Hags

Unfortunately, these are cows, not cats. They rub up against things before and after tanning. After these are tanned, they sit in big piles and the one on top gets pulled off, it can leave a line you wont see until after stain and finish. You are going to get the occasional wtf? I try to tell my customers this at the onset. Most of them welcome ths handmade, one of aspect of it. Go with it.

This lady was one of my first customers. I did a chest rig for a walther 380 for her. She rides horses up in the Olympic Peninsula national park area a lot. She recently bought this Walther 9mm with a tac light and wanted a holster for it as well. She is more concerned about the parking area them the forest. I'm still working on my artwork. She loved it though.i did this before my apron....

Good job! Nice and clean.

I use a Sears Roebuck cobblers hammer I found at a flea market for $10. I buffed the face and really like the nostalgia of the thing.

I dont have any machinery that could possibly grab this. I guess I could climb up on the cobra class 3, but not likely. Not a machine shop..

That works! Pretty much what I did.

That looks great to me! I think the antiquing is spot on.

Very nice.. this is on my list. Now I have to buy a rifle, guess I could make one for my shotgun.

Ditto JLS. To me, top grain is leather with a smooth, natural top/hair side and the split and sometimes sanded flesh side. I use HO exclusively for my work. I use one of 2 dealers because I know my b grade will be pretty much all usable. I like HO because I know how it is going to tool, mold, and finish. I use whichever one has the best deal at the time. One has a very good flat fate shipping and the other occasionally has free shipping. I do pay a bit more for HO, but I feel it's worth it. You will still have to work around zome problem spots, but I find them pretty minor. I also am trusting my supplier to send quality leather. If I had a tandy or Springfield within 50 miles, I may do things differently being able to see and feel the product. But as always, caveat emptor.

Dye from working on projects! Thanks guys. The cost is somewhat ameliorated by getting the lighter weight stuff when it's on sale. Usually black Friday stuff. I think I got that side for $65 and free shipping. I don't use much of it, but like to have some around for straps and the occasional bag.

Too bad Matt, could've treated you to a day on the golf course here. And all those sharp implements rest on a layer of 7/8oz Hermann Oak leather. Doubt they could make it through.

Ditto on the knife! Want to see the finished piece.

I generally use 7/8 for the back and 4/5 for the front. I have taken the time to make a few molds out of plywood for 380, 9mm, and 45 acp, both single and double stacks. It really helps with the wet molding.

Pretty cool.

Did not visit Tally Ho. But if you're in the area about September the wooden boat show in Port Townsend is very interesting. And no, I'm not worried about the pointy ends. I did consider pockets, but ultimately settled on what I have. I dont sit except to do tooling and dont wear the apron for that. This is more for use around the cutting bench and sewing station. Thanks guys.

I had a piece of softer leather hanging around and nothing on the bench. Merry Christmas to me! I used 7/8 oz Hermann Oak for the tooled pieces, Hermann Oak 4/5 oz for the straps. Basket weave just because. I have never made an apron like this and can see room for improvement. The stitching on the top of the pocket is because I got so into the machine I just went right around the corner and sewed the dang thing shut! Pulled it out to the corners and hand stitched the top so the holes didn't look like I was ... I made a yoke for the back and it is tooled with my makers mark as well. It has a short drop to a loop for the waist strap. Anyway, i like it and can't wait to get dye all over it..

Every new thing is a learning experience. I personally like a bit more coverage up the mags but otherwise a nice build.

Nice and clean, less is best. Good work.

I believe it was an Alden's school of leather video I watched regarding this. He used double sided tape and covered the entire back of the patch. It's a good video, look it up on Youtube. Sewing on a leather hat patch.

Ditto the plastic bag, re-wet as needed.

No roasts, maybe constructive criticism. Welcome! Hope you show you're successes as well as the "learning opportunities".

For my small patterns, I use card stock and print directly onto it. Works really well. For larger stuff, I often use the card stock you can get from Costco or similar stores that I find between the paper towel stacks.

Check out his videos. Just went through the cast iron skillet one for a friend with a few cast iron skillets that wanted one. Great videos!

That is very nice! I get some requests from time to time for these but have not done one yet.

Very nice!