King's X

Nice work brother! Really sharp

Thanks for taking the time to write this up and post it for others to see/use!

Welcome to the forum.....Nice cell pouch!

Ditto!

Awesome stuff you have here. Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing your work!

Koji ~ Welcome to the forum. I hope this wish find you safe and secure after the devastation that has hit your country!

I got to say that it is a tough market for those of you in the leather business. Right now, I am considering a business quote and I have taken not only my advice, but all of the advise set forth in the threads here. The last thing I want to do is lose my A _ _ making anything. Breaking even and maybe making a few bucks for someone in my position is just fine. Making a living is another story. I have made a few belts in the past and I took some advice from an old leather worker. He suggested a per inch tier system of charging for the cost of making belts. He had a Basic, Geometric, Tooled and Specialty tier system for charging per inch. The guy made a living. I am so new that I haven't got a $ system down yet. As for getting a good idea as to how much or how long it is going to take you to make a belt. I would try out a 2-3 belt sample test keeping track of time and materials. Take an average of all the belt time and come up with an average cost & time. This should give you a good idea of an average cost. Just remember completing your first belt is fun and the idea provides you the drive, but what kinda drive will you have at your 60th or 99th belt? Will it still take you 30 minutes? Just think about it. Okay, this should be enough to confuse you! Good luck

My understanding is that it is not waterproof or a water barrier finish. Your leather will spot. I haven't tried it, but just FYI.

Check out this site. http://www.tutumaker.com.br/ Good luck

I have one in pieces that I kept for a pattern down the road. Your profile doesn't list where you are located, but I would be more than willing to ship you the pieces if you promise to return them when you are done making your pattern and taking your reference pictures? I just never got around to making a pattern so I cannot help you out with that. Just let me know.

Some of those bevellers appear to be resemble my Hackbarth-Barnes bevellers, which are currently HQ'ed in Elfrida, Arizona. First picture, (left to right) numbers #2,3 &4. Numbers #1 & 6 appear to resemble Craftools. Number #5 looks like a handmade stamp. I hope this helps.

Good job!

I agree. My quality does not come close to those two. You will be totally satisfied.

My .02 cents for what it will cause. I own a large collection of swivel knives. I do have to admit that my SK-3's are my most used and favorite ones next to my Craft Japan. I also agree to what was also mentioned earlier, you buy what you can afford. If your pocket does not allow something heavy like a Pro-series (which hasn't been mentioned), SK-3 or Ol'Smoothie than there are some more affordable products out there. My Craft Japan 11mm knife was a gift, but at $29.99 (minus a blade) it works twice as good as some of my $50 knifes. The swivel knife is (in my opinion) the most important tool in my leathercraft hobby. It took me a long time to learn this lesson, I believe the hard way. One of the artists that I follow and listen to has written about having a sharp swivel knife or using a sharp swivel knife. I now know this to be so true. If you are serious about your craft, I would carefully consider your knife options. Now, with this said, I can say that I have taught myself (with the help from other to include Paul at LW) how to sharpen my knifes and how to use rouge. I would seriously recommend that you learn how to do this. I bit you good luck in your search!

I have never heard of anyone using the soap in the casing solution. I use the pro carve and have used the dishwashing soap as well, but I will offer you something. Try it out and report back on here to let us all know how it came out. Good luck on your head knife project......don't forget to post pictures.

Okay, I need one. They came out really nice!

It is the same book that I have for sale, but after shipping several items to friends of mine in Q-land, I know that the shipping would be terrible and maybe not worth it. Sorry.

They look pretty cool... Thanks for sharing!

Send Johanna a PM through the forum to get your access. Good luck

That practice sheet will do for any newbie crafter. Thanks for sharing.

This was kind of you to post for the members.

Tandy also makes a modeling tool with lifters on each end that can be sharpened and polished to be used like a petal lifter. I believe they run about $12-$15 with black grip handle. As for the modifications, it is hard to explain but I had to play with mind several times with increment adjustments before I got it work out half way decent. finally, I purchased a whole set from Barry King. I learned some very hard lessons along the way in leathercraft and one of them (after wasting a ton of money believe me) that you get what you pay for. Good luck.

ooooooh.....my bad.....sorry!

Welcome to the forum and good luck!

Welcome to the forum and best wishes.