ChasCS

Sounds as though you have it covered, in multiples. I try not to use my fine dining cutlery, in the hobby arena. ;-) But do have numerous wood working and outdoor tools, other implements which could certainly double as a folder. Preferably keeping things in their proper perspectives, I would like to acquire a few more leather tools, and a fine bone or antler folder would be a great addition to my ever growing leather tool collection. Chas

If you are confident, in using it frequently, sure, buy a tub. I think if I had purchased a tub, I would find many more places that it could be utilized. It's not cheap here, in N. central Alberta, but if I had gone online sooner, probably would have a tub of it, on or near my hobby work bench. It's such a wonderfully useful product. From your precious jewelery, right up to tools in the work shop. I think it's good value, for the dollars spent. Chas

Neetsfoot oil can be bought at or through the Tandy Leather stores. I also bought my Lexol at Tandy, but not sure if they still carry it. Hang on, let me call our local store. Un momento!! ok, just got off the phone with Anthony, store manager. They no longer carry Lexol products, but look for Dr.Jackson Hide Rejuvinator. From his description, that stuff works wonders, even on bone dry leather. & you can find your local or nearest Lexol dealers from their website. http://www.lexol.com Good luck, and have fun... Chas

If I had only known about your awesome mauls previously, I would have ordered one. Man, you really do great work. Thanks Chas

I figured as much, & your explanation makes total sense. You wanted a good look. ;-) Yes, them actual bone folders are really nice looking, and likely work great. I will try to make a deer horn folder soon... What are you using these days, yourself? Chas

It sounds as though having a few different folders is the norm, for most here. I will have to make an actuall bone or antler folder for myself. Chas

Yes, there are several great products that bring life back into dry leather. Perhaps how effective they work, is how far gone is the leather? Try pure Neetsfoot Oil, it's a good choice. So are the Lexol products. Some old western saddles are still in great shape, having been taken good care of, through the centuries. Since we are in the leather hobby or business, why not build yourself a nice new knife sheath/case? Do both. ;-) Chas

Only because that flat side maul is 1lb, but both circular mauls are 2lbs. One is below your weight preference, and two are slightly heavier... Chas

Personally, I like a heavier mallet or maul. So the 2lb is comfortable for me. You get used to it... But I frequently use saddle skirting guaged leather, for my projects, so a maul of heavier weight leaves a nice deep impression. If doing fine figure carving, with smaller tools, then I can go to one of my lighter mallets. Chas

The more natural they are, all the better for my hide... With 3D printers being such everyday items today, it won't.be long, before the new era of products are in the stores. See the pics below. even a futuristic violin type instrument was 3D printed... Chas

Yes, for the price of one at discount cost, you get all three. I wish this deal was in the cards for me. Ah, but I am already very well Hammered. Haha My only concern for you, is the actual weight of these Tandy heavy hitters. Chas

It wasn't available a decade ago. Yes, First responders, police and military personnel have this great Tandy price discount advantage. It's a relatively new program. If you are a veteran, you are in luck, good news for you bro. ;-) So taking part in the black Friday sale, acquiring all three, two mauls and a poly mallet, in one shot, is a grand gesture. If that's your choice... Chas

I see that Tandy always tries to stay ahead of the pack, but their product line is very often copied... So being first only lasts a short while. That looks like a decent enough tool. Easy to duplicate... Chas

Pretty sure that you meant the third pic above.. Yes, those are all real bone folders. No plastic was hurt in the making of this post... Ha Chas

The one I have for designated leather work, is the Tandy Leather tapered maul. https://www.tandyleather.ca/en/product/craftool-pro-round-head-poly-maul I don't understand the high prices of these mauls at Tandy... So I recently bought a Gold membership. My other maul was turned on a lathe and pieced together. Pic below is the Tandy model. Weight is 2lbs. Or 32oz. Chas

Mine are both from my recent leather tools gift box,. I have two, both of a white nylon plastic type material. Similar to the Tandy Folders that have an edge burnisher attached. Haven't used them much, other than just to test their ability. Functionally they work fine. I could also easily make a deer antler or moose horn folder. Chas

I would personally PM a forum moderator, as they are pretty smart about the popular members here. Do you already know, how heavy of a maul, you desire? There are a few other variables, to consider like balance, when on a quest for leather working maul. Yes, you can always shop by eye online, and pick out something that appeals to you visually. Or possibly try different weights and find one that not only fits your hand well, but also has a comfortable weight, allowing several hours of carving/tooling, per session. Chas

There are several good makers, of which a few are regular forum members. It shouldn't be too difficult to find those people, within these pages. Ah, you can also buy mauls from Tandy, or from numerous other vendors of leather working mauls. These are a few of my saved links, hope these help. http://www.ivan.tw/index.php#shopby http://longviewleather.com http://leathersmithe.com/photo-galleries.html http://wrising.com http://www.sdtradingco.com/index.htm http://www.saddletools.com/visit-deadwood-holsters.html https://www.zelistore.com/collections/mallets-mauls https://www.rmleathersupply.com/products/barry-king-mauls-mallets Chas

I know it's not a definitive answer to your question, but it gives us a pretty fair evaluation, of what others here are using. I should post a pic of my own collection. I have 15 various hammers: also my 3 different sizes of Garland water buffalo rawhide mallets. http://www.garlandmfg.com/mallets/rawhide.html I French Saddlers hammer, https://www.csosborneleathertools.com/product_detail.php?p_id=220 1 cobblers hammer and two mauls. Even a CS Osbourne leather crafters fitting hammer. https://www.csosborneleathertools.com/product_detail.php?p_id=208 Yeah, they all have a place in my leather tool collection, with various or very specific uses. Is there a definitive one? No, not at all... ;-) Chas

If it were my design, I would finish it, with a hole punched through the top flap, for the leather lace... Chas

This topic was posted here a few years ago... Chas

There are some interesting facts here: http://www.gateway-africa.com/howdidthey/tananimalskins.html Chas

You can search on YouTube for many useful videos for swivel knife use and how to make practice cuts with them. Keeping your swivel knives blades sharp and polished allows the knife to slide through the cased leather like warm butter. ;-) So yeah, I Hope you have already begun to appreciate the art of leather tooling. Eh? Haha Chas

I would imagine, some products are much easier to access, depending on the location or region you reside. I used to, be able to buy Flitz, at a local store near by, called Bedrock Lapidary. Now I only find it at a Lapidary shop in the West end of my home town of Edmonton Alberta. Surprising that such a useful product is sold in so few places. It can be purchased online in larger containers if one were to want a lot more of it than the tube size, I purchase. http://www.flitz.com Chas

In this instance it's Flitz being suggested as a final polish for swivel knives. And round head blades as well, I suppose. Chas