sbpark

Thank you very much for your reply! Regarding the swivel knife, and the type of tooling I am looking to do, what size would you recommend? Looking like the Barry King comes in 1/4", 1/8" and 1/2", thick, thin and angled blades.

Hey everyone! Just wanted to say hi, introduce myself, and hopefully get some advice on how to get started tooling and carving leather. Very excited to have found this forum! I live in Colorado, love the mountains and also love music. I play bluegrass banjo and guitar and lean more toward an old school rock/country/Americana style with the guitar. Big into Luther Perkins, Buck Owens, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Willie, Merle, etc. Been reading up a bit and watching a bunch of tutorial videos on tooling leather and want to dive into the hobby. I have pretty specific goals of eventually being able to make my own carved/tooled leather guitar, banjo and mandolin straps, initially for myself, then as I get better for friends, family, etc., and eventually as a side project where I may even be able to sell a few here and there. So I really want to just stick to making straps and not anything else. In the beginning I'd prefer to just made single thickness straps, concentrating more on the tooling, and as I get better at tooling, start getting into different backing, sewing, etc. But for now it's more about the tooling skills! I've always been somewhat artistic, always into drawing, and took years of oil painting lessons and classes, drafting classes way back in high school, etc. The only problem is I'm very overwhelmed on what type of basic tools I need to get started. For example, I now I need an maul or mallet, just have no idea which one, which weight, etc. that would be best suited for my intentions stated above. Also have no idea what type, size blade, etc. swivel knife I should start with. I have no problem spending money if a tool or knife is quality, but also don't have a crazy unlimited budget. I also understand that skimping on certain tools to save a dollar or two up front may come back to bite you later on, but with this hobby I have no idea what's good and what isn't. What items shouldn't I skimp on? I'm guessing I shouldn't skimp on the swivel knife, and looked at the SK-3's, but the choices are overwhelming and have no clue where to start! Also, regarding stamping tools, looking all over the web, on eBay, Amazon, Tandy's site, etc, seems like there are great prices on 20 piece tool sets, but unsure of the quality of these sets. Are they sufficient, or are they total junk and should be avoided? Is there a basic set that most people agree that's good quality and is a good all around set for amateurs that will also be adequate as I progress without having to spend an arm and a leg on vintage tools? I apologize for the long first post, but really would appreciate any advice in how to get started. As I mentioned above, I'm more into starting this hobby with the intent of making instrument straps, so lots of name and initial stamping, carving and tooling of stuff like oak leaves, wheat stalks, flowers, basket weave patterns, etc. Very traditional, classic stuff. So any recommendations of what equipment would be best suited for that would be wonderful! Thanks to all in advance!