SmithCreek

I know I am resurrecting an ancient thread here But here goes. Ken, I just retired my regular job and in a week or two I am going to be riding everything from BLM mustangs to thoroughbreds and there is absolutely no way I can afford more than one good saddle, what would you recommend for a tree in this case? I have an old Bona Allen ranch roper that I have owned for probably 30 years that has worked really well for me on horses with a quarter horse build and has never hurt a horse yet and I don't intend to retire it I just have a craving for a more cowboy looking rig. The Bona was bought as a novelty but after the first time I rode it it became my main saddle. The stirrup leather where exposed and the fenders had been replaced but didn't match so I took them off and it made a dang fine saddle for the ones that wanted to pitch a bit. Many Thanks, Creek.

Many Thanks, yes sir, Crazy Crow, Townsend and so on. I started to mention a cows knee in items I have built but wasn't sure if anyone would know what I was talking about. I will check out those links, I have dividers and such since I also tinker with metal work. Is there a difference between the awl you mention and the run of the mill sheet metal awls? I just retired and will be starting a part time deal taking care of a few horses and hopefully starting a couple in a week or two but it will probably be half days most of the time unless there is fence to fix or work at the barn so I will have plenty of time to devote to other interests, and like you I have many. Thanks again for the response, it is much appreciated. Creek. O.K., I went to the link and now I see the difference.

Hello to all, I am glad I found you folks and am hoping for some guidance. I have done a little leather work making my own black powder gear to go with my flintlocks such as ball bags, shot pouches and other pouches for gun tools, fire kit etc' and it is o.k. for what it is and matches the period because it looks like it was made in the field as needed by a longhunter but now I want to make my own horse gear and would like it to look a little closer to professional or at least slightly more competent. Up to this point I have been using mainly pocket knives, scratch awls and sail needles with artificial sinew, the only real leather working tool that I have is a four or five hole punch. What I would like some help with is selecting a good hobbyist quality tool set, I have looked at amazon but the reviews leave much to be desired, one person raves and the next says most the tools broke with the first use. The first projects I want to do will be dove wing spur straps, (I have made these before out of oil tan but I made my first spur yesterday and want to make some better looking straps) headstalls, cuffs, halters and way down the road either a deep seat Wade or a old time Visalia or Hubbard but that will be far into the future. Thanks, Creek