Tugadude

Beautiful result. The final color looks nothing like the original pics though. The antiquing had a big effect or it is the lighting.

Those turned out great! Hard to remember when my kiddos would wear belts that small.

I think MadMax summed things up very nicely in the last post. Just because a tool maker is good at one type of tool doesn't necessarily mean they excel at all things. Personally, I would try sharpening the BK a little more or return the blade and ask the maker to Resharpen it. I would reach out to BK first. Maybe he can look at your picture and agree and just send out a new blade. To me it is distinctly different than MM's blade, less pointy. And BTW, one of the best things about this forum is the lengths some will go to help. MadMax22 deserves major kudos for the detailed photos and the effort!

Welcome! Make sure to check out the Nigel Armitage saddle stitch videos. He is a good teacher. Fun to follow along with too. Good luck! BTW, the videos are on this site or Youtube.

Really like your use of color accents. Nice stuff, a good example of developing your own look.

Found this on Tholek's info page... Website URL www.leathercrafting.org

Try this link...

Nobody said propriety and I know she didn't invent it. But that is this makers "thing". So Even though I know how to make the stitch, it didn't seem appropriate to just tip the method immediately. Better for the beginner to search and try things on his own. Might learn a bunch in the process. Or I could have said, first you.......I chose the former. Now he seems to not be so enamored with it, so on it goes.

BTW, the hardware is nice too. Gives it a rugged go-anywhere look.

Like Mattsbagger I have shaved with the DE version. Personally I don't think they will last very long cutting leather. I can get about three shaves out of them and that is facial hair with cream, etc.

Yes, it is a backstitch. There is a thread explaining how to do it on this site. Probably hard to find with a search. ENC is close, but I think it is slightly different in terms of the holes. Suggest the OP take the hints and experiment. Halitech is right as far as breaking and I would think the threads are likely to wear quickly and/or get dirty sitting so proud.

Very cool and great job! I love vintage designs resurrected. Thanks for sharing that outstanding piece.

Totally disagree that saddle stitching is overkill for a wallet, but it seems obvious the proprietor of the leather company wants to keep the technique secret. Or at least make you work to figure it out. Since it is their "signature", I would not try to imitate it. Come up with your own signature stitch. Good luck!

We don't yell much here. Moderator has a good idea. List your location and maybe a nice member will offer to let you try their machine?

Wow, awesome stuff there. Especially the stitching. But the coolest part was the part about giving them away to raise funds for dementia patients. As a son of a late father that had suffered severe dementia, I applaud you!

Oldnslow makes a good point. Ask. Ask to see the manager, explain your situation and see if they will honor the discount. I had success with this locally. The local Tandy manager is super to work with. Once there was a stitching iron I really wanted but there was a big disparity between the gold and wholesale price. I mentioned it to the manager and he offered to sell it at wholesale. It is a win-win. But you don't get it unless you ask. Now they can't do it on every transaction, but offered sparingly it increases customer loyalty.

The suede is perfect for this. Really sets off the leather on inside bottom.

Big improvement from the first if I remember. I'm not a huge fan of these trays. I just don't like the aesthetics of the excess material when the corners are gathered. Not your design, all of the similar ones. If it were mine I'd try to scallop the corners so when drawn together it stays more boxy. Having said that, your execution is great.

Nicer than my first project. Bland makes some good observations. The sheath is probably oversized for what it is. Welts will help it last longer and protect the stitching. As it breaks in it may get a little loose. I'd be tempted to put another row of stitching alongside and just inbound of the existing. Double rows can look quite smart. Good luck!

Very nice, but I think you should line your next one for sure. Maybe a cool looking fabric?

You can certainly roughen the leather to get a superior bond. Adhesives work chemically and mechanically. A textured surface will bond better than a smooth one. Yes, some leathers are loaded with oils and waxes that make it more challenging to bond. Those definitely respond better when roughened up.

Very nice and the edges especially stand out.

Olive oil works for that purpose.

I agree with MadMax22, I'm sure it has a sealer on it. But you can always cut off a strip and try. Nothing to lose.

Welcome! Great projects, especially the neat stitching. Regarding the mottling, I don't think it looks bad. If you aren't doing it already, next time try circles on the first application and straight lines on the second. This works for me and I learned it from folks here on the forum. Again, welcome and keep sharing.