BBAYS

Thanks folks, was trying to make the dye stretch a bit further. I did pull out some Herman Oak scraps and tried it on them this morning. Put it in front of a space heater and quick dried them. Absolutely no problems. Just as supple as ever. As the saying goes, You get what you pay for. The extra money I saved by not buying Herman Oak got spent on a lesson learned.

Folks, I'm ready to pull out what hair I have left. I bought two double shoulders from Weaver in 8/9 oz. Using two parts Fiebings oil dye to one part denatured alcahol.Just a quick dip not soaking it. The problem I'm having is that it dries like a peice of wood and its cracking even with a good coat of neatsfoot oil. I thought I had studied enough on here that this is a common approach to dyeing. Is it my mixture or the leather. HELP

I have built a couple of saddles. Just bought a couple of books and jumped in with both feet. No formal training. These are my first holsters

Well folks, here is my first try at a few different holsters. With these attempts probably 3 ended up in the trash. These are the ones I liked. I know Ive got a long way to go but would appreciate any feedback All were made with 8 oz Herman Oak, hand stitched, and finished with super sheen. From top left to right S+W J Frame Pancake, 3" 1911 Avenger Style, 92FS Pancake From bottomeft to right S+W J Frame Pancke, Full Size 1911 Pancake, Full Size 1911 Pancake Style (not sure what to call it but it sure holds the gun tight to your hip.) Thanks for looking

Trying my first inlaid padded seat. What type and weight leather should i use.

I am getting ready to start my second saddle. Was wondering what the thoughts are on lining the rigging, back cinch, and billets with latigo instead of two layers of skirting leather.

Has anyone here used caiman for an inlay seat. If so, the pros and cons and any tips. I am going to try my first inlay and was wanting to use caiman. Thanks

Weaver. They now carry black, brown, burgandy, and yellow latigo. Priced right also.

Check out ebay. Type in saddle tree. Someone is selling a tree very similar tree to this saddle. This saddle looks like a version of whats called a Grimsley Dragoon. A cavalry saddle used before the Civil War.

My name is Brian Bays. I am a farrier and avid trail rider in northeast Ohio. Last summer I went to a local leatherworker to have some custom saddlebags made. Was unhappy with the quality so I made my own. I was hooked. I bought a Dusty Johnson dvd and book, the Stohlman series, found this websight, and studied a lot of saddles. This is what I came up with. I made it for myself. Please give me your honest feedback and suggestions. Its the best way to learn.

Thanks for the info

Might be a silly question but I am new to this. When looking at custom saddles many have light, medium, or dark oil finish. How is the color achieved? Is it the amount of oil applied or is there an additive (stain) that is put in the oil.

I was wondering if some of you could tell me the products and processes some of you use to dye a saddle as you are making it? Ant tips and tricks would be very helpfull. Thanks

A customer brought me a set of saddlebags that they SOAKED in neatsfoot oil. Is there any way to remove some of that oil?