Wepster

I just learned a whole heck of a lot. Thank you Dwight!

just a small observation, a steel is used to straighten an edge. They tend to be kitchen tools, you get a chefs knife very sharp, the cutting board (or cutting along bone, hitting bone can chip a knife) can roll the fine edge over. The steel will straighten that edge back in line with the rest of the blade. Stropping can also straighten an edge, but generally you are removing metal, tiny, tiny bits, which is why it is used on a sharp knife before it gets dull. It will polish an edge, allowing the tool to slide through with less friction/drag.

Using that type cutter looks like a great idea. You probably already tried this, but perhaps go to your local carpet store(s) and see if they have a similar tool (probably better, and more expensive) that also has replacement blades available.

Wow

I am new here also, but I suggest edit the pics to lower resolution. Sometimes, for me, the easiest way is to choose to email them, that tends to reduce the file size for email. I email them to myself save them, then post them on a forum.

good to know, when you do it, you should do a tutorial, post it on Youtube. I never had a pair, my cousin did, he was quite proud of them. OP, would love to see your step by step on your flip flops!

how long does inner tube material (I would truck tire inner tubes to be thicker) last as an outsole? No doubt, great straps. When I was young, the hot thing (for about a year, which I suppose is long for a hot thing) was a sandal, made in India, sorta flip flop ish, except there was a loop for the big toe in addition to the thong. Supposedly made of water buffalo, you were supposed to get them soaking wet and wear them so they would conform to your feet (Late 1960s).

I've read in a book I bought, "The Sandalmaking Workshop" by Rachel Corry, that other brands of soling material are Soletech, Ultra, and Birkenstock. Typical flip flop soles are often ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), sold in sheets or sometimes large foot shape pairs. I have seen replacement shoe/boot soles on Amazon. If you google shoe repair, cobblers supplies and the like you will find suppliers who sell outsoles. And, of course, old tire treads. Long used in Mexico (and I am sure a lot of other places). I saved some old utility trailer tires (replaced just due to age, so lots of tread) expressly for this purpose. Though honestly, I probably never will, not enough years left in me for the all the back burner projects.

Might not be quite want you want, and perhaps you have already explored this.... similar to waxed. here is a link to a search.. https://search.brave.com/search?q=diy+tin+pants&source=web

Again, this may or may be helpful........cleaning vinegar has about 9% acid, and you can buy concentrate - I got some on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091FZRT1X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 plain old white vinegar is mostly water, as you noted only 4 or 5% acid.

this may or may not be helpful... in another craft, it is called ebonizing wood. Here is the first reference I found, search it, it is very popular (since ebony is very expensive!) https://www.popularwoodworking.com/finishing/ebonizing_wood/

You might consider a CBN wheel, depending on what you are sharpening. I think (not 100% sure) they are best on HSS, carbon steel may clog them, thought they sell SlickStick that helps prevent that.

I am so tempted. Crusty bread? We have several outstanding bakeries in Syracuse for wonderful crusty bread! Their black pepper and cheese is to die for, as is their rosemary and garlic, yum. Just wish we had a good deli.... But I so do not need the machine, I am out of space for the hobbies i have collected. Table saw, small band saw, little drill press, bigger drill press, 2 little lathes (don't ask) one medium lathe, several sanders, a 2x72 belt grinder, a sand flea, Singer featherweight, a Pfaff zigzag (Mom's circa 1968ish) a newer Brother, tons of books, boots ( I really like boots) etc etc.... I am nearly 70, I have lots of stuff!

HI, I am new, this may be inappropriate here, maybe a mod will move it to where it belongs (in the Gateway to Airguns forum, there is a spot for bargins you spotted (they call it Bargin Gate), so you can share with others who maybe interested). I have no personal or financial interest in this, just thought someone might be interested NYC area used Singer 29-4, $300, I just got a chinese leather patcher, have no room for this, otherwise I would drive the 4+ hours to Brooklyn to get it! Added bonus, swing by 2nd Ave Deli in Manhattan for Pastrami! https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/atq/d/brooklyn-singer-29-leather-sewing/7574473510.html