Which beginner tool kit ???

[Which beginner tool kit ???]

One thing i would like to really make a point to say to you all is: thak you.

 

I have gotten a lot of great responses and information from you all, and have gotten nothing but a friendly, warm welcome from this community, which can be a very rare thing to find in any hobby/trade, which tend to be full of condescending and standoffish "veterans". So far that has not at all been the case and i want you to know it is appreciated. 

[Which beginner tool kit ???]

On 1/19/2020 at 11:18 AM, Hardrada said:

Case in point: their economy Craftool oblong punches. I bought one: it's an ABJECT PIECE OF CRAP! Can I say that louder? Flimsy thing, bent so that the shape isn't regular but bean-shaped, won't punch through 9 oz English bridle cleanly

Ironically, watching videos from Tandy and Weaver on their obling punches is what brought this question up in my mind. I could see in the videos the apparent quality difference between the 2, as well as their fit & finish and build quality. Then, when i physcially went in to the  local Tandy store and saw their oblong punches, i was rather disappoineted and immediately knew something was up. So i started searching the internet, and thats how i wound up here.

[Which beginner tool kit ???]

 

ONIDORI

The problem with buying a starter kit is that it will almost certainly contain some things you will not use, and there will be some things you do want that it does not have. The solution to that issue is to have a kit that covers every eventuality, and thus it simply becomes ludicrously big and expensive. It would end up being like a whole workshop full of kit that most people take years to acquire. And that is true of most hobbies, activities, and pastimes, such as the model making that I do, or as a friend who does stone carving & small scale sculpture has found out. Besides, choosing and shopping for tools is all part of the interest and fun!

For example, I started with a Tandy beginners kit that contained an overstitch wheel that I've never used........the 4-in-1 awl which I quickly realised wasn't very good, and I had to replace it.......... a stitching groover which I used for a while, but no longer as I mark my stitching lines with dividers. However it did not have an edge beveler, which is more or less essential, and I had to buy separately. You will probably need to but stitching chisels as well. Oh yes, I've also replaced the Tandy needles with John James 002

All I can suggest is that you follow the advice already given, and that is to look at relevant videos on YT and Threads on this forum, and buy items as you need them. Though this need not mean just buying one at a time; strike a balance between buying a few tools that you know you need and a whole load of tools that you might not

Besides Tandy and Weaver, have a look at Rocky Mountains Leather Supply, they have an interesting selection of tools and thread, and also sell John James needles, which are considered the best

It would help if you could give us some idea of the sort of things that you would like to make.

Certainly, if you are thinking of spending $600, I would definitely give it some serious thought, and perhaps make up your own list then compare it to the kit

 

I do plan on following the given advice and piece mealing my tool kits together, what im trying to find out is who to buy FROM, and what brand of tools are worth it, or what are junk.

What im asking is, do i avoid Tandy's tools because they are garbage? Or are they good? Are Weaver's tools better quality than Tandy's? (Which seems to be what im picking up, Weavers tools tend to be better made and more geared toward the professional, while Tandy's are more for the beginner). Avoid both altogether and go with a different brand?

Thats the information im trying to gather. Not what do i buy, but WHO do i buy them from? What tool manufacturers are the best to invest my money in to (build and material quality)?

[Which beginner tool kit ???]

 

The first place to start is this: what are you planning to do in leather? 
That will help us figure out not only the basics, but what additional things  you might need. 
The "starter" kits may have a bunch of tools you don't actually need for the things you are planning to do (for example, if you're not interested in tooling, there's no reason to have those specific tools.)
You might find Ian Atkinson's videos helpful for  this topic:
https://www.ianatkinson.net/leather/toolset.htm

Honestly, i plan on dabbling in/making everything and anything. Basically whatever i want or need that would require leather, or whatever i could sell. I realize that everyone says that at first, but its something ive been planning on at least experimenting with for a while.

Specifically at this moment, im going to focus on making knife sheaths of varying types, belts, holsters, axe head covers, axe shaft protectors, pouches, bags & purses, wallets, coasters, etc.

Eventually, id like to expand in to making clothing (especially period correct/reproduction clothing), jackets, vests, book covers/bindings, decorative pieces, vests, and even vehicle trim.

 

Im not exactly clear on what you mean by "tooling", though.

[Which beginner tool kit ???]

As a follow up question to the original post, which tools are better? Tandy's? Weaver's? Different brand(s) altogether?

 

I am also just starting out and kond of lost with all the different tools and selections, and was pondering buying a kit as well (Tandy had a "complete starter kit for about $600). As it looks to me right now, Weaver's tools look nicer/more visually appealing, and that leads me to believe they are better put together and higher quality, but i could be very wrong about this, IDK. Any advice or information on the subject would be greatly appreciated, as id really like to put my limited budget to the best quality i can (within reason).