JDTomba

Hate to say it but those are amongst the hardest things to find. Have a friend that works for a distributor that sells to Tandy and others.. He told me if it is small hardware (buckles, clasp, etc) it involves machinist. If it involves machinist it involves the Unions and if Unions are involved it makes the parts too expensive to be made in the USA and be profitable unless made by small companies that are mostly family run foundry's. That's why the biggest majority are made in China, Malasia and India.

You may want to try "Ohio Travel Bag" for that clasp. It doesn't sound like it but I have found some great , uncommon and different findings and things for leatherwork there.

I.m a retired Corporate Chef who worked in and managed Hotel Kitchens nationwide. I have sharpened really COUNTLESS knives of different kinds, shapes and uses in my 35 year career. I have been a hobby Leatherworker since beginning to learn it at 14. I'm now 66 and make a sell Custom leather from beaded horsetack to personalized Key Fobs. I cannot for the life of me sharpen my edge skivers and it drives me crazy. I have some from Tandy , Owden and up to Barry King . What is the method? I.m missing. Please help.

I would imagine that being THAT specific is important to some. To me "handmade" means MY product. I do not skin the animal I rely on Herman Oak to ensure that happened. I do not grade, select, clean stretch and hang the leather I work with; again I rely on Herman Oak and yes THOSE processes are done by hand. The tanning and finishing , again Herman Oak. I cut measure and cut EVERY single piece I use, BY HAND. I lay out, bevel, dye every piece BY HAND. I do not make the beads I use in some but I do string EVERY SINGLE one BY HAND. I layout, draw or trace every design BY HAND. I cut and tool EVERY design BY HAND even though I did not make the designs on most of the tools (some I do). No embossing. I then sew either BY HAND or with a HAND OPERATED (non-electric) machine. I Dye, Oil and Polish every piece BY HAND. If you pick up a Purse, bag or most especially a Saddle you can definitely tell the difference if made by a machine or with someone who actually cares. Machines don't feel and it shows. Most who care enough to do things with their hands do care and that ALSO shows. That's one of many reasons "Handmade" Boots or shoes are usually 10 times the price and QUALITY of those made by a machine. So yes MY products are "handmade" To me and a lot who work with their hands the sweat, love, effort, pride and result is more important than being 100% specific on EXACTLY how picky some wish to be; whether out of interest or just to be difficult. Gotta go have more "handmade" things to do.