hidepounder

I've never seen that machine before either. I can see where that might be real handy on chrome tanned leather, however, on veg tanned leather that skive can be easily made with a round knife or a french edger. What I found really interesting was a video by another Japanese craftsman where he demonstrates the use of a small, palm sized block planner that he use for skiving edges. The base of the plane is convex which is what makes it so handy.

I agree with amuckart! Learning to use a knife, more specifically a round knife, is imperative. The learning curve is rather steep when learning to sharpen and in using the knife. At least it was for me anyway. But there is no substitute for being able to pick up a knife and perform a good skive! Bobby

Chris, I've been using Goliger Leather for several years now and I just can't express how happy I have been with them. They are a family owned and operated company and are more than willing to spend time sorting hides to get me exactly what I want. I haven't shopped prices so I have no idea how they compare to other companies and I really don't care. I am far more concerned with quality and service. Cheryl, the owner, almost always answers the phone. Her son in law, Carlos, handles the leather and is very willing and available to speak with you about your needs. And my leather almost always goes out the day I call. I highly recommend them! All the same things can be said of Sheridan Leather Outfitters. Like Elton said, they are a small family owned company, so when you call you are dealing with folks who really appreciate your business. Luke and Vandy really know leather. They understand what you need and will sort sides to get you what you need. I would expect Sheridan Leather Outfitters and Goligers to be fairly close in price. If you talk to either of these companies I'm betting they will be able to help you. Bobby

Beiler's Mfg & Supply 717-656-2179

I'm following you now! His video's were interesting. I'm not sure what dye he was using. There are a couple of methods for dying the tooling with a brush, however the most common method of coloring is using an antique paste.

I'm not sure what size thread that is, but I use 69 and 92 when sewing small items like that. I would probably use 10 to 12 spi. Nylon or polyester would work fine. Hope this helps... Bobby

Thanks Morchesky412! You'll have to ask Eddie about how he dyes his leather. I couldn't find any photos to look at so I couldn't see what he does......sorry.

Great coaster set, Ed! Bobby

Beautiful, Kate!

Eddie that guy's amazing! Talk about production tooling! He engraves silver too. Thanks Tim!

I agree with everything that everyone has said so far! My favorite blades are probably Bob Beards. I have several and they are terrific! I have a number of Henley knives and like their blades a lot. Leather Wrangler knives and blades are top notch. I find myself using Paul's knife and blade to do all my decorative cuts with. I haven't tried Barry's knife or blade, but knowing him as I do, I'm confident they are top shelf and well worth the money. Chuck Smith makes an excellent knife and I recently tried one of his cobalt blades and found it to be outstanding! Billy Brown at Diamond B leather is also making a new swivel knife made of titanium. I haven't seen one yet and don't know about his blades. When it comes to ceramics, I don't use them because they are too fragile and are not available in many configurations. I do have a positive report on RubyAt blades however!. I purchased mine in the late sixties for $7-$8 each as I remember. I sold each of them, WITH CHIPPED TIPS for about $25 ea on Ebay! So if anyone who purchased a RubyAt blade in 60's or 70's would like their money back please feel free to call!!!! Hope this helps! Bobby

Thank you everybody. I really do appreciate all your kind words. It motivates me to try to do more on the next one! Bobby

Great job, David! You're design and execution is stellar!

Boma.....I'm really glad someone bumped this post. I hadn't seen it until this morning. I think your IPad cover is outstanding! The construction is very good, the design is innovative and your tooling looks terrific. Very well done....really nice work! Bobby

Brent you touched on some pretty important points. I always use a piece of trimmed wool skin to apply my resist with (Neat-Lac). It's important to get complete coverage and I don't feel anything works better. I also have had concerns that temperature affects the paste. During our hot summers I see it separate a little bit, but I stir it well and have not had any problems. I feel that texture often have a lot to do with color variances. When using geometric stamps, for example, the difference in moisture in the leather can change the texture of the impression and this can show up when antiqueing.

Thanks Brent! I did not use any thumbprints on this one, but I have done that in the past. I really like the way it looks but it's a little more time consuming because you have to be more accurate and consistant with the cuts. You're right, though, adding just a few tools such as thumbprints, vieners, seeders and mules feet can really add interest to finger carving! Thanks for all the great comments everybody!

Cheryl I missed your post. Thank you for the compliments! And thanks to all of you out there who take the time to say a few kind words......I truly appreciate it! Bobby

I am so glad this thread got bumped today......I had missed it the first time around. This is some of the finest work I've ever seen. WOW!!!!

Here are some photos of my latest project. It's my entry in the Trappings of the Amercian West Show which opened today at the Phippen Museum in Prescott, AZ. The briefcase features an ostrich overlay and a kip interior lining. The lining is fingercarved and has a lined zippered pouch, bus card pockets and pen loops. The divider and accessories pocket are both trimmed with ostrich. The belt is tooled with the same pattern as the briefcase and has ostrich inlays. The belt lining is also finger carved to match the briefcase. The silver belt buckle and the closure on the briefcase were provided by Benny Poulain of Lone Oak, TX. Thanks for the great work, Benny! As always, comments and critiques are welcomed! Thanks for looking! Bobby

Hey Rookie, I have to agree with Bondo Bob.....you're not a rookie any longer! Your work has really progressed. Personally I like the name "Dead Cow Molester". Wish I'd have thought of it first, LOL! Good job! Bobby