Markus

I developed an interest in leather work some years, I've just set up a workshop with among other things beautiful completely refurbished pearson#6 . . . My difficulty has been in finding Hand Tools, hardware, and instruction on technique. Much of what I'm able to find seems to be aimed at the "hobbyist". The tools I have purchased in most cases from looking at stamp sized pictures, are passable yet unimpressive, the hardware for the most part, i.e. jiffy snaps and rivets, are pretty much crap in my opinion, and as far as technical instruction, i.e. assembly, I can't find anything at the professional level. I don't mind paying for quality - I just can't find it - and would greatly appreciate anyone pointing a finger. Thanks ever so much, Markus

Salut Pino, quesce que vous voulez dire par "unless you're a professional" Je cherche pour les meilleurs outils que je puisse trouver. La plupart des vendeurs que je touve dans mes environs non't pas doutils de qualite professionelle. Les ateliers commes Hermes; ou est-ce qu'ils achetes leurs outils. Hi Pino , what do you mean by "unless you are a professional" I'm looking for the absolute best tools i can find and I don't mind paying for quality. Very few of the tools i have found online are professional quality, some of the tools are passable, but many more yet are of poor quality. Where do the luxury shops in France, for example "Hermes" by their tools? Many Thanks Mark Stephens, Canada

I imagine you put the retainers there to keep things in their place (hence the word retainers, duh!) which makes perfect sense. But from a looks standpoint alone they look a little too utilitarian. It's easy to see the case without them so obviously that left you , let's say "unsatisfied" with the look. Design is the perfect combination of esthetics and function. I think that this is where you are at. You need to continue to attempt to perfect the piece by basically sketching or trying different ways of solving the design problem. It can be a long process, and it can keep you awake at night but when you nail it - you'll know - and you won't have to ask for anyone's opinion. But that's just my opinion ;-) The first thing I'd try is losing the "wings", or shaping the wings somehow, - or covering them (the wings only) with brass . . . also re price - a $1000 case is perceived only as a great quality case - at around $2000 you are entering the luxury goods niche - if you really want to give your brand some "status" value, come up with a $6000 bag. You may not sell many but your brand worth will go up quite a few notches. Markus