sad times. General discussion of any topic, leather related or not." Personally, I like the fact that there aren't any hard-and-fast, oppressive rules here. We are given the freedom to act as mature adults and for the most part, police ourselves. That is why some posters will chime in and ask others to cool it. When necessary, the moderators do. In general, it is always good to remember that the printed word is often misinterpreted. Using capital letters, as has been pointed out, means nothing to some and to others it is very offensive. Using slang, slurs and other devices to try to be funny or cute doesn't usually go over well either. People should be able to express themselves, but when others are offended and shy away from certain users, topics or just leave, it is a shame. And could be avoided. If you do a search on topics you will see names on here that were very active contributors and no, they didn't all leave for paid gigs. Very few did, I'm sure. The reasons for leaving are many. Loss of interest, change in career, didn't find helpful information anymore, didn't like the content, whatever. I can only speak for myself but there are a couple of issues that set me off. One is taking shots at suppliers. The discussion is usually one-sided. The purchaser is often equally to blame for an issue, or at least contributed to the situation but seldom take ownership of it. And in several instances here, they didn't seek remedy from the supplier at all, just couldn't wait to jump on here and complain. I guess it helps them to vent. Maybe they should go do that in the 'All About Us and Off Topic section?' A section I will never frequent. So that's my suggestion. There is a place on this forum that is designed for folks to "rant and rave" so go for it!

Nice job. I have noticed that it is tough to keep my stitching as tidy on textured leathers as it is on flat, smooth leathers. Do you find the same? It appears that might be a "flap-style" card wallet. Can we see more of it? I am no expert on photography, but there appears to be a flash or a bright spot in the photo. Are you using a light box of some sort, or not? I see photos on here that make me sit up and take notice. I think they are using a light box designed for the purpose. Keep up the good work!

If you do the "pancake" style it would be easy to stiffen the center section and leave the "wings" where the belt goes through loose and able to conform. Good idea!

I can see how it could be done in two operations quite easily, but a single operation would involve sewing over or back-stitching fairly large areas. it is kind of a puzzle. I looked at it and visualized it a number of ways, but I can't see how to do the entire thing in one pass without going over some of it twice. If you can live with that, then you could begin at the top nearest the lug, go around the "U"-shaped portion, then straight down and around the strap end and back up the other side, then cross over horizontally under the "U"-shaped piece and terminate. It will be fun to see other approaches.

If you don't mind waiting, there are several folks here on the forum that make tools. You tell them the shape and size and they can fix you up. Then you'll have a custom awl haft that is perfect for what you want. You can select the wood as well, I'm sure.

My idea. First time I tried this and I have a lot to learn.....

That is a very interesting tool. The first thing that came to mind was to fashion a cover for the main blade similar to the ones that folks make for their round knives. The way the tool appears to me, the side with the blade is the main area where you need protection. Maybe you could fashion a "pancake-style" backing and then attach an additional piece onto the front of it that the tool would slide down into. Then it could be a matter of having a strap with a snap closure to secure it into position.

In my experience, you are best to try different finishes, waterproofing, etc. on scrap before using it on finished work. There are rules and then there are exceptions. Leather varies widely. There are some leathers that will certainly darken when a finish is applied. So if that is a problem, better to find out on scrap. Some chrome-tanned leathers come with a finish already on them too, so that also needs to be taken into account.

Bert, it isn't only your opinion. Lots of us feel the same. Thanks for your post, it is encouraging! Ray