alancolyer

Thanks for the advice and comments everyone. That sounds like a good idea to use antique stain, ill pick some up and give it a try - if it works out ill post a few pics Thanks for the advice and comments everyone. That sounds like a good idea to use antique stain, ill pick some up and give it a try - if it works out ill post a few pics

Plus, i'd need to work on the "experienced saddler" part too

I'm from Scotland, about as far away as possible lol. I would love to do this . Maybe in the future I could, a holiday sounds like it would work if i had enough saved for flights etc. In another life id be on my way already

I wish..... I live at the wrong end of the world though . Oppotunity of a lifetime for someone who can. Good luck finding someone, and keep us posted incase i find a way to immigrate!

I made these prototypes with a view to sell... the leather I used for the tooled part of the quiver isn't quite up to scratch but I'm happy with the bracer. Both made with 2.5mm veg tan leather (bracer is more like 2.8-3.0) with a waxed finish. I'd welcome any constructive criticism you guys have to share, otherwise enjoy

just reporting back, I tried the wax & neatsfoot mix and it worked perfectly. rubbed it on, used a heatgun to melt it in, then burnished for a great finish. worked well on even very fuzzy leather, and feels smooth enough, even has a nice shine. thanks for the knowledge Dwight

Thanks for all the replies - Dwight I might give that wax a shot, I have some pure beeswax already and can get neetsfoot (I have the compound which I think is different). cheers

Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster. I've read alot about finishing edges on my leather projects, and I've gotten results I'm mostly happy with. However, on some projects, like archery bracers, I have a large area of flesh-side on the bottom which contacts the wearer's skin. Depending on the peice of leather this is sometimes OK, other times a problem. I normally use veg-tan tooling leather, varying quality / types. The flesh side can be anything from almost smooth to furrier than your cat. I've found that if I dye the flesh side, particularly if I use oil based dye (like Fiebing's oil dye) it becomes almost crusty and can feel like sandpaper. I was wondering how others deal with this? Here's some things I've tried in the past: 1. Dye with oil-dye, then coat with leather conditioner (beeswax with other stuff) and burnish, this seems to remove the sandpaper feel but can feel a little waxy afterwards 2. Line the flesh-side with suede - I like this, but it does require more leather and much more time for the glueing and stitching 3. Sand or lightly skive, dye with water-based dye, and burnish with gum trag - never gets totally smooth, will be undone with use The answer may be "buy better leather" but I would be interested to know if there's a good way to come up with a reasonably smooth coloured finish on the flesh side. Any help appreciated.