tsunkasapa

The bluish color indicates chrome tan. And most of these are meant for rugs, hence the thickness/stiffness. You could try skiving down the back, but it seems like a lot of work.

If it was new (not recycled) leather, I would ask why you used deglazer. In all my years of working with leather, I have never found a use for the stuff.

Congrats!

I have one I bought from Bob Douglas at the Pendleton leather show some years ago. I'd say that the odds of finding one are better out here in the West, but they are out there. Right place at the right time.

It may also have been run through a roller to help remove excess dye. I have a couple sides that have that 'fabric' look on the back.

I have not noticed that with any that I upload.

I'm almost 69, and when I was in Jr. High (55 years ago) the neighbor lady still used a team of mules around the farm, as did another person further up the canyon. And there were still a few horse logging operations around in those days.

Stoopid teknology!

It has been my experience that very little, other than ammo, is ready to use without some sort of tinkering.

Well, we can all lift a mug to your memory!

Living in an area that still had horse powered farming when I was very young, I find a lot of old harness and other tack that I recycle hardware out of. I especially like those 'REAL BRASS' brass spots, not brass plated crap.

Very nice indeed! Where/when is the Faire?

Welcome back. I like it. And if you choose to re-do it, post it as well.

Beautiful!

Well, if that's where your stick floats. It's nothing I've ever worried about.

Very nice! I think she'll be very happy with it.

Nice job.

Either walnut or maple. And a second for Boyd's. They have a massive list of stocks.

I have a beaver skin hat for my buckskins. Believe me, beaver may live in the water, but they are just leather like anything else, they are no more water resistant than cow or goat.

"Stirred, not shaken."

I have a King knife and I like it. But I don't think it's really any better than the Craftool Pro I have. Either one is a fair outlay of cash. You might consider a more economical option until you decide if you like carving.

I see NO green bar.

I am very sorry to hear this. It is never easy to lose a loved one. Hold on to the bright moments.

That was my guess.

I believe Al Stohlman recommended 'setting the fibers'. Dampening the edge and running a canvas in one direction, to get the fibers more or less oriented. Then proceed to the burnishing. But the direction is totally up to you. As Matt said, there is no grain like in wood. But when I make my leather canteens, I do lay them out on the leather, so they are oriented in the same direction, so both sides stretch the same.