Tugadude

I think you did just fine. I was not looking to criticize but actually compliment on how well they turned out in general.

I think for entry level they are fine. Certainly won't break the bank. Many of us have paid as much or more than that whole list for one good awl. I'd be interested in feedback on the edgers. If they are sharp and hold an edge, that's a bargain.

Good stuff

The point I was making about the slots was the fact that the size worked out just right with the stitching. I only saw one stitch or two that are demonstrably bigger than the others to ensure the tops are cinched down. Not easy to do. I was wondering if you adjusted the width to your irons.

Love your work. I always like "accent" items such as the textured card slots. Is that something that you do as a "signature" on your wallets. If so, it is very cool. I like features like that. It may seem simple, but just a change in texture or color on one element can give an item a unique appeal. I'm guessing the white triangles are painted? Also, would like to know what thought process went into the stitching and the size of the vertical card slots. It turned out very well.

Now that is some fine work. I think all the details have been nailed here. The stitching hinges at the point of the strap just as it should. Creases on the keepers. The edges are great. Definitely something for us to aim for.

Necessity is the mother of invention. Not surprising that a common tool is modified to produce a unique result. Regarding the soap question, since some people burnish with nothing but water or spit, anything is worth a try, right?

Genuine leather is the second-lowest grade of leather next to bonded leather with is leather bits glued together and molded into sheets. Genuine leather is typically a split and represents a weaker grade as compared to top grain. The outer layer is the strongest and most desirable. Genuine leather can be sanded smooth and can be finished or not, but it is lesser quality and will likely not hold up to the rigors of usage anywhere near as long as top grain, corrected top grain or other premium leathers. Genuine does indicate the leather is real, but in some instances it is real bad.

I have no experience with this so should stay mum, but sorry, it sounds like a disaster in the making. I do sell adhesives and know of their limitations and frankly this doesn't sound like it will end well. I'm happy to be wrong about this.

Well in addition to the expiration date for the offer, I couldn't have ordered from them anyway according to this verbiage from their page... When you produce around 500 different leathers in a year you are going to get a production over-run or six. Our over-runs are your opportunity. These specials are for members of our Leather Savings List (only) and available from Monday March 18 to Friday March 22 unless sold out prior. Just send us an email or call (07) 3203 1323 and let us know which leather(s) you would like to get a hold of.

I found the website for Packer Direct, but the products are sorted by the usage, wallets, purses, etc. Can you please tell us exactly which ones those are? Thanks!

Springfield Leather has tons of wallet inserts, some of which have the clear ID pocket. Check them out. https://www.springfieldleather.com/Interiors-Kits/Wallets-Interiors

Those look excellent! Thanks for sharing.

True that. I actually hit mine with a glancing blow of the hammer and bent a tooth. So on these in particular, no wiggling! I'm sure you are right about that. Smooth doesn't necessarily equal slick. Beeswax helps, but if one had the time, preparing them as you said is the way to go. That is why good chisels are expensive. That sort of hand work takes time and that has to translate into the cost.

Good luck!

If I'm correct, what you are using is not a pricking iron but rather a stitching chisel. Is the one you're using black in color? What size is it? It says what size it is on the handle. I believe the smallest is 2mm and they go up from there. That chisel is designed to go through the leather all of the way. Pricking irons aren't intended to go through thick leather, just mark the surface where the awl is to go. They will, of course punch all the way through thin leather. So to make it easier to remove the chisel, try dipping it into beeswax every so often as you are using it. That will help in removing it. I also use a small block of wood and hold the wood up tight against the chisel and pull straight up to remove. Don't wiggle the iron as I've seen some so. If you wiggle or rock it, you stand the chance of deforming or otherwise enlarging the holes. That will effect your stitching. Some chisels need to be polished to enable them to be removed more easily. If you have the black Craftool chisels, then they are smooth from the paint coating. Not sure polishing will help. Hope that's of some value. P.S. Watch Nigel Armitage's videos on stitching chisels, pricking irons, and hybrids. You will learn a lot! BTW, forgot to say welcome. So welcome!

If you mean a slide such as that used in what used to be the Boy Scouts of America, then you don't even have to have an inner sleeve unless you want to. I've seen a simple leather ring work just fine. Are you going to tool it? I don't think there is anything special required unless I'm misunderstanding what you are looking for. You could also make a leather ring and fasten a concho to it for decoration.

The brim of your hat is one of the best I've seen. Not easy to do but you pulled it off.

Nicely done. I can only imagine how great it will look as it develops patina.

Very well done! One suggestion would be to consider adding a welt to the top seam. I'm thinking it might hide the stitching and possibly make it more roundish.

I'm also a bicycle aficionado. That is a hammock style arrangement. Very comfortable. Thanks for sharing, very cool indeed!

I see these used by hair stylists to hold their scissors and other tools. I also have seen gardeners and florists use a similar thing. There is a fellow at Springfield Leather, Jeff, who wears one and it carries a measuring tape, scissors, knife, pen, etc. so that he has the items handy. Could be customized to make a lot of folks lives easier, more organized, etc.

I applaud you for being honest about how bad some neighborhoods have gotten. Not just in your country but in many countries there are zones where if you call the police, you are out of luck. Here in the U.S. we are always hearing about these ideal countries that exist elsewhere, but when you dig deep, we all suffer the same issues.