UKRay

This week I have made a batch of strops. Mine are pretty simple double sided 3.5mm leather on oak with a little turned oak handle. I sell them on eBay but, given their essential nature, I keep thinking I ought to be selling more of them. Maybe I haven't got the design right? Maybe they need something else to make them more attractive - I believe they work just fine. What sort of strop do you guys favor? Can you share a picture please? Any hints or tips as to size and materials? What about jeweller's rouge? Grinding paste? What do you use? Should I supply this with the strop or sell it separately? Any help or suggestions gratefully received. Ray

Don't do it Holly.. and don't send him to me either! LOL Ray

I can't help but agree with you, Chuck. I have been watching this one for quite a while - since the days when the British government (and doubtless the US too) wanted to impose 'Key Escrow' on anyone involved in encrypted internet traffic. The idea being that you could encrypt your data but you had to share the key with the government. PGP put paid to that nonsense with a free to use encryption package that is too difficult to crack (not impossible, but very time consuming and not really worth the effort in most cases). Now they want to monitor all telephone, internet and wireless traffic. Big Brother is definitely getting more adventurous and ambitious! I'm not altogether sure they have the ability to completely shut down or hijack the internet but I'd appreciate an advised opinion from someone like Bree as it would play heck with my eBay leather orders! LOL

We need to know what sort of glue it is, Kani. Different glues need different approaches. Ray

Y'know, Jordan makes some very good points so I'm also going to change my mind. We definitely don't need a special place for people to be unpleasant to each other. Perhaps the moderators can simply jump on any nastiness a bit earlier?

I'm with you all the way, Tashabear. I'm definitely not here for the in-fighting and squabbles, I just want to chew the fat, have a laugh and learn as much as I can. The password idea sounds like a good one as it would keep the controversial 'off topic' stuff right out of the way and most important of all, stop it spoiling sensible discussions about leatherwork. Human nature being what it is, I think the real success of this proposal would rely on the moderators (bless 'em) picking up on any nonsense and shifting it off the main board; but I guess that sort of thing is one of the reasons we need them. edit was because of my inability to spell - again!

Good luck, Jordan. You'll get much more use outta those great sandals in California! Just don't forget where your friends are. Ray

It never fails to amaze me what a simple question can provoke. I just wish I could get some more information about making those historic sadals I see around the place - the sort that cross lace up your leg. Somebody must be making them -they can't all be original, genuine, honest to goodness celtic/viking/saxon/roman or can they? LOL Hey Suze - any thoughts? - please note that was 'Hey Suze' as opposed to "heyzuschristos" - similar but very different!

Tom, the sleeve idea works really well for me but you will need to know the thickness of the material in microns before you place an order - I have no idea how thick the stuff I use is as I was given it. I'm nearly out and will need to replace soon so perhaps we can find some kind soul to explain what a micron looks like and what size would be best for us. Ray

That is a terrifying thought, Suze... <grin!>

Have a good day, Jim. Happy Birthday.

Look for suppliers of plastic sheeting as they often supply the endless tube used with a heat sealer to make long plastic bags. I have some that is perfect for belts and some a little wider for guitar straps. The heat sealer cuts and seals in a single action. Very quick and you don't waste anything as you only cut to fit the item inside.

IMHO, you could do a lot worse than have a PM chat with Badger to find out more about casting your own seals. He casts things in all kinds of materials. Ray

Great workmanship often reflects great teaching. Nice job!

Great tutorial, Timbo - I'm looking forward to making one of these! Ray

It is a handbag made by a holster maker... but it definitely doesn't look like one! No tooling, carving or CZ spots? Resisted the urge did you? Glad the lady is on the mend... Nice job, Karl. edit due to inability to spell - I put it down to British Summertime

So how are the original 'Heyzueschristos' holding up, Jordan? - You must have given them some hard wear last summer. Any chance of a picture to check out the current situation? The problem with being made a legend is that people then expect you to produce the goods every time... Legend is a much overrated status IMHO You might derive some gentle amusement from the following web page - they could be just the job for the mall on a busy Saturday... http://www.instructables.com/id/The_Simple...om_Plastic_Bot/ Anyone seen the tyre sandals video on YouTube? - Do post a link please!

Nah Luke - I'll manage just fine with the spare tyre round my middle thanks! Thanks for the suggestions and links guys - I was aware of Jordan's sandal adventures, the man is a regular legend! - But what I was hoping for was some of the newer people to contribute their experiences and designs. Is anyone making authentic historic sandals? Y'know, I find it pays to listen (with half an ear) to cousin Luke's attempts at humor - How do you make sandals from car tyres - anyone done it?

The summer is coming people - no honestly it really is! I have just been asked to make up some sandals for a customer and I started out to make the same old style I have been doing since the 1970s when I realised that there are lots of people here who make different sandal designs and almost certainly do it better than me. If you make sandals could you please take a few minutes to jot down your way of doing the job and perhaps post a picture or two or your favorite style. Historically accurate, fashionable or just plain comfortable; just tell us how you make 'em! Please tell us how you get the size right? How do you know how long to cut the straps and what measurements you use? How do you fix the straps under the insole? How do you fix the insole to the sole? Do you use a crepe or leather sole and why? What glue is best? What leather works best for you? Sandals are a great project for an intermediate level leatherworker. They fit in with all kinds of re-enactment and can be very comfortable to wear so please share your sandal tips and tricks so we can all make a pair before the weather gets too warm.

After re-reading this thread a number of times I can see my comment wasn't even slightly helpful, sorry if it offended you Noah. I was simply trying to think laterally as the two skills are closely linked.

Noah, I think it may be time to consider silversmithing as a hobby...

Come on guys - inanimate don't mean animals! - Or maybe is this one of those transatlantic language things again?

Ed, I like the retainers because they add a lot of character to your bags. Without them you risk your products looking like everyone else's. It may be an idea to offer to make the bag without them as a no-cost option - rather than offer to add them.

What a classy looking looking website. I'm soooo impressed. And all for free too. I love it!

Sorry Tony, it looks like you, Crystal, and cousin Luke are in a minority, there are more barking mad people out there than you imagined. So be afraid... be very afraid! I think the funniest (and most topical) to date is the stitching horse called 'Old Flash' - You are currently leading the pack, Leatherworklee. Yeehaw! Dianne, you come a very, very close second with the story of Bessie the Buick... but your wolves definitely restore the balance - soooo cool! HorsehairBraider, I like the 'Purple Truck' and 'BOB' but on reflection 'Seaview the vucaniser' is pretty weird by anyone's standards... least said about him the better. Suze, why am I not surprised that you have a dress form named Lulubelle and a plastic skull called Yorick? Shop vacs called R2D2 seem to be everywhere... Anyone else want to take the opportunity to 'fess up?