Tugadude

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.

Awesome work and inspirational to boot!

Quote from nuttish: 5 back stitches is excessive if you're correctly saddle stitching. agreed, having a hard time picturing your threads coming loose with 5 back stitches. Try any of the ideas above and make sure you use enough wax.

I have to say (with no disrespect to anyone else) that you come up with some of the coolest ideas! Loved your sandals and boots and now these, just really neat. Keep it up, it's inspiring.

Very nice work. I'm gonna guess dry milled veg tan.

No experience with machines but all of the glues named and the tape are rubbery/flexible. Even after drying. So maybe try a "hard" glue, one that isn't gummy when dry. Maybe someone can recommend one. I have issues sometimes with the double-sided tape if I get it too close to the edge of my work because it is very gummy and interferes with burnishing. Same for Weldwood. Great adhesives, just keep back a little.

Good stuff! Yes, it is a thickness issue. Fix that and you got it!

This is from the Rivbike.com (Rivendell) website. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzehUKAztnO8MzEwYWZiYjItY2NlNC00MWM3LWI0ODItZmY5MzBmMDJkMjU2/view

Looks like waxed nylon braided cord to me. Don't see it as being leather at all. I use a similar technique as a finishing wrap on handlebar wraps, using twine for it.

Very nice items. Only one thing and I'm sure it is just personal preference, but while I often like white thread, I think black would work better on the pieces you've shown. But the execution is great. Keep on posting!

Very nice! Did you line it?

I am always impressed by the wide-ranging talents on this forum. That is one beautiful knife. The older I get the more I appreciate repurposing and the thought that goes into it. Great job!

Tinker, some believe spinal damage is a risk...falling on the ground with your weapon under the Small of your back. Not from discharge but impact. SOB holsters are quite controversial with some groups. Like anything there are advantages and disadvantages. It is up to the individual to research, experiment and ultimately decide what to do.

For the saddle stitch, I recommend Nigel Armitage and Ian Atkinson videos on Youtube. Both are very knowledgeable and entertaining to boot. Not saying don't buy the Stohlman books, but they certainly aren't necessary. Valerie Michael's book is outstanding also. Main thing is have fun and show us your work as you progress. We all learn from one-another and help promote the craft. good luck!

If I did it your way I would definitely want the outside piece to be straight as Halitech stated. That is going to be seen more easily and deviations will be more obvious.

I simply apply carnauba cream and then rub with an old rag. Happy enough with the results.

If it helps, Springfield Leather has Barry King knives for 54 bucks in three different sized handles and various blades for $17.50 each.

Great advice above, it is what I do. Also keep the backside perfectly flat and on an anvil or similar. For some work I've laid the project on my heavy, cast iron table saw surface. If you bend the rivet, even slightly, it will be tough to remove.

The Q-tips are used for the stick only. The original poster described how he removes the cotton swab first. I've heard other folks getting good results from round pencils and/or plastic pens. Whatever gets it done.

Cotton buds would be Q-tips over here on the west side of the pond! I agree they should work great.

I use "hard" tools for edge coating. Tried brushes and didn't like them. The Tandy roller is excellent but I have good luck with metal spatulas and even popsicle sticks. The really skinny wooden coffee stir sticks are decent too. I think it is like a lot of skills, use what works for you and once you develop the knack for it, it just flows.

We all started somewhere so join the club! Keep at it and soon you will not believe your progress. I have some of my first projects around and they are reminders of how far I've come with the craft. But I still don't know half as much as most folks on here. study up on edge finishing which typically involves beveling and burnishing. Also read or watch tutorials on stitching. Tandy sells some nice chisels that will help. Probably gonna need a good awl for the thicker leather too. Good luck and don't hesitate to ask anything at all, we're all here to help.