Wykoni

I am debating on a techsew 401 vs cobra class 4. Not sure which way to go. Price the cobra about $100.00 more. Spec wise, they look pretty close, warranty is about the same, so I guess it goes to dependability. I mostly make holsters and shooting bags and belts. Any help would be appreciated. I was thinking about a weaver manual but been talked out of that even though it’s about a 1000.00 less.

Would prefer buy in USA. Can get one from Abby England at 150.00,Lb. Get a French one from Etsy at 180 including shipping. Like to get on in us

I have something very similar to this.

Ok, something I just discovered but others have know forever. For linings I used contact cement. Barge contact cement for most part. For something I really want to hold a void slippage and where there may be stress while I am stitching, I have found white elmers glue works great with clamps. Should have known this because I have been using this type glue in wood working all my life. Two glues, makes it easy.

Where you get those and what are they called. I use a visor but that’s cool

Talked with the master leather craftsman at colonial Williamsburg. He has studied English 18th century leatherwork and he said during this period there is little evidence of beveling or burnishing. In my studies of this time period I have found Spanish product to be more decorated. Even when you go to American vs Mexican holsters you find the Mexican holsters to be more decorated then American during the 19th century. Probably why at one point Mexican leather Was more sought after. American in both century found more beauty in delicate stitching and fine leather finishing. You see this if you visit either Washington’s or Jefferson’s homes in Virginia.

I totally agree with you on accuracy, not sure where the inaccuracy came from. As to why the average guy didn’t carry, pistols were much more the expense. As is today, you can buy a pretty good rifle or shotgun for less then most good quality pistols. Further, rifles were more accurate, easier to shoot And great for bushwhacking. There were very very few gunfights at noon. Dr. Holiday carried a shotgun to the ok corral. John Harding was known for using a rifle. Pat Garret was shot with a rifle. I think the famous picture of Billy the Kid shows him with both rifles and handguns. I think the idea about inaccuracy came from the distance they shot at but most hunters understand the basic concept of why shoot at an animal at 100 yards if you can get within 50 yards or better yet 25. Just good common sense. Like today, most gun fights are 10-20 seconds with 2 to 3 shots fired at 7 feet or less. That’s FBI stats. Oh well interesting topic.

Thanks, ordered a snap tool

Have a problem setting snap dots, 24 line specifically. I tend to bend the shaft, they set but a bit crooked. Give me advice on this.

Your using a lifter on peddles? Also who’s bar grounder

Overall I think you did very well

Very nice and learned somethng

Finished it last night

Pretty simple things, Tandy in Atlanta has two shops in Atlanta, I am sure they can help you get started. Not sure if you want to learn to carve, if that’s the case they can also get you started.

Yup big needles go through finger & bone lol

Let’s get some background info. I talked to Steve a year back or so, because I do holsters and other heavier stuff a class 4 is what I need. I have never used a leather sewing machine, always hand stitched my stuff. I do have some concept of a sewing machine, wife owns a singer, so I know something that may or may not relate. Here is my question, how difficult is it to learn? Is the training curve extremely steep or is is pretty easy. Feedback would be appreciated.

That’s nice, like the basket weave...too bad the clip hide so much of it.

Just a basic wallet as a gift

I know the master leather smith at colonial Williamsburg and will asked the question. My thought is not, they really looked at quality as very clean cutting with remarkably good sewing. Nothing decorative. I will ask and get back.

I am a very limited seller and producer of leather goods. I know several of the people that has given you advice. As all have said this is a tough business. Like someone said holsters are common place items here in the U.S. Those that are successful in this categories fall into two camps. They are either very large, or very good. I know saddlers in Texas that do beautiful work and are very successful, but not to the point where it’s totally there day jobs. The big guys, have good prices, in some cases are a bit high but are almost totally automated, ie sewing machine, pattern cutting machines even to some cases power Bevelers. Time is money, and they reduce there time. I think you received the best advice, get out look around, see what sells, go to gun shows, see what leather goods are there, is it tooled or not....what are the prices, California gets better prices for stuff then let’s say Minot N.D. There’s a lot of factors here, as Lumpendoodle said, find your niche. Hope I have helped a little.

Have a saddler friend who purchases from panhandle, he loves it. I do from both, really have to say bad about Springfield. Have always treated me right.

Yin, your belt looks nice. I agree with you about belt making, have made several and would rather get shot then make one..lol. Anything else but a belt...but good job.

French only uses leg tension, from your legs, where the English has bolts running through it to cause mechanical tension.

Anyone know where I can buy either an English (preferred) or French saddlers stitching clam. thanks

Looking for a quality steel diamond awl. Have used some Japanese stuff that’s been pretty good but just wondering who is the market leader for quality thanks