Tugadude

Samalan makes a lot of good points. In the OP's post he got specific and asked how much a FAIR price would be. I doubt it is achievable except under one condition and that is a commissioned or bespoke item. In other words, the buyer knows up front what they can expect to pay for that amount of work. You might even have a "schedule" like some of the custom bicycle manufacturers have, where they list a number of options along with their prices. The buyer then determines for themselves how much the bike is going to cost, more or less. Basically what I'm saying is the average customer looking for a wallet will never pay what it is actually worth when you figure in the amount of hours you've invested. But someone looking specifically for the characteristics of same just might. As far as the "schedule" I mentioned, or menu, you can offer plain versus tooled, stitched versus laced, for example. List colors of leather, grades and/or types of leather and colors of thread and lace. Make them a part of the process and to me it helps justify the price in their own mind because they've had a hand in designing it so to speak. And now they understand that some things cost more than others. An educated consumer is your best customer.

Funny, Colonel Littleton just announced via email (I'm on their list) that this weekend they are putting $2 bills in wallets and $100 in one lucky wallet. I would argue that at the prices they charge for their wallets they'll still come out way ahead.

I'm always impressed by the members here who are capable in multiple mediums beyond just leather. Chuck makes some beautiful knives, for example. So does Rossr. I appreciate all of the knowledge and skill they bring to their work.

Chainsaw!

One thing to clarify. When I posted the example that I did it wasn't because I believe ALL machine stitching looks bad, not at all. There have been lots of examples posted here that show that it can look good. To argue otherwise is silly. Springfield could have chosen a thicker thread and it immediately would have looked better. Why they didn't, who knows? I can't believe there's a huge savings in going with thinner thread. Not when you look at the small amount of thread per article certainly. What I was trying to show is how machine stitching CAN look when aesthetics aren't a concern. I can't imagine them looking at that stitching and believing it looks great. Just can't believe that. Some buy them for their function and I'm sure don't even notice. They don't realize there is something better available probably. So let's not make this a handstitched versus machine debate. That wasn't my intent. The advantages of each are well known, well documented and I respect those on both sides.

Amen to that brother!

Art means different things to different people. Here's one dictionary definition: the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance. Leatherwork CAN be art, but personally I don't view all leatherwork as art. If I did, then the Chinese wallets I see in stores for a couple of bucks would have to be considered art. They are leatherwork, such as it is. They aren't art.

As much as I love Springfield Leather, and I do, when I was there several years ago I noticed that they had begun to market a lot of finished goods, wallets, card holders, etc. That was new, and I was intrigued so I looked at them, closely. The stitching immediately made me cringe. The goods looked fine I guess, but the stitching clearly was made by machine and didn't exhibit any of the hallmark qualities of saddle stitching achieved by hand. I'll show an example below. To me they just look "wrong". Others will disagree, and that's fine. Aesthetics are personal. Expectations are personal. If people don't care one way or another, then sure, they want to buy at the cheapest price. Some will pay more, some won't. Always been and always will.

Some do argue that saddle stitched goods are worth more. And if they get more, what's the problem?

Seems to me we're talking about different things here and lumping them all together. Reminds me of the old saying "you can paint a thousand walls, but it doesn't make you an artist". It makes you very good at painting walls. That's all. Stamping properly does take skill and it begins with the skill of properly casing leather, something a lot of people continue to struggle with. Carving and tooling, to me, is light years more difficult than stamping. Not even close. Anyone who disagrees, and they're welcome to, just needs to grab a swivel knife and begin to fashion shapes with it. I think they'll learn pretty quickly that it takes lots of practice just to even hold it properly, so as to not cut too deeply, undercut, etc. And then you have to learn to make your lines smooth, and that ain't easy. But again, that's the mechanical aspect of the process. The artistic, I argue, is a horse of a different color. You can be good at carving with a swivel knife and learn to follow patterns and such, but does that qualify you as artistic? I'm not sure that it does. I have a daughter who can look at something and copy it onto a piece of paper. It is uncanny how she can do it and retain the symmetry and other aspects. Give her a blank page and ask her to draw something without an example in front of her and she's lost. She cannot compose it in her mind and transfer it to the paper. I refer to her as a "copy artist". The belt that Handstitched posted is a good example of being artistic with stamps. What was created was a vision and not something where an existing pattern was replicated. To me, that's art. Being able to duplicate or replicate something isn't. That's the way I see it. Stamping is difficult, more difficult than most probably think. But carving and tooling is on another level. And being able to be artistic in either medium is something yet again.

You can either double up the leather or use another leather for the lining. I agree that 5/6 is a bit thin for a sturdy belt.

I've used very little horse hide, but I have used it. I thought it was fine for what I used it for, which was briefcase straps. Of course the most famous horse leather is cordovan, the fibrous flat connective tissue (shell) beneath the hide on the rump of a horse. That's not what you have here, but it still looks like a nice quality leather. Some say horse leather is more weather resistant compared to bovine. Don't know if it is true or not. There is a difference in the grain between horse and cow and perhaps that results in being more resistant. Being 5/6 oz., it is too thick for some things I would make and it is too narrow to be used for others. It would make a good material for bible/notebook covers so long as the bible or notebook isn't wider than what you've got. I think it is too thick for wallets, except maybe for the outer piece. I generally stay around 4 oz. for wallet backs and 1.5 to 2 oz. for the innards but I know some like to go thicker. The leather with the smooth texture would make great belts, or straps as I mentioned. If it isn't long enough for a particular belt maybe you can do a Ranger Belt style and make it work out. Hopefully others will have some more ideas for you! Good luck!

Here's an example of one of the channels I watch occasionally.

Very nice! We also like to see them open! The insides are often even more interesting.

Outstanding result. Would have loved to see photos of the project start to finish. That retainage nut is unreal. Wouldn't mind more info on how that was made and how it works. Among the things I never expected to read here: "Our quartermaster onboard asked me if I would help her make a knife." LOL

It is a shame to hear about the glued-on soles. At that price I'd think any argument about competition would ring hollow. It used to be certain "names" in the industry could be counted upon but I guess that has gone the way as so much has gone recently. Downhill.

One reason for many misconceptions about leather goods is just the simple fact that most people have no clue as to leather differences, especially quality differences. Just as "plastic" has multiple grades, from cheap to incredibly advanced, leather can be crap or luxurious and people still call it leather. The form of tanning also has a huge impact on whether leather is going to be durable and how much maintenance it might require. But again, the general public doesn't know that. I see so many pairs of leather shoes, for example, that are holding up incredibly well with just some simple care. Certainly nothing unusual. But they started life as quality shoes with quality leather built by quality brands. The uppers on a pair of quality shoes or boots can be resoled multiple times and keep on walking. Cheap leather shoes will have long gone to the bin. One of my guilty pleasures lately is watching YouTube channels where shoes and boots are rejuvenated. The skills are amazing and the results generally extraordinary. But it all begins with quality leather. And it is an uphill battle to explain that to many consumers.

So again, the reason I'm sharing this is because it really did make a huge impact on me, a person who generally yawns when people talk about cool packaging. To me this was an exception, showed tremendous thought and expressed pure class. If you go, go all the way I guess. I felt like a valued customer and my being a founding member was well recognized.

Not saying they are right or wrong to do it, but Colonel Littleton, a popular leather company here in the states puts Moon Pies in their packages. They seem to go over well based on the responses. They come in the packaging they would be purchased in at a local store so they can be deemed safe to consume.

Nice to read a positive story. Might be good for you to share the story with Tandy itself so that they are aware of their standout employee. I have had generally positive experiences in all of the Tandy stores I've visited and I've visited many since I used to travel for business and covered multiple states. My main source is Springfield Leather, 3 hours from me, but I had several of my children attend university there, so and I also covered that territory for business so I was able to make frequent visits. There is no substitute for personal visits. Springfield Leather has a ton of stuff they run sales on that never hit the internet. They have bins outside of the store, by the entrance where they offer super deals on hardware, belt blanks and even some leather goods. And they also have discounted sides in the store you can look through. Can't do that online. Their salespeople are very helpful and friendly!

Interesting that this came up now. Yesterday my wife and I received our gift from the new MLS Soccer team in St. Louis, the St. Louis City SC (Soccer Club). We are founding season ticket holders and their first home game is tonight! Can't wait! But getting back to the gift for season ticket holders. The box it came in was among the most beautiful boxes I've ever seen anything packaged in, bar none. I will take a picture later and post it because I think it really is nicely done. The box made a huge impact on me, someone who usually couldn't care less what the packaging looks like as I'm really interested in what is inside. This box challenged that belief. At least for a time! I still don't care much for sexy packaging. I like the ideas of "useful" extra items. The key fob, coaster, small card wallet, etc. I think would be very well received and a big surprise. And of course Pastor Bob's note is the most special. For anyone who isn't a believer it would be the best gift they ever receive. So long as they follow through.

While I don't use those sort of pliers, rest assured they are indeed a thing and there are several here on the forum who swear by them. I'm sure Fred or somebody will respond shortly. I do know that Goods Japan offers some of those pliers and they are said to be of good quality. Also, as far as terminology for the irons, here's a sticky topic that I instigated which hopes to give some clarity to an often misunderstood topic.

Music to my ears AussieTanker. All too often folks don't respond to thank those who offer help. I'm glad you did. Good luck on your journey!