jrdunn

@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

Kaylee, I'm not positive but I believe that most if not all of Gerry's chaps are made from top grain (I think that is the right term) leather. It still has the smooth side on it. They just "turn" it roughout. In fact, I think most of the ones on the "Teskey's" page use roughout on the main leggings and use the same leather smooth out on yokes and decorations for contrast. All I know is this is how I'd do it as well as most of the people I know who make them. JM2C, Jim

@MariaMS, I always enjoy seeing the fruits of your passion, although I'm saddened that it's a museum instead of a working shop. Just an old man's thoughts. Jim

I had trouble downloading it too. Google Chrome has some sort of hiccup in it(for me at least). Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I was able to download it with MS Edge. I would send it to you but I would need your email. Probably easier to use Edge. JM2C, Jim

I don't think I've ever seen a leather fishing lure.

@Yukonrookie, Yeah, sorry that I'm no help. I have really only used a couple products from Fiebings and wouldn't say that I frequently meet with success. I don't really like the looks of antique and usually only use it when someone "just has to have it". It could just be my lack of experience or I'm not using the right product. JM2C, Jim

You may be on to something. I certainly have a hard time finding dyes that are supposed to emulate the natural darkening of veg tan leather without an excessive amount of red in the dye (to my thinking). I'm using less and less dye and whenever feasible just NFO and sunshine. This is of course, JM2C. Jim OBTW, Nice wallet @RascalLeather

Well, if you're not making them anyway. . . Why not put a hand warmer pockets on it? While I don't have any experience flying open cockpits, I have a lot of time on a motorcycle in freezing temperatures and welcome any chance to warm my freezing paws. JM2C, Jim

Just my opinion but when I saw the title I wondered "why?" Again, JM2C. Jim

Jonas, AGREED! A vendor like that is a wonderful find. I have found some like that in the past and as they get bigger they seem to outgrow their good service. I know it's a balance of profit versus service and good help is hard to find. JM2C. Jim

OK, we're closing on "happily ever after". I was able to download the file with Edge. I obviously have a problem with "Chrome". Thank you everyone! Jim PS. Also, thanks for posting the manual.