gracefulmeg

I havent tried the Rub n Buff brand but Gilder's paste will work. They have a better variety of colors, too. http://springfieldleather.com/Gilders-Paste-Silver

I remember finding this feed a while back and I've finally figured out how to get lots of different scallops. I made a video about this here hoping it will help someone who finds this later.

Agreed. I'd say any time you don't buy direct from the tannery, it's going to be hit or miss on quality - whether you buy from weaver, Springfield, or maverick. I have been buying from weaver quite a bit the later half of this year. I won't be any longer due to the minimums mentioned. Their prices for mere peasants like me are not competitive. I've gotten some great stuff from them and some meh stuff. Same experience with springfield the few times I've had leather shipped to me instead of picking it out in store.

I did not know that but makes a lot more sense now. thanks for the info!

Love this . How did you do the gradual fade on the edges?

If you want pretty color options, go with Tandy Pro Waterstain. This is the only tandy coloring product I use and I have tried many others that are junk. Just make sure you rub it in well, buff, apply thin layer of finish, buff again. Or, use an airbrush (my preferred method). Also, don't finish with acrylic resolene (the two don't mix well). Instead, use the pro finish that Tandy sells. I can give you better instructions on using Tandy waterstains if you prefer the colors, as this is the primary product I've been using for about a year. I know Tandy catches a lot of well-deserved slack, but when applied correctly and with effort, the color holds fast to the dog collars I make. If you just want browns and maybe a basic red, green and blue, use Fiebings dyes. The only reason I don't use fiebings more often is because of the color choices, but I absolutely love the Fiebings pro oil dyes. The only other Fiebings product I use is obviously the acrylic resolene and the black edge kote. I'm not a fiebing's expert by any means other than knowing the company has been around for a while and sells very nice products. A big factor with how well dye applies evenly and holds up over time is the quality of leather you use, too. I was gobsmacked when I finally invested in a nice piece of Hermann Oak - a huge difference

You can buy it direct from Hermann Oak - 5 side/back minimum, which sounds well over your minimum preference. I'm working on getting there, myself, too. http://www.hermannoakleather.com/products-and-pricing/english-bridle Springfield is where I get my HO bridle because I like to pick my hides out in store and I have a wholesale account with them. Maverick Leather is another good choice if you're not in a hurry. They stock H/O and Wickett & Craig bridle leather http://maverickleathercompany.com/product-category/hermann-oak/ Hermann Oak is the only type of bridle leather I work with because I like to do a little stamping work with it. Others will have better input, I'm sure.