TomE

The Stohlman books on leather tools, hand sewing, and case making are good general references. See also books and DVDs at the Leather Crafters and Saddlers Journal online store.

Those are good looking sheaths! I like the straps and multiple points for attaching to a person, saddle, etc.

Thanks, Jonas. I will check out the logistics. Our President has made it more expensive to order from Europe. The diecast hardware isn't as strong as stainless, and the plating can chip off. Nickel bronze hardware is good quality but less readily available in my experience. Thank you for the tip.

Thanks for your reply. They don't have the stainess snaps. Client decided on the nickel plated diecast spring snaps.

As the title says, I am looking for a stainless snap hook for a 1/2" strap. The picture shows the broken snap hook and a 1" snap of the type I am searching for. I have only found zinc diecast 1/2" snap hooks with the spring metal clip - these are poor quality and break easily. Beiler's has a 5/8" stainless snap hook that might do if the client approves. I have already checked Beiler's Manufacturing, Weaver Leather Supply, Zack White Leather, Pan Handle Leather, Wyoming Leather, Rocky Mountain Leather, Buckle Guy, Abbey England, and Batz Corp. Thanks for any help you can provide.

That's quite a project. Well done! Did you adjust the bobbin case spring tension to cover all those thread sizes? I haven't tried #207 thread in my Cobra Class 29 patcher.

I make halters to measure, but if you can get your hands on a halter that fits then you can adjust your pattern. There's not universal agreement on horse sizes - cob, horse, warmblood, draft etc. I include some measurements that I use in this thread.

Beautiful craftsmanship. I can’t imagine how long it takes to make these reins. Thanks for sharing.

I see the discrepancies when repairing tack made in Asia, which is the majority of manufactured tack. The hardware matches inches but the straps are narrower making them loose on the hardware and promoting wear. For economical repairs (matching the client's expectations for inexpensive tack) I have to fudge the width when splicing a new end on a strap. I always check the setting on my plough gauge with a scrap of leather to ensure I'm getting accurate widths. I realize this is a bit off topic.

Looks very professional to me. Lots better than my baseball stitching. Do you use one needle or two? Are you prepunching holes or using a sharp/glovers needle? I'm trying to get the hang of baseball stitching to secure thin patches as an inexpensive leather repair. Would welcome any tips.

Or use a sewing awl instead of pre-punching holes that take up excess dye.

That's a neat looking repair, Jonas. Better than new. The trend towards using soft leather for dressage saddles should be a boost to the repair business. I've been asked about a similar repair but the saddle hasn't arrived in my shop. I am slogging through a pile of dirty tack that's in for repairs. Includes 7 martingales with the bridle loop chewed off, and a lot of halters with broken nosebands. Getting a lot of practice splicing new ends onto broken straps. Not as aesthetically pleasing as making new tack, but it is a skill building exercise. I am aiming for a 2" overlap at the splice, tapering the ends to about 1/4 thickness to maintain some strength.

That's a very nice looking bag! The details are spot on. Thanks for sharing.

Tried to login to my online account and can't find the password. Password reset doesn't work. It's been a few years since I ordered online and I'll have to sort this out. I ordered some bell skiver parts ~1-1/2 years ago but that was a phone order.

No. I've placed online orders or called them to ask questions and place an order. Only 5-6 orders to date.