jrdunn

The guys that I have made them for like about an inch or so of the handles(scales) in the sheath for better retention. Most of these guys are "cowboys" of one form or another. The rest of their lives are a bit rough and tumble. This helps the knife to still be there when they need it. JM2C, Jim

A bit off topic: I just wonder what your neighbors thought your were up to peeking in your window?? Cool old machine! Wish I had one. Jim

This is one "heathen" that appreciates the gesture. Thanks

Agreed! Bob sells Cowboy sewing machines and the 4500 is supposed to be very close to a class 4. I bought my 4500 from him and am very pleased with it and the service. Jim

Maybe SLICKIFY???

Good idea!

I don't really know anything either but think it's a good looking saddle. I have an old RT Frazier but it is in a lot worse condition(think falling apart).

@Tigweldor, I don't have any answers for you but that is one sweet pedal! I think it'll look great on your machine! JM2C, Jim

@Ledhep Welcome to the forum from someone that is not too far away(geographically, at least). Jonas gave you some good, sound advice. You'll always know exactly where your own flaws are but learn to fix what you can, when you can and accept what you can't. I too am self taught, which sometimes leaves holes in my skills. You can get a free video from Elktracks Studio, here https://elktracksstudio.com/collections/videos?page=8 . It's just an introductory but had some things I had overlooked or forgotten. They have sales from time to time. I bought several for my granddaughter during on sale. She is interested in learning, although quite busy. Hope some of this helps. JM2C, Jim

Bob, I find it surprising too but I think you actually do need one. There has been much debate (in Texas) about "Constitutional Carry". I actually think much of the resistance is due to the influx of "liberals" into the larger cities (DFW, Houston and Austin). I'm really not trying to be political here. I wouldn't have known it either but my oldest son lives in the Texas panhandle. JM2C, Jim

@Brokenolmarine , I'm not sure but I think that Texas Oak may be the same double shoulders that Traditions Leather in Oklahoma City carries. The owner told me that it is US hides, tanned in Mexico. He seemed to really like the stuff and had some of it that Jim Linnell carved when he taught a class there. It looked very good but I think maybe Jim could make chalk on a sidewalk look good. I'm glad that Maker's could help you out. JM2C, Jim Dunn

@rktaylor Randy, Thank you! Jim

When I first saw it, I thought "emasculator" but seeing the jaws together made me doubt that. There have been many versions of that tool through the years.

@rktaylor Randy, I know this is an old thread but I have a few questions. I've noticed that some makers will cover the "rump strap" with a softer chap leather. Since yours should have some use on it, do you think this is necessary, useful? How is the best way to determine the length of the rump strap? I've seem some that come around to the center of the hip while others come to center of the flank swirl. These are probably dumb questions. I'm not a muleskinner but it seems like my granddaughter is now. Thanks, Jim

@Brokenolmarine, one of the differences I have noticed about W & C and HO is that it is easier to case. You can still case Tandy leathers, it's just harder to do. It is harder to achieve the appearance I want. JM2C, Jim

I have used W & C as well as HO. There are differences but they are both quality veg tan leather. Since you are in Oklahoma too, I would recommend Panhandle Leather, Maker's Leather or Springfield Leather. Each have their benefits and drawbacks. JM2C, Jim

Nice work Jonas!

Sorry, I intended to include a link to the tailor's chalk. https://www.amazon.com/Otylzto-Professional-Tailors-Fabric-Triangle/dp/B08KH2THT5/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2E4VEFCVFC2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CJ5a_Omor8VkgcSfrogo42npqhhhFQvOUyWYEcCFVXkfCgs3FLCDfqRBZjxjDRKJcAtfo8tcdTtEHesPFXIBDSrCkAiwEc9kH7ABfWYxGDHWgAAZzJCc7pvBEsN_jBu8s1cPhb5_0__e0hximA6_WYf-dCqOyS3WuA8pnFPbJf0_paNVf9NqPmtXCF0GPKDo8bFUChDIqQRilR8Zc1vaikMCEIUNfhkzjtG9iNt4Iv4.QqkIh3Rpu-xLxYR0odeDkiTm-txRvLnhKwrzxQGBA6I&dib_tag=se&keywords=tailors+chalk&qid=1739496629&sprefix=tailor%2Caps%2C230&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Yeah, I had a similar experience with Tandy's white markers. My problem with "regular" ink pens is that if they are exposed to alcohol, the ink will run. I have heard about people using tailor's chalk. I haven't tried it. Instead I usually use a soft lead artist's pencil or an awl to mark leather. JM2C, Jim

Randy, Did it possibly get wet? Maybe sweat or some other liquid? Even some commercially finished leathers will "rub off" when wet. Just a thought. I usually don't dye my belt linings either. Of course I'm not a professional, but I like the look of undyed veg tan for linings. JM2C. Jim

Maybe it's in @fredk's front garden. Just kidding. I wanted to thank all the contributors to this endeavor. It's very interesting. Frankly, I don't have the attention span for this kind of research. JM2C, Jim

Not me. I love them! We have several around here and I especially like their twilight/night calls. Roadrunners, I mean. JM2C

Thanks @fredk. Anytime I heard them mentioned, it seemed more like the club application. I guess I've been raised a little further out of the ooze of ignorance. Jim

I'm just an Okie so please bear with me. Isn't a shallalegh supposed to be for "whacking" things, critters and folks? If you cover the "knobbish handle" wouldn't that yield some unwanted padding on the knob? Reduce the "whacking coefficient", if you will. To be fair though, I didn't know how to spell shallalegh until I saw this thread. JM2C, Jim

Some do, some don't. Mine don't. I don't really miss it. JM2C