ADubya

Thanks all...will try my rubber mallet and/or ballpeen. If those don't work well I'll probably go with an osborne #66.

I started practicing my saddle stitching today. I have the Stohlman stitching leather book and am reading it, trying to stick as close to his method as possible. I see a few things here I could improve on. This is on a scrap piece of leather that was already beveled. I assume it would be better to use my wing divider on a squared off edge before beveling. This is Tiger thread, 0.8mm. Chisels are Weaver 6mm. 5 TPI I think. Awl is a small Kyoshin-Elle. I used wing divider, then chisels, then awl to clean up holes about 3 at a time right before needles/stitching in pony. My main equation here.... I hammered with the tack hammer after the stitching. I see indentions in the leather from the hammer head. Too much hammer pressure or wrong hammer? When doing for real, I will also start my chisel at the belt tip point. Any other tips based on what you see here? Thanks.

Hey...follow up question. Looking for advice on my first leather purchase for practice and simple wallets. Probably some multi-pocket card wallets with back side money clip. I have some scrap leather but its super thick. I'm looking at some 2-4oz. weights. My thinking is if I do 3-4 layers then 2oz is good. I'm looking at Maverick, SLC, etc.... I see some people say 4-5 oz for back and 2-3 for inside pockets? Any advice on what temper, size and weight hides to buy just starting out?

Thanks for the replies....I have been and continue reading and watching YouTube vids daily. I've seen Atkinson and Armitage but will continue watching more, trying to build up my knowledge. I've just started with basic belts, but will soon start practicing stitching. I ordered the Stohlman book and some scrap leather. I'm going to pass on the groover for now and just use a divider. If I feel brave enough, I'll post some pics of my work haha.

So...I'm totally new. Been researching on what to buy but can't seem to find a thread/post/etc. that lays it out simply for me. I have some things picked out or ordered and I'm not sure about a few things. I want to do basic saddle stitching to start. On belts, key rings, perhaps some wallets. I need help on what to buy to start....please let me know if what I have picked is wrong. -I'm going to make a stitching pony this week. -I have John James size 1/0 and 2 needles ordered. Have picked out but haven't ordered: -0.8mm Tiger Thread -Craftool Pro stitching groover -Kyoshin-Elle Diamond Pricking Irons (3mmx2 tooth and 3mmx6 tooth) -Book: Stohlman Art of Hand Sewing Leather Can't figure out what size awl blade...was thinking a Barry King. Size 0? 38mm long by 2.6mm wide? Should I rule out an Osborne? I like the idea of interchangeable awl blade. Can I just go with a basic flat side awl haft? I like the BK but not keen on spending $50. Thoughts? Any other tools I'm forgetting? Thanks AW