Stetson912

Sounds to me like you have the areas to improve down pretty well. There's a classic debate about suede, I for one do not recommend it as it's hard to clean and traps dust and stuff which could harm the firearm finish... But a holster is going to do that anyway right? I just prefer smooth leather. I think it's in the how to or the holster section, but there are a few very good tutorials on making western right. One is drop loop and one is slim Jim. But inone of the tutorials the curvature of the skirt is addressed in an interesting way with how the liner is glued to the holster. Maybe give it a look. And you are right about molding. Western rigs aren't really heavy on retention through molding. It should confirm to the gun but not be super detailed. If tetention is a problem add a hammer thong... Also in the tutorials I mentioned. Happy making!

Nice!

Nice cover! And good edge paint tips. Several things I'll be trying haha

Far beyond my skill haha very nice

Thanks guys!

Here is another one I finished up for a customer. Simple basket weave. Wickett Craig russet 4/5 oz outer, a nice finished chrome tan dark cherry color 2/3oz inner. Painted edges due to crome tan. Lined with pig skin. As always, all comments critiques are welcome

I think you have the right weights. 4-5 would be the top end for a dopp kit. And 5-6 d would be top end for bags depending on style etc. Basic totes can even go a bit heavier.

No pro here but I've got a list. The people you mentioned. Bob park is probably my favorite for carving, but i like so many peoples work. Don Gonzalez, Chan Geer, Jim Linnell, Brit nantz, k Adam Tanner... Several members here inspire me a lot too. Rocky Aussie, sanch, particle, 9tpi, chief, Dwight, jls, c and b leather, And even more who are just good people that comment and offer good critique and advice and are included in the "inspire" list like battlemunky, bikermutt, mattsbagger, yintx, rockoboy, and a nice young lady at mendell leather I find myself immediately drawn to these peoples posts (and more I'm sure I've forgotten) I may not always comment on things but I try to help and pass on encouragement when I can Garypl and plinkercases are always good to me too haha

Have you checked the little bearing in your roller? Sometimes paint gets in there and gums it up. Just a thought

Sweet!

If you ever see videos or what not of people like Don Gonzalez, Chan Geer, Britt Nantz, Adam Tanner, or Jim Linnell just study it. Take what you like and copy it and use it. You'll come up with a fusion style all your own. Jim Linnell has a wallet tooling series on YouTube actually. It's under tandys channel I think but should be easy to find if you are interested

Can I see your tree? Hehe Joking aside, Barry King, clay Miller, Bob beard are all great tool makers. King and Miller are more accessible. It really depends on what kind of carving you want to do. You can certainly start with craft tool to see how you like carving. Just as important, if not more so, than the tools you use is the leather. Don't skimp on lower quality cheaper leather. Often it isn't much more to get a good quality leather and it will dramatically help. Wickett and Craig and Herman oak are safe bets. Springfield leather sells Hermann oak and makers leather supply sells wickett and Craig. You want to get tools that fit your work too. So eventually you will want a few sizes of different tools. If I were to say a basic tool set for floral style carving I would recommend -At least 2 bevelers of different sizes, one larger one for long straight paths and one smaller one for finer curves and areas -a pear shader or thumb print sized to fit the majority of your work size. They both taper but a thumbprint is longer and with some finangling you can use the skinny end as a smaller shader -a veiner. These have a few shapes. Lined, scalloped, scalloped and lined, Wigglers etc. I'd recommend a scalloped one to start. -a camoflage tool. Again one you'll like several sizes of. And again again, more pattern types. I like the simpler ones myself. -backgrounder(s). If you can get a larger and smaller one. These look like little triangles and are meant to give a texture to the background to make the carving stand out and give dimension. Bar grounders are used for this too, but that's more sheridan and harder to master. Small seeders can be used too. -seeders. These are usually used in flower centers and buds to, well, add seeds haha. Serge Volken uses them for backgrounding and it does have an interesting effect. These should be a good start. These tools are the bare bones basics but used a lot. Learning how to use them will be invaluable. There are a multitude of other tools. Too many to get into. Barry King does sell a few sets. If you have the money for them. They have everything in them for different sized work. Once you get established a bit in your style carving, you figure out more what you need to suit your work. Finally, there is a stohlman book I've heard good things about. "Leather crafter tools and how to use them" I think is what it's called, I don't own this book but many have spoken well of it. Hopefully more will chime in with thier suggestions. Hope this helps.

Thanks! Got me some nice looking calf liner and some caiman tails to try out!

Correction, they are called inseaming awls. Lisa offers 4 sizes and hafts for mounting. For finer stitching I would assume the 2 5/8" awl would be best. However, she would most certainly know which one would be best for you

Lisa Sorrell is a well known bootmaker in Oklahoma. She has a website that sells a plethora of awesome shoe related stuffs. Under the tool section you may find what you need. The awl is simply a curved awl blade and handle. I think she has them too. https://sorrellnotionsandfindings.com/product-category/tools/ There may be other places to find what you need too, but this source is all I'm familiar with

1 tequila 2 tequila 3 tequila floor! My best stitching is done inebriated.... At least it's the best untill I sober up the next day... Hahaha

Yes @battlemunky is right 100%. Learning to make your own patterns is a valuable skill. There are many ways to make wallets. Designing your own template you can make what you want or need instead of settling for someone else's design. We'll put munky

The patterns he has are more basic. You could certainly make your own. Ian Atkinson (leodis leather) may have some patterns you can print on his etst shop of that's the route you want to go. You can also look at http://www.leathercraftpattern.com/Free-download-leather-craft-pattern-bag-sewing-pattern-leather-pattern-leathercraft-pattern -key-holder-pattern-leather-purse-pattern-DIY-leather-pattern-Free-No.1?search=Free This site has a few free patterns. But I didn't see a bifold (they call it a short wallet) they have one or two for sale though

What spi do you stitch at respectively? I know this is all somewhat subjective but I'm open to trying new techniques and such That sounds like nice thread already!

Very interesting topic. For me, I like .8 and have been content with that. that said I haven't tried heavier but I do like .6 for wallets and smaller items. I think most people will use the .8 and heavier as it seems to be the trend to use thicker threads but I still think the .6 has a place (albiet smaller) for those that like the finer stitching. Anything smaller than .6 is I think more of a "specialty" for those that do more luxury items requiring much finer stitching. Anywho, I think there already is a good range of sizes and it will only be better if the .6 is added. And I'd love it if there was a US manufacturer of a synthetic bonded thread. Couldn't say I wouldn't switch over.

Matter of fact ks blade sells round dent punches if you're so inclined. I know you said you know how to achieve both styles. Just throwing it out there haha

As Fred k mentioned,angled holes are a result of the awesome I blade shape and need for an angled hole. Both styles are " correct" If you like the straight look useing round holes makes it easy

Cool, nice pattern too

Found this too. It had a line drawing by jls in it

Jls also has a small notebook layout PDF on his website. His is for field notes but, he shows how to make the pattern so you could just scale it up. Or the one I made for my dad measured 19 3/4" by 12 1/4" .That holds a US legal pad.