King's X

That piece for me is done. Your casing formula is just fine. I agree with Whinewine, many things case mess with your leather. Cut out another piece, as well as, a piece of scrap from the same hide. Case and practice with your swivel knife on the scrap before you begin to get a feel for your project piece. As for how the swivel knife behaves? Your knife if sharpen and polished correctly will cut the leather (if cased correctly) like butter. If you think about that process there shouldn't be any drag. Consider how ABS brakes work on a vehicle.......that kind of travel is not good. Also, if you closely inspect the swivel knife cuts, ripples will show where the dragging was occurring. Finally, your cuts should go down about 1/2 way the thickness of your project leather even if your piece is thin. Good luck, sorry to give you some bad news about your piece.

I have a couple of questions? How did your swivel knife work when cutting both pieces? Did one drag more than the other? Did it seem to cut into the leather or just scrape the top? This might go to Whinewine's suggestions.

It depends on the project. Like Wildrose states it does add some more work. What I like best is you can get a bit creative with the spine. For example is the portfolio that I made about 2 years ago.

Here is the website http://www.josephdixon.co.uk/products.asp?page=4

If you search Oxalic Acid on this site, you might get some more information on cleaning your hides. good luck.

I do all of my stitching by hand. I guess I do it the old fashion or long way. I grove my stitch line and then use a stitch maker when I decide on the number of stitches per inch. I then use my awl and make 5-10 holes and stitch my way around. I know how 50 years feels, the Dixon Pricking Irons are way to expensive for me. I did take a Tandy diamond punch and regrounded the teeth to resemble the pricking iron teeth and I will occasionally use it, but I have gotten used to going back to the old way. I know that Kyoshee Elle and Craft Japan sell pricking irons that are about 1/2 of Dixon, but if you do that much work......it might be worth the cost. Dixon has a website and some of our UK brothers or sisters may chime in with an address for you. Good luck.

I only wished that the rest of the books that had in mind would have been completed. Looking at my library, I would suggest maybe Beatie's "Saddle" book and Yates' Western Saddle Making book. I know that the Beatie book might be hard to find. Yates' books are still available on eBay and from Propletic.com the publishers of Shop Talk. Finally, you can call Hidecrater's in Fort Worth and check out their videos on saddle making from Bill Gomer and Dusty Johnson. Also, the Leather Crafter's & Saddlers Journal also has a special publication on how to make a saddle from this saddle making series. It can be purchased from their website, check it out. Good luck.

Nice design and looks like a great stamp!

There are a bunch of other alleged makers from overseas on facebook. I believe they are hunting for projects and ideas to make overseas. Thanks for letting me know. This one hasn't made it to my FB site yet, but several are trying. Thanks.

Wow! I thought leather crafting could be a lengthy process......We spoke briefly about your trees last year at the Texas show and I thought I understood the process. This information sure adds more understanding to that conversation. I agree, hats off to you both. Awesome website information. Thanks for sharing on LW.

If those do not work....I have a friend that use to sell them online....he might be able to connect you to a supplier that can get them for you. Good luck

I forwarded your request to a friend who maybe able to help you. I asked them to email you if they can help out. Good luck

HNSB Welcome to the forum. Take a look around and sit back and relax as you read. Good luck

I really like that shell tool! I have never thought about using that particular center stamp, but I will have to give it a whack. Very nice work.

Hello Young Gun and welcome to the forum. I am sure that you will be able to find a lot of information on here to help you sort of in a 'self help' mode. Maybe a few of your area leather workers will chime in to help you pick up some hot spots. I would suggest that you try your local Tandy Leather Factory for more information on local gatherings. I checked my latest Leather Crafter's and Saddler's journal under the leather guild directory and did not see anything near you. Sorry.

I use my finger tip or a burnt wool dauber to apply all of my edge finishes. Good luck.

Very nice and clean!

Give Gum Trag a try. I know what you mean. It happened to me a lot on light leathers like interiors until I got myself a Dremel based burnisher. It keeps it tight and to the area that needs to be burnished. Give Sprinner a ring at leatherburnishers.com. Question: Are you using a canvas or denim rag to burnish? And do you fold it over the edge to burnish? Good luck.

Looks like you bought a side of 'Cat.'

Interesting.

Give this place a look at. http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/thread.htm Good luck

Looks like you adapted it to your needs quite well!

It is looking good. He should enjoy it quite proudly.

Good luck.

Looks nice and durable. Thanks for sharing!