Leather Bum

I know this is off topic. . . but where are Craftools being sold for $3.33, and are you sure they are being made in Japan? If that is the case, I might seriously consider obtaining some because between the tools I have made in Taiwan and the ones made in Japan, I definitely think the Craft Japan and Kyoshin Elle (also Japan) tools make better impressions. L'Bum

The Press-N-Snap and additional accessories are also available from Perfect Fit for a slightly lower price. L'Bum

That's quite clever. . . nice, simple, and awesome. I like it. L'Bum

Thank you so much, everyone, for the suggestions and recommendations. I appreciate it very much! Also, thanks for the offer, King's X; I think I already have that book, though. Micah

What would you all recommend as really good books to learn whip making as well as other types of braiding? My brother is interested in learning this fascinating art and would like to get some books to study. Any other suggestions for helpful resources to get into this would also be appreciated. Thanks very much. Micah

What is trout-thread made from? I just really like how smooth and finished the stitches look and would like to be able to make mine look that nice. . . The polyester thread I use looks kind of rough. Micah

I really like how your work looks so neat and clean. . . very classy! Are the sheaths stitched by hand or with a machine? What type of thread is it? Thanks very much for sharing. Micah

Thanks for the manual, Terry. I appreciate seeing it all taken apart. . . it gives me some ideas how to modify the one I built to make it work better perhaps. . . L'Bum

These links should work: http://www.gunfighter.com/cgi-bin/bbs/cowboy-a/cowboy-a.cgi?read=38276 http://www.gunfighter.com/cgi-bin/bbs/cowboy-a/cowboy-a.cgi?read=39449 http://www.gunfighter.com/cgi-bin/bbs/cowboy-a/cowboy-a.cgi?read=39815 http://www.gunfighter.com/cgi-bin/bbs/cowboy-a/cowboy-a.cgi?read=40851 http://www.gunfighter.com/cgi-bin/bbs/cowboy-a/cowboy-a.cgi?read=38679 L'Bum

Pull The DOT snaps are available from dotfastenersdirect.com. Micah

I think the Al Stohlman book, "Leathercraft Tools" would be just what you're looking for. And it looks like Springfield Leather sells it retail for about the same price as TLF's wholesale. . . Micah

Almost all the "Crown" tools I've bought from Siegel of California have been either Kyoshin Elle or Craft Japan. I would say these are definitely higher quality than the Craftools I have -- at a very competitive price, too (even lower now from SofC). As Russ said, the Japanese stamps are really pretty nice. I wonder if the reason why Siegel is closing out on the "Crown" tools is because they just aren't selling enough for it to be worthwhile to continue stocking them -- nothing related to poor quality as from what I've seen, the stamps from Japan are better-quality than those from Taiwan. So what I'm saying is, the "Crown" stamps I've purchased from Siegel are indeed Craft Japan and Kyoshin Elle stamps like what Hidecrafter sells (I only bought a few Hidecrafter stamps years ago but would assume that is still what they carry). Micah

Hey Dave, thanks for the info there. I didn't know that about those old saddles. Micah

I was able to view the photo albums in Firefox. From the pictures I saw, it looks like the saddle is still a work in progress. . .? Anyway, I saved a few of the images, brightened them up, and have uploaded them here, so the others who can't view them on the MobileMe gallery can get an idea what the projects looks like. I hope it helps. As Luke said, your work looks very well-done, Dave! Thanks for sharing. L'Bum Dave's photos:

Welcome to Leatherworker.net, Hawgman! Be sure to stay a while, and check out all the cool stuff to see and learn here! ETA: Oh yeah, around here, I don't think there are laws about what you're allowed to learn. L'Bum

You might check with Brettuns Village Leather to see if they have or can obtain the sizes you need. They apparently sell some O'brien strap-end and bag punches. . . L'Bum

I've noticed Siegel of California sells what they call "Hard Rolled" and "Soft Rolled" horse butts. . . though I've no idea what it's like. Micah

Thanks, Mike. Maybe I'll ask Spike, the Hardware Elf, if he has any. . . Actually, I think it's not really a buckle; it's just some sort of strap adjustment piece -- a double-loop with the center bar positioned lower than the outside two. ETA: It looks like it might be a strap tri-bar slide. . . Micah

Can someone tell me what type of buckle this is, and where they are sold? I'm looking for a good method to use for an adjustment strap on a baseball-style cap, so if anyone has other ideas how I can do this, I'm open to other suggestions! I didn't really want to use a regular buckle because that seems like it would look odd, but I don't know. . . Thank you. Micah

I don't think I have the experience necessary to help at all, but maybe you could explain how the snaps and rivets are failing and someone else might have a suggestion for a more durable alternative. . .? The DOT brand fasteners are some of the highest-quality snaps I know of, so I'm curious how they are failing. Micah

Congratulations, Lui! It looks like the type of leather store I would enjoy visiting, as I prefer buying stuff made in the US. I hope your new store turns out very well for you. Micah

I'll second what dustin said. The Japanese tools I have are definitely nicer than the Taiwanese/Chinese versions. I believe Hidecrafter sells them as well as Springfield Leather, but you'd have to check to be sure. L'Bum

Wow, Jim. Thank you very much for that pdf! Micah

Zack White's appear to be the Pull the Dot snaps. . . It looks like Perfect Fit sells the regular snaps in 100 packs [hmm, I'm not sure how the self-piercing would work]. . . if you wanted to avoid the $50 minimum from DOT. Perfect fit also sells the Hoover Press-N-Snap for about $100. And yes, it sets the snaps very nicely! Micah

Great! Thanks Luke and Kevin. I appreciate the information. I think these are the guys you're referring to, Luke? Spotted Pony Traders. I believe Fox Valley Leather used to sell a variety of deerskin too, but it looks like they are not around anymore. . . Thank you again, and if anyone else has other sources, feel free to add them here as well! Micah