riy

It took creating a server to find out that there is already a great server for leatherworking. Close to 500 active members. Better option than the one posted above. Here is the link to that server: https://discord.gg/wMZSXEWE

Hello everyone, I have found myself spending more and more time connecting with people through Discord, the chat app originally centered around gaming. I came to realize that, for as big as the Discord community is, there was no server dedicated to leatherworking, so I made one. In no way am I seeking to direct traffic away from this superb community. Discord certainly lacks the archival value that this forum has and this will always be the first place I come to ask for advice on projects and search through the gold buried throughout decades of posts. I love the member base here and look forward to continuing to learn and grow from all of you. Moreso, if you're already on Discord, just wanted to let you know there's a dedicated server for leatherworking now. Anyway, I'll post the invite link below, but I completely understand if mods want to delete this post. https://discord.gg/c5AJdbBJ https://disboard.org/server/1006998136130125965 Warmly, Riy

BK-2. Admittedly, I haven't taken it into the field yet. The stock sheath is glass reinforced nylon. Apparently it dulls the blade with every sheathing/unsheathing. Told myself I'd make a proper sheath before I took it out but now I'm questioning its practicality - you know, aside from hammering it into a tree to use as a step-up.

Thank you all for the tips. I love the honest feedback in this community. Going to try these things out on a sheath for a chunky Ka-Bar Becker next. I am a lefty - lucky catch because I was about to make a right hand sheath at first. I agree that it may be time to invest in a French skiver. Recently bought the Tandy safety skiver which is unfortunately very right hand oriented. Found out that I love chucking those safety skiver injector razor blades into the XL (carving) hobby knife for cutting patterns, so it's not a total loss.

Made myself a lefty sheath for my trusty Buck. Thanks for the tip about masking tape on the flesh side while stamping basket weave - really helped prevent stretching. Cheers everyone, have a great week.

Looks great. I like the idea of lining with some stiff veg tan

You might be on to something there. Someone else recommended this pattern knife. I like the square handle of the design, but as a knife nut I can't bring myself to pay $65 for a little sliver of D2 tool steel. Makes me wonder: (a) if there are any square Xacto/Excel style blade holders out there and (b) if any of these super steels (Magnacut, Cruwear, Maxamet, M390, S90V, etc) are going to make their way into the leather tool market any time soon. They're a real bear to sharpen compared to carbon steel, but the edge retention is excellent and leatherwork is not really an abusive task, maybe they'd never have to go on the stone.

Thanks everyone for the excellent advice and resources. Gives me a lot to consider. @fredkI don't own a skiver yet, but now I'm wondering if the replacement blades are just repackaged (and upcharged) injector razor blades. @TomE I always forget to mention that I'm a southpaw when asking about edged tools. You just saved me from dropping $25 on a JLK I might have poor luck with. The Osborne 67 seems like a good option - surprisingly well-priced too.

I've been using No.11 Xacto blades and retractable, snap-off blades to do the majority of my cutting. They certainly get the job done but I don't like how quickly the tips of the blades dull. I find myself having to tilt the utility knives at uncomfortable angles to get clean cuts. I saw Don Gonzales using some kind of squared off blade on an Xacto handle. It seems like a nice blade that might even have some flex to it - does anyone know what blade this is? (Photos attached) I can't seem to find them online. I have also looked at some nice pattern knives/round knives/Japanese skiving knives, but the good ones are pricey. Not sure if that's a worthwhile investment for me yet, but open to hearing what y'all like best for your work.

Project complete! Thank you guys for the guidance. I stuck with the same leathers as the sample - 2oz grey chrome tan liner and 3oz veg tan. The custom stamp I tried to make did not work well, so I burned the names onto the leather with a laser engraver. The cover page is the bride's own handmade paper, made with the bouquet of roses from their first date (glad I didn't get edge paint on it).

Decided to make a test booklet before I use the handmade paper. Pictured are the liner (1-2oz grey budget bin chrome tan) with printer paper stitched in and the outer cover (2-3oz veg tan) that I decided to practice basket weave on. Hoping it won't all bunch up too much when I glue it together. I left some extra room to trim the edges after gluing in case that's necessary.

Yes, I have yet to break into the world of machine stitching. @YinTx haven't tested the bag for tall ladies yet! May need a longer strap lol

Finished my first bag today. 4oz veg tan and 2-3oz chrome tan "motorcycle leather", Dieselpunk.ro pattern.

Thanks guys, I'm gonna need to play around with this a little bit. I like the idea of the liner, adds a little extra class to the design. Chuck - that book you made sounds like quite the undertaking. Like something out of a rare book store! Updates to follow...

Hey all, I'm making some wedding vow books for a friend. The bride wants about 5 sheets of handmade paper in each book. I will make the cover out of some 2-3oz veg tan with the wedding logo stamped on the cover and then either painted in or antiqued. I have no experience with book binding or sewing through paper. Any resources or insight? I want to make the books as sturdy as possible - and especially avoid pages falling out during the ceremony (yikes).

That's the perfect idea haha thank you

Fun one from dieselpunk.ro's free pattern: https://www.leather-patterns.com/freestuff Going to give it to my brother as his first father's day present. Not sure what it will be super practical for, maybe put it on a hunting belt or something. Thanks for looking.

Hey all, I'm going to try my hand at one of these soon, except for a 112. They came out great @Rossr! Wanted to ask if you all have some tips for burnishing a nice edge together inside those belt slots. I haven't had to burnish a space that tight yet. Thanks in advance.

@RockyAussie Thank you so much for the reply. Some great inspiration about the possibilities of 3D printing and laser cutting. That acrylic stamp came out great! The maker space has a Juki DNU-1541S and a Kingmax GC1541S. I can't recall what Class those are considered, but I read up on some of the advice here and am going to start experimenting with some #69 thread and a size 18 leather needle.

Hello everyone, Very grateful to be a part of this excellent community. I've been learning a lot here already. I really enjoy this "old" message board format over reddit, facebook, etc. Looking forward to learning more and getting honest feedback as I move forward with this great craft. I have been practicing hand stitching and learning the basics, but I am about to start learning how to use an industrial sewing machine at a makerspace I work at. The makerspace also has 3D printers and lasers, so I hope to experiment with incorporating some of these newer technologies into this ancient craft. So far I have made a handful of these Field Notes covers, minimalist wallets, and a few no-stitch pouches. I'm sure I can find some if I search around, but if anyone has any favorite resources for free patterns, I'd welcome them. Hoping to branch out more now that I will be machine sewing. Cheers! -R