Spence

I believe they are a brokerage located in Singapore. True, you have to buy large quantities to qualify for the low prices. I question the quality of the goods they sell.

Beiler's Mfg & Supply 717-768-0174 They are an Amish company, hence no computers. So you have to call them and place your orders. If you know exactly what you want they will help you. Otherwise, ask for a catalog and they'll gladly mail it out to you. I don't benefit, in any way, from this endorsement. I've been doing business with them for 2-3 years now and I've not had one problem with their product or service.

If the price is right you can add me to your list.

I use veg-tanned leather, 8-10 oz. I slick the edges and the flesh side. If it's particularly messy I sand it. I tested a couple of them by pulling my pickup with a tractor. No stretch. The majority of my leashes are for working dogs (K-9, etc) so I use two solid rivets at each end. For conditioning, I oil first, dye, oil again, MPB leather dressing. I send a flyer with care instructions with each leash and collar.

Does anyone have a pattern or measurements I could use? Thanks

We, as individuals, are responsible for what we say. So, before slamming down on the "Post" button, take a few seconds to go back and read what you wrote and make sure it's what you meant. And while you're at it, you can do your best to correct spelling and grammar errors. I think this thread has run it's course by now, so I just want to shift focus a bit to the graphic backgrounds that seem to be popping up now and then. For me, they are distracting and, in most cases, hide the little stars that show me it's a thread I have posted in. Also, it is extremely difficult to see the poster's name. This forum is run by volunteers and each and every one of them deserves our thanks, praise and respect for what they do. They have lives outside of this forum and that needs to be remembered. Enough !! G'bye.

Beautiful work, as always

IMHO, moving up to 9/10 oz leather is the way to go. The rest, if not the majority, of the problem is owner-related, I'm sure. I would question the owner's claim about the frequent conditioning. Nothing that I know of makes leather "waterproof". Water resistant, yes. It is up to the owner to treat the collar after each swim session. Not necessary after a rainstorm. If the dog is swimming on a regular basis, then I'd recommend they switch to a nylon collar for that evolution and keep the leather collar for "dress up." The fact that it stretched (the dog needs some serious training...lol) and then became brittle suggests that the collar got wet and was allowed to dry on the dog. If it was taken off and oiled, it should not have become brittle. With my dog collars, I oil first, dye, oil again, finish (resolene) and wax (Montana Pitch Blend.) Typically, I make a 3" wide "agitation" collar with one layer of 9/10 oz veg-tanned leather. This collar is usually used in protection training. I pad it for the dog's comfort because the dog is lunging. The dogs usually weigh between 80-150 lbs (depending on the breed). I've used this type of collar on my own dogs and made them for others and so far, no complaints. I have one that I have used on multiple dogs for about 10 years and it's still in good shape. If it were me, I would refund the owner's money and tell them to shop elsewhere. Just don't send them to me. lol G'luck

If it's out there, there's a good chance you'll find it here: http://www.peggysuealso.com/servlet/StoreFront

I use waxed nylon from Maine Thread. I keep 3 sizes on the bench.

My thought is to try it on filigree. Maybe some curves, as the need arises. I think $5 or so for the spiral blade is easy to swallow.

Interesting thread. As soon as I build a table for it, I'm going to unbox my scroll saw. That spiral blade looks interesting too.

Check out my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/JaspenhofLeather I specialize in wide collars for larger and bully breeds. All work is custom.

I just received my first shipment of dyes from one of our advertisers, Zelikovitz Leathers. I haven't used any of it yet, but I couldn't wait to commend them on their service, prices and prompt delivery. It took only 4 days to get here (Texas) from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada !! Upon opening the box, I found each individual container of dye, placed in it's own ziploc bag and all together in a secure plastic bag. Newspaper then completed the very secure packaging. The first thing I noticed, while inspecting the colors, was the obvious difference between medium and dark brown. The blue is more of a Royal, than a Navy. There's that also. So far, I'm a very happy customer and I don't expect that to change.

I've had more than one unsuccessful website over the years and I've found that Facebook is where it's at, for me. I've identified my niche market - working dogs, large dogs, K-9s and protection dogs and competition dogs. I go after these folks and "friend" them. If and when they accept my "friend" request, I send them a "like" request to my business page on Facebook. My relation to my niche market is that I have handled, trained and bred working line German Shepherds for more than 30 years. I know what is required of the equipment that a working dog uses. I know what is needed in my leather, to keep the dog, the handler and the bystanders safe. I try to keep my pages updated with new photos and updates. As a result, more than 95% of my business is coming from my Facebook pages and of that, at least 50% is from word of mouth. I'm continuing to try to develop a working website because there are more people roaming around the web than there are in Facebook. In the end, for me, it's finding and exploiting that niche market.

Beiler's Mfg & Supply. 717-768-0174 Amish company, so no computers. Call for a catalog and then call with orders. I've never had a problem with them or the stuff they sell. Very easy to work with and prices are right.

I'm guilty of being an old ropeworker, so, for me, Ashley's Book of Knots is the bible for folks wanting to know anything about knots and braiding.

Awesome !!!!

Springfield Leather usually has the real stuff and will cut to your specs.

Thanks folks!

These are 2" wide agitation collars. The rattler skin is genuine. The brown gator is embossed cowhide. They went to a Boxer, Cane Corso and a mean ole Belgian Malinois. Tks for lookin'

I agree about the "finisher." I've used Sno-coat and MPB. I liked the MPB enough to start selling it. As with any leather item, if it's not taken care of properly, it's going to be in the woodpile sooner than later. I've seen 100 y/o leather that was well taken care of that looked real good. I've also seen 10 y/o leather that needed to soak in oil for days and still never fully recovered. I've got collars on my dogs that have been through hell and back for up to 15 years and they still look pretty good.

Cheryl: Interesting about the neetsfoot oil on puppy leashes. Have you noticed it working as recommended?

I get all my hardware from Beiler's Mfg & Supply (717) 768-0174 It is business the old way. They don't use computers nor do they have a website. You need to call them for a catalog and phone your orders in. Their prices are great, The service is quick and they are great people to work with. Very efficient too. They make horse tack and associated hardware also.

I don't think there's much you can do about that unless you replace the buckle. Most low quality plated hardware will wear off pretty quick. If your guarantee covers that (mine does), think seriously of going with solid brass or stainless steel hardware from now on. It's a bit more expensive, but considering what you're faced with, it's cheaper in the long run. Just my opinion.