austinious

@toxo Footfall, great name for the concept. A lot of what you write is very important and not what I've given much thought to (color of background). Lights will depend on the venue, but I'm betting LED lanterns dressed up as oil lamps would work...We are starting small and local first and know the two shows we want to do. But absolutely, early bird gets the worm...Thank You. BTW, found a very comprehensive list of all the faires in the US. Thanks for the suggestion. @JayEhl My wife will be "front", I'll mostly do demos. We are starting small, because of my autism, sometimes social interactions are problematic. Another reason to start small and see how it goes. Luckily she is very outgoing and likes to do the "patter", MiLord and Lady and the like. Great point, be up there be visible, be friendly. I can do that, I just might need a few breaks and liquid courage.

Very informative great stuff @fredk

It's funny, this was my process for making a western holster for a friend...I think #1, with some #2, and a tiny bit of #3 would be far more satisfying. During my research on western holster, it was really interesting to see that early holsters slide into a slot in the back to form the belt loop and the weight of the gun held it together. Later versions went to stitching, and that loop gradually became more and more ornamental. @chuck123wapati probably knows what its called, I have no earthly idea.

I feel vindicated that so many use utility knives. I also buy boxes of razor blades from Harbor Freight or online. Great for making small cuts and doing delicate work. I use the Tandy CraftPro pricking irons, excellent quality and the price is cheaper than what OP quoted. I made a maul from old cutting boards and a big bolt from home depot. Cost $1.50. The original was aluminum waaaay too heavy. Basically looked around at junk I had as @Handstitched mentioned.

@fredk, That looks great! What did people think got done in those times? People took 6 min. to make a crappy scabbard, then huddled next to a peat fire for hours on end waiting for the electric lightbulb? I see your point though, research and make something unique and fun. Plus make sure you take your research with you for the festival police. My own son just told me to get hides with fur on to make Viking items. The Vikings did advanced iron work, ring mail, some plate. Why do people think they made crap like some neanderthal? The funny thing is that I can see someone complaining about my tools not being right for the period (bevellers, edger, knives), but I'm sure my fluorescent orange dead blow hammer would be fine, if I wrapped it in leather thongs. Makes me laugh...

Thanks so much! I swear I looked online a bunch and couldn't find much. Definitely not this video.

Th Thanks, I hadn't considered that.... This fall and winter we plan on going to as many nearby shows and faries as we can to do more through research. We've been to several and looked at wares informally, now we takes notes...

https://www.springfieldleather.com/Rotary-Strap-Cutter Is anyone familiar with this machine, or the others like it? Or even the Weaver manual strap cutter? I made this cutter awhile back and it works great, clamp it to my table and cut away, BUT set up is a bit of a chore, thus I cut a ton of straps at once. I typically cut from 1/4" to 3" wide and everywhere in between. It is very difficult to find ANY review on these type of cheaper strap cutters, or even the larger Cobra machines. Any advice is appreciated.

Luckily not many I've been to get too cranky about accuracy, in fact some are very loose about it. From what I've seen, leave off zippers and magnetic clasps. I found this, very helpful... https://www.therenlist.com/all-fairs

Yeah, I feel a bit rushed to make it happen, maybe 1 faire and 1 show is a more realistic goal. My wife thinks I can do better....lol My big comment about folks at the whopping 4 faires I've been to...does no one burnish edges!?!?!?!

I'm starting to come up with a business plan to do a few items with the goal of making a few extra bucks to sock away for retirement, or investment. The idea is to go to 4-6 Renn Faires or Craft Shows in the summer, and 3-4 gun shows in the winter. I'm starting to do the research for what shows, travel time, costs, tents or tables needed, etc. I had thought of getting a few blue guns and making mostly demo stock so people could order at the shows, perhaps sell some of the more common holsters. I'm spending this fall figuring out where and what, and the winter making stock. I'm sure the first summer will only be 2, maybe 3 faires, and the 23 winter maybe 2 shows. I guess what I'm asking, am I crazy?

Wait a minute...Are you trying to say that the EU has jurisdiction over the USA? Ummmmmm, I call BS. Treaties can be dumped by those involved, like Brexit.... I know, I know....Don't feed the troll....My Bad.

Thanks, Overall happy with it, but I think I got some wax on it near the cylinder before dying, had a hell of a time getting the color right.

Lot of practice, made about 3 rejects out of scrap first. Wet formed and stitched in the center. Took very careful measurements.

Eventually I would get a second machine, but for now I will try to have only 2 to 3 setups for the machine I get...

Thanks...I assume there are places that will make custom dies?

I made this for a friend for his 8" Ruger .357

At the urging of friends, family, and my wife I've decided that someday is today.... We've often talked about making some items and going on the festival circuit to sell things and see the country. I've been making things for folks for several years, learned a lot, and everyone seems to think I'm good at this stuff... So, I'm ordering a Cowboy CB4500, and then I'm stuck...rivet setter? rotary strap cutter? Any advice on machines to speed up production? I make holsters, jewelry, books, cosplay armor, sheaths, and other...thinking of doing bags and backpacks. Thanks in advance, any advice is appreciated.

People do come back to read. I was having large problems with my finger slipping off the needles. I have to wash my hands a lot, I figure this is the culprit. Long story short, nitrile gloves got me back up to speed. Thanks! I'll have to find and try the finger condoms.

Wizcrafts, Thanks I'll look for my local dealer. KingsCounty, I hand stitch right now, I was thinking of expanding, but maybe I'll stick with handstitching for awhile.

Hi, first post... So, I bought a Singer 401a like a dope and of course it doesn't go through more than garment weight. I started to read some of the sticky posts and realized that portable machines won't work. Is there a hand sticher other than the Tippmann Boss out there? I have no problem with the Boss, but it is rather expensive for a manual machine. Thanks Austinious