TedNoiz

Doesn't matter what it looks like. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What matters is that it works and you're happy with it. The first two hatchet sheaths I made were of thin leather, too. I always use thick veg-tan now. It's the only way to fly for sheaths, especially for rugged use. I keep away from rivets whenever I can with sheaths and holsters, especially steel rivets, and stick with stitching all the way. Steel is going to be hard on your blade if rivet and blade meet. If you choose to go with rivets, use copper. Copper is much softer than your steel blade and won't damage it anywhere near as bad as steel. Also, stitching is by far and away stronger than copper rivets and doesn't add weight to your project. So... whaddya need rivets for? I avoid them when I can.

Nothing in the world wrong with air power. I've got two air rifles, a shotgun and several pistols in need of holsters and cases. I gotta get busy! Nice looking work you have there!

AGREED! I live in South Dakota, so having a hobby to get through those long, dark winter nights is a must. I'm all set.

Yes, they are. Tough acts to follow. I like Bruce Cheney and Gregory Belenky, too. They take things to heights I didn't even realize was possible.

Howdy Folks! Nice to be here! I've been making a mess of leather things off-and-on (busy workin' man here!) for about a year now. I've had some successes and some failures, but no matter, I just love working leather whatever comes of it. I've made book markers, tote bags, purses, valet, straps, belts, misc., etc. I've actually made some items good enough for sale and made a little money. But I've got a long way to go to work up my skills. For example, my swivel knife work and tooling is horrendous. I just don't get how to do it right and make it beautiful and it just so happens it's one of the things I want to do most. Long way to go there. Anyway it's been a good time struggling to find my niche in leatherwork. What I screw up and can't sell--I keep for myself! As of late, as for my niche, I have been leaning toward building knife sheaths, gun holsters, and strapping and baggage for my bicycles. I am a bit of a cyclist, camper, hunter, fisherman, so it feels natural to me to want to work in these directions and make goods I find useful. And it's learning on the cheap! I just buy some belly leather and have at it! My work is rough and used looking (though not all of it!), but it all functions perfectly and looks proportionate. I couldn't be happier. I came to this forum to learn whatever I can and socialize with others of like mind.