LatigoAmigo

Here are some pics of what I did as I had limited space. I needed a bigger bench for laying out my materials, so I made the bench U-shaped with a sort of convertible table insert, and hung my tools on the walls. Please excuse the clutter.

You should order their Sample Book so you can see the differences for yourself. I know the people at The Hide House, and I'm sure they'd be glad to talk with you about their products.

I don't use veg tan, only chrome tan and latigo leathers (along with a laser cutter). The reason I selected Hide House's California Latigo for these bags is because the temper is very firm, unlike most latigos, and because the flesh side requires no finishing so I didn't have to line the bags.

I have worked with latigo for quite a few years. It comes in many forms, with some hides very supple and others very firm. These days I buy mine from The Hide House in Napa, CA, but have made purchases of latigo from Maverick Leather in Bend, OR. The Tannery Row has offers this description of latigo on their website: Latigo is a combination tanned leather with a full vegetable re-tan; well nourished with a rich proprietary blended oil emulsion. Characterized by beautiful tight grain, Latigo has come a long way from its cowboy origins— the old days of saddle straps and hand staining. Modern Latigo retains its toughness while showing a rich look that improves with age and use. This leather blends the durability of a chrome tan base with a heavy veg re-tan to create an unfinished, natural look that’s excellent for molding. It holds embosses well, retains molded shapes and has both full and corrected grain versions. California Latigo 4/5 ounce from The Hide House.

Here's a PDF of the book that @MikeRock references. Check out page 13 and see if it relates to what you're looking for. Encyclopedia_of_Rawhide_and_Leather_Braiding.pdf

In a word... Tokonole. It comes in clear, brown and black. It is a water based burnishing agent. You apply it (can use a microfiber cloth), then work it into the leather with a glass burnisher. This will provide a good seal to the flesh side of your chrome tanned leather. https://www.amazon.com/Seiwa-Tokonole-Leather-Burnishing-Leathercraft/dp/B017X8GKZA/ref=pd_sbs_5/142-4591688-3861767?pd_rd_w=HYTfv&pf_rd_p=4b6b5072-e9bd-4f30-a3af-a1f5d52978ec&pf_rd_r=AX9KBQWR9ETXS500JJGE&pd_rd_r=406800ec-031a-4a05-926f-645bd90469b6&pd_rd_wg=iv1v4&pd_rd_i=B017X8GKZA&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JAOB2K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I visit The Hide House quite often and see that they ship leather all over the world.

Sure. Here is a marker that you can fill with your own dye to match your work, for less than $4.00. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KJJ8FO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The photo that you've tried to post is in .HIEC format, but must be in .jpg format to display on this site.

The fabric used for RF blocking is very thin and durable, that's why I mentioned it. Not only that, but very clean looking, plus it's available thru Amazon at a reasonable price.

Maybe consider using RF (radio frequency) blocking fabric, as it is supposed to block access to the chips in credit cards.

@Ashley55 Here is a copy of my favorite book on leather braiding. If you don't already own it, I think you might benefit from it. The section on edge braiding will answer some of your questions. The author is the master of leather braiding. Encyclopedia_of_Rawhide_and_Leather_Braiding.pdf

That's a tough question, because it depends on the type of braid that you are doing. If you are familiar with Bruce Grant's books on braiding you might find the answer there. I know that when I was doing more braiding I learned how to splice lace.

Edge braiding puts pressure on the edge of the leather, sometimes causing that edge to "curl in", especially when applied to a softer leather (or even the belly section of a hide). This is because the lace is impacting the lacing holes and pulling them closer together. The only tip I could suggest is to consider using a firmer leather, and then do your best to make sure that your braiding has even tension throughout. As you braid, the thong gets pulled through the lacing hole, and that can sometimes be the culprit, because the thong can get thinner and softer as it weaves along the leather's edge, thus snugging up to the lacing holes more than it did with the starter holes. I know this sounds kinda rough, but I would use a rawhide mallet to pound the edge braid against a flat surface in order to release that tension.

That is how latigo is defined. Could it be?

$26.00? Seems like a fair price for a reliable tool. Here is what you get for 10X that price. It can be ordered left or right handed for only $250.00. More than a draw guage, more like a family heirloom. Certainly something that you would want your grandson to inherit, like a work of art.

@DearBear Weaver Leather here in the states carries this strap cutter. I don't know if they ship overseas, but they do have a website. https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/65-6261/wooden-strap-cutter/pr_5690/cp_/shop-now/hand-tools/knives-scissors/knives

@RicardoGranger The preferred format for images on this site seems to be .jpg, plus there are some size limitations, so I've converted your image for all to see. Great job, it's quite beautiful. Nice work!

The choice depends on the application. I prefer to use contact cement to adhere interior linings to my bags, because I know that it won't fail me. As you pointed out, PVA is not water resistant, and I never know what exposure any of my bags will have in their "lifetime", and would hate to have my choice of adhesive to be the failure point.

The magnetic strips are not what you want to use, and forget the glue. If can, rivet one of these style rare earth magnets to your nametags.

@ljk That is sage advice.

Watching a person performing stitching is like watching paint dry. You might draw an audience if you tool and dye with a copy of the finished product on display nearby. That will allow them to see more of how the "process" works.

I may be wrong, but from what I can find, this crazy horse leather is veg tanned with a waxy finish. Everything I can find about it looks like it takes a clear stamping impression, something chrome tanned leather will not do.

The glass can be viewed as half empty or half full. Glad it worked out for you.

So upcharge him. Maybe he can become an outlet for you.