SUP

The Weaver sharpening tool for edge bevelers, sharpening stones of different diameters and sizes, diamond stones, string with that green compound... seen them all, got them all, tried them all, AL Stohlman's book included. Still a pain. so prefer the cuticle trimmers. Sharpening knives is fine, bevelers, not so much. Besides, the cuticle trimmers? I can adjust the tips as I need - widen them, narrow them, bend them... as I need for the current project. I really like that. My regular edge bevelers, Bissonnette bevelers et all sit around looking beautiful. It's a personal thing, I guess. Whatever works, finally, is it not? 🙂 I know that many will think I am talking through my hat, but this works. Try it sometime. You might like them. Most women have disposable cuticle trimmers lying around. Need to be the unused, disposable ones though.

Hmm. I have many edge bevelers and the pain is always the 'sharpen them' part. I am never sure that I know exactly how to do it, no matter how many videos I watch. So, I followed @fredk's suggestion and now use plain old disposable cuticle trimmers. They are ridiculously cheap (think 30-50 for $7.99 on Amazon and probably cheaper still in Brick-and-mortar stores) and surprisingly effective. I have used them on thin and thick leathers with no trouble at all. When one goes dull, I discard it, no sweat.

Oh it happens though. Mold grows so fast, it is eerie. My spray bottles all look alike and once, I picked up the water spray instead of the vinegar one. As I watched, the mold increased over the surface of the leather that I was treating. It was unpleasant, to say the least. Threw away that leather.

Spray diluted white vinegar on the leather. Wait a minute or two, then wipe off the excess - do not allow it to soak in - and allow it to dry. Condition well, once completely dry, preferably t least 24 hours later. This has worked for me.

Your filigree work is gorgeous! How did you get such symmetry? Springfield leather had these filigree tools on sale a while ago. I don't know if they still sell them.

😅 Nah. My little darling is a mixed breed from the animal shelter. We pamper and spoil her quite a bit. Her current collar is a leather one I bought before I got into leatherwork. I guess you have a point about the weight not making much difference. She is a medium sized dog and should not really be affected by the weight of a leather collar that I can make. And she is an absolute angel - has never chewed any leather in her life.

That is a nice belt. How much does it weigh, if I might ask? I've been wanting to make one for my dog but don't want it to be too heavy.

Thanks for that correction, @bruce johnson.

That would make them beaders rather than edge creasers.

The thing is, Tokonole is available again! I like it and use it all the time.

I got Tokopro from Amazon Vine and tried it. It seemed to work better on chrome tanned leather. On veg tanned leather, Tokonole always seems to give better results. Even diluted, Tokonole works better on veg tanned leather although Tokopro, in appearance and touch, seems to be a diluted form of Tokonole. Same ingredients, different proportions maybe.

I'm so sorry to hear about your wife. The sling is beautiful; simple and elegant.

@dikman exactly! But let's see, who knows? I get a load of it every fortnight or so. It probably stinks because of attached proteins. Using clear, pure fat might be different. We can always try.

@Leo1995, the die you sent me is good. I used it today. It is sharp and it cut my leather well. The stitching holes are clear and perfect slits and will give beautiful angled stitches. You have a good product there. I have left you a good review on Etsy as well.

God save us from experts!😅 I think i can replicate that. Makes it easier for me. I make my dog's food every few weeks with chicken. She dislikes all other meats. So when I cook the chicken, the fat of course floats on top and I can use that. The boxes I have will be nearly airtight which might not replicate either your friend's experience or that of the woman whose bag I worked on. Maybe I should keep several pieces inside bags in dry, dark areas, enclosed but not air tight. Maybe thick brown paper bags. I think I will try both, in the tins and in bags. Let's see which stinks more. I will also test some vegetable oils known for going rancid.