Alexis1234

I use a block of lead- works well

To answer your question, I guess technically, I could consider my harness handmade.. the only purchased items that I haven't made myself are the buckles, hames and metal ornaments/hardware. I make the winker plates myself- dishing them out with a ball peen hammer on anvils, stuff my own cruppers, make my own wired stays, etc. I have never thought to name it as such though... I don't think the majority would really care and quite frankly, it's my fault if I don't have access to "modern" equipment. I prefer doing it "my way" because I don't care for clunky, coarse looking factory produced harness parts.

Bottom line, in my opinion, "handmade" is so subjective.. I think it's just a trendy word at this point. As a consumer myself, I'll use a purse as an example: I could care less if my purse was sewn on or cut out by a machine or by hand. I want to see that its well made and there's attention to the little details. As far as horse harness( that's my main interest), if a maker is advertising hand stitched keepers, generally it means it's a well made harness- they paid attention, there are extra little details that set that harness above the average(again, that's a generalization). In fact, I would almost equate handmade to mean "rustic" or "primitive" in some instances...an excuse for obvious mistakes/flaws. Where I live, there is tons of "handmade" log furniture...

Thank you for the lead- still haven't found one.

Incredible! Thank you for sharing.

I guess i define " hand made" as an item that was made using more hand tools then machines, at a high level of skill and in a non factory type setting.

My edges look the same as yours. I've gone thru 3 sides of their dark brown English bridle this summer and have not been happy with the edges. As far as top coat, I'm having good luck with thinned Resolene.

Iv'e bought 6 or so sides from W and C this year- harness and bridle. Very nice, different then HO but I like it

Would you consider selling the ribbed side plates?

Beautiful!

I purchased a Randall loop press and it was shipped disassembled. I've put it back together but I cannot get the adjustment turn screws back into the holes and I think a part is missing... Does anyone have a picture of a loop press assembled(both pieces). I've googled to no avail. Thank you

Tried to edit my comment on this thread, but I cannot. I just want to clarify about the hand stitching part I mentioned: As an average consumer, I could care less if my wallet, belt or handbag was hand stitched( I don't make them and don't care)... however, with my interests being with carriage harness, if someone goes to a larger higher end shop, generally speaking, the keepers are hand stitched, if not a few other parts and it is advertised as such. To me, as a consumer( I have been there), it means the maker paid enough attention to the small details. As far as harness goes, the difference between a $400 harness and a $2,000 harness is in the details and finish work. Just my opinion.

Ok, thank you for checking

To answer the question- I don't consider myself a "craftsmen"... I'm too new at this. I consider leather working a serious hobby. I've had a few local people and others on social media approach me wanting horse harness/tack made and they want fancy show work at cheap, imported prices. I absolutely refuse to cater to them. . I never started on this journey trying to make a buck, - it was on the bucket list. That was grown out of disgust, frustration and the notion I can do it better. One lady I spoke to couldn't have cared less about hand stitching certain parts- she wanted bling, she wanted a certain "look".... at a certain price. When I tried explaining why to her, it went over her head. I notice on social media people will clamor for cheap blinged out tack/harness while overlooking well made small shop goods. I have no interest in a race to the bottom- my work can moulder on the barn wall.

Thank you, that would be great!

I do not have a kick stand of any kind, but I'm sure I could get one. Weaver had/has one for sale with attachments- I was under the assumption that it was for stapling belt keepers together with the wide brass staple. I would be interested in any spare you might have. Thanks

I was in contact with Standard Rivet- they no longer make/carry staplers... parts are not available. They advised me to find a used, complete one. As far as manually setting a staple, I have experimented, but found I might as well handstitch them

ISO: Stapler for box loops on bridle cheeks,etc. Thanks!

I have never sold any of my work,lol... but I know others that typically get at least 50% down on a custom order- if not 100%. The best words of advice I was ever given was from a local harness maker" Do yourself and everyone in this industry a favor... charge what you are worth". Hope this helps: a little :)

Would anyone be willing to share the dimensions of pony sized collar housings or be able to point me in the right direction? Scotch top or flat. I do not have access to one to measure for a pattern. Thanks!

I do a lot of hand stitching. I think the reason the holes aren't pre punched is because they have a tendency of closing back up(so I've read) . I have tried using a machine to punch holes, but have noticed a difference- the stitching isn't slanted like when hand stitching. I would assume it depends on the project, but for certain things, I really like the look of saddle stitching and the precision placement I'm able to get.

I use a single prong lacing chisel to make the holes and then use a screwdriver to fold the prongs over. A tap with a rubber faced mallet finishes it. I should add, I use dividers to mark out the spacing

I will look into the stamps- thank you for the info.

I have looked into that before but was sent to coin engravers,etc. Any recommendations for stamp companies?

Off the top of my head- "beveling crease" and checkering iron" are some of the tools listed.