tsunkasapa

It is CHROME tanned, and ANLILINE dyed. That doesn't get rid of the smell, but does give insight to the product. Here is a link to a page that goes into details. What Is Aniline Leather? - BestLeather.org

Here in ranch country, I get asked to put all that into the project. Folks that raise cattle know how those get there.

Are they veg tan or chrome?

I used a utility knife in the building trades for about 45 years, and I have one hanging on the board in my work room. But I doubt it's been off the peg since I hung it up 8-9 years ago. The only thing I use is a round knife. The utility knife totally obstructs my view of what I'm cutting, Xacto knives are too flimsy, and neither of them come sharp enough for my tastes. If I have to stop and polish them, I might as well strop my round knife. I do use the rotary cutters on chrome tan, both straight and scalloped.

I worked hay from 6 until I was 18 back in the 60s, early 70s. At that time the harrow bed put us kids out of work The only hay to be bucked after that was packing it in containers for shipping. They even tore down a lot of the traditional barns to build ones that would accommodate the harrow beds. The round bales aren't used here at all, but there are a few that use the big 4x4x8 bales.

I'll tell them what they want!

I only wear work boots, have my whole life. The only time in my adult life that I had dress shoes was in the Army, and I left them AND the Army behind nearly 50 years ago. The work boots get Obenauf's once a month in dry weather, weekly in the winter.

I am fortunate enough to have a nationally known fish egg company here in my home town. Even MORE fortunate my dad and the founder were great friends. So I just swing by the plant and pick up a dozen or so of those low profile jars they pack the eggs in. They are almost impossible to tip over.

I've heard them called 'swamper' and they are used for forming the seat of saddles into the tree, as well as other projects that need to be formed into a curved formation. Whether from wood or ceramic, they need to be very smooth to avoid marring the leather.

Now the entire project is black, dark brown or in the case of my granddaughter, red.

Cutting out a holster you've made 4-5 times before, get ready to stitch it up and.......crap!.....Kevin is LEFT handed!

I use wheels for everything. Short or long, it is definitely faster than going around the project with irons/chisels.

Just my humble opinion, but I believe most of this is due to spray/airbrush coloring. There is no penetration. Yes, you can get a nice even color....on the surface. There is nothing underneath. So when scratched or scuffed, raw leather is showing through.

Most of us that use stitching wheels don't use punches/chisels. After marking we use an awl.

Thank you

I would ask where you are. Rocky Mountain Leather carries some very nice European leathers. If you are Stateside there is no reason to go to all the expense of ordering from overseas. Leather Tools & Supplies (rmleathersupply.com)

Plus one on the blue tape, never had an issue with it not sticking. In fact, I had one brand (I don't recall the name) that was very difficult to remove.

Nice work. Welcome to the group.

Excellent! Very nice job.

The one looks like either coral or a sponge. Or really old cauliflower.

I use it for lining holsters.

Thanks.

I make said bags. I will look through my patterns and get back to you. Here are a few I've made.

Nickel should not tarnish. It can get a bit of patina, but not tarnish.