AlamoJoe2002

Could someone explain what these are used for? I've never seen these... Joe

I use a cutting mat purchased at Michael's Craft Store. It's a chain store here in the USA. It is 2 x 2 feet. My worktable has a 4 x 8 feet sheet of 3/8 inch backer board typically found on the backs of kitchen cabinets. I buy that at the local lumber yard. When it wears out I will glue another sheet directly on top of the old. This material won't damage you knife and runs less than $5.00 (US)/Sheet. Joe

I like the hat. I have some thin leather I may try it with. Can you share the process steps? Joe

I have a friend who is a machinist. He uses computer assisted machines and also fabricates plastic parts for industry. If you know the dimensions you may be able to find a local machinist to make one for you. Also try looking at McMaster Carr: https://www.mcmaster.com/ This site has more hardware then you will every need. Joe

I use Weldwood manufactured by DAP. I buy it in quarts at Lowes mega hardware/lumber yard. No shortages here in Philadelphia, PA and also use toluene for cleaning and thinning.

I worked the edge on a 400 grit water stone. This is the first time I made a wire edge that I could feel by running my thumb perpendicular across the edge. I kept the wire edge moving on the 1000 and 3000 grit stones. Today I moved onto the 10K water stone. I lost the wire edge...one more session on the 10K stone and I'm moving onto the green compound on a homemade strop. I'll update after stropping. Anyone have a sharpness test other than shaving hair or cutting Grandma's silk scarf? Joe

If this is for practice, can one hydrate the old stiff leather with cheap vegetable oil instead of using the costly NeatsFoot Oil?

BaWarrior, looks great. What type of closure devise did you use to secure the flap? Joe

Ross, That is a work to be proud of. Since I'm learning hand stitching, I'll throw out a what if...What if you were to double back inside the ends of the stitch line instead of turning a u-turn? Joe

I am splitting the neck and belly of a side of W&G 14 ounce leather that I used for straps. I want to split the left over leather down for other projects. I have a table top pull thru splitter, but pulling a 6" wide swath of leather thru my polished blade is hard work. I may hook up a pump jack, and clamp system to get the leather split. At this time, I would like to find someone who can split leather in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Next side I buy from W&C, I will ask for the non-belt material to be stripped down from 12 -14 ounce down to 6-8 ounce. Any info is appreciated. Joe

I have been using M5 x 5mm and 1/8 inch Chicago Screws on skived down 14 ounce at the belt buckle. What happens when the Chicago Screw is too long for the intended purpose and moves around in the leather? Any observations anyone? Joe

I also like to cut a starting slot to get my blade started... However, I'm using a Osborn Pistol Grip Draw Gauge. Having a sharp blade is critical. I've been cutting straps from 14 ounce veg tan skirting.

Great feed back everyone. I'm using my water stones...will stick with the 400 grit for a while. I feel it is critical in any trade to properly have your tools in order. I'm going to learn to sharpen. Thanks, Joe

Thanks for the feedback all. I'm breaking out the water sharpening stones and start at 400 grit. I will send a ton of time at this grit and work the round knife in thirds...two outside and inside. I will get the hang of this sooner or later. If it is totally out of my realm I send it to Bruce Johnson for sharpening.

Tsunkkasapa, 1986-1989 Smith Kascern (sp) D CO /9th EN BN Very Small World! Joe

Thanks Tsunkasapa! I'm glad you recognize our crest! I read in the sharpening forum that a few leather workers won't sharpen over 1200 grit. I liked the read from an Engineer who discussed the micro-serations of the metal knife. I forget the title. We are 12Bravo's or Army Combat Engineers. -Joe

JoiJohnson, I have several black ostrich hides I'm not using. I can part with a few at market price if that suites you. Send me a PM if interested in talking. I'm in Philadelphia... Joe

The situation is something we all have to overcome one time or another. How to get the best edged on my Osborne Old-School Newark NJRound Knife. An no...I don't want to talk to a Chaplin at this time. I tried the sandpaper idea where I increased the grit from 300 to 1500 in stages, stropped on a flesh side leather board covered with Harbor Freight Green Compound. Nogo... I tried my DMT Diamond mini-hones from 300 to 600 to 1200 and stropped. Nogo... I took the heathen to the mini lathe and used a cloth wheel covered in the same H.B. Green Compound. Much better....cutting 14oz shirting with a ton of pressure. Not good enough. Was my knife in Hell before I got my hands on the god-less thing? Joe

HandyDave, Great info. I'll work on a design and get it manufactured! I'm not up to carving yet....Still learning to punch holes in a straight line. -Joe

Inquiry and contact info for roller buckles PM'd.

Thanks Gents! Now I need to find a design I like to lift...

HandyDave, How many hours do you estimate for the carving, rifle and headshot? I like the design. I in the hunt for a US Army Stamp, not from Tandy, and not from FleeBay for $125. Joe

Nice start. Looks like my first trys at stitching. I went and bought a set of 3mm or 4mm stiching irons. And started practicing. I see you have a stitching pony? A definite must for me.

All, I've been using a side of W&C 12-14 ounce skirting...it was #2 grade for making belts. The only blemish was the pelt hanger hooks on the top side. Is 3# side skirting any good for belt making? or will there be too many blemishes for a quality product. The email I received had this on sale for $185/side. What are your thoughts? Joe

Hi all! I also made a stitching pony with a used kitchen cabinet hinge and cam-lock hardware. My jaws are lined with thin leather. I am experimenting where to put the magnets for my needles...thus the taped down magnets under the white duct tape. It is designed to clamp onto a bench or sit in a chair under one of my legs. I have no clue on attaching pictures...but I resized them. In the back of one of the pic's you will see a inverted driftwood tree root bird house I'm making..."never slow down, never go old." Joe