frankly

Thank you for your feedback Mike, you gave me lots to think about and very specific advice on my list. I appreciate it! I was under the impression that Euro style pricking irons + awl left a finer opening than using stitching irons that punch all the way through. Based on what you know, am I misunderstanding? This is the primary reason I looked at the traditional pricking irons like Blanchard/Amy Roke rather than the Japanese style diamond chisels. I may be misclassifying "medium goods" the pattern I am working on for one of my first projects is using 8oz leather and panels of 27"x17"x17" triangle cut leather. I was planning on 3.85mm irons for this project and others of similar size. What do you think?

This is relevant and sound advice. Remaining consistent in the hobby is certainly something I've thought long and hard about with this level of investment. It would be arrogant of me to say that I for sure would remain consistent without having practiced it at all so I have to concede that there is a chance passions would dwindle over time. My justification for spending more to start (besides the obvious benefits of efficacy) is that more recognized brands would also be easier to sell in order to recuperate my investment if I do end up deciding to leave the hobby. Now, I may be wrong in this assumption, but that was the justification I made to myself. I will continue to think on what you've said and consider it before I make these purchases. Thank you!

Thanks Chuck! I would love to save some money on the irons. What are other notable brands of Euro style irons? Blanchard and Amy Roke are the only two I have come across with good reviews. And good call on the punches, rivets, setters, and strap cutter. I do know I will need those down the road but I am holding off on purchasing punches until I can get some practice in and template out the projects that will need them. I'll make sure these items are on my list for the future. On the stitching clam, I am in the process of searching for one to add to my list. Any recommendations?

I've spent the last week researching everything I could find to inform what I should purchase for my foray into leathercrafting. One consistent piece of advice is to buy quality irons and to purchase the best you can afford. While I would like to follow this advice, I would also like to be pragmatic about where my money is spent. Do Blanchard pricking irons perform better, last longer, etc than other options such as the ones sold by Rocky Mountain? I am having a hard time finding any reliable reviews and am getting different opinions from other communities. What are your thoughts on Blanchard irons? I would also really appreciate any feedback you have on the preliminary list of items I plan to purchase for my kit. I plan on making mostly medium sized goods (bags, totes, boxes) working with 4oz-11oz leathers. Are there things I am overlooking? Are there other brands I should consider versus what is on my list? Am I spending too much on this kit before even having made my first stitch or cut? Any general advice or words of wisdom would also be greatly appreciated. I decided to leave off adding a stitch groover, a skiver, and punches to my list for now as I don't see an immediate use for those tools. I have also left off burnishing compounds and thread until I can get some practice with material that I already have on hand. I do need a stitching pony but am having a hard time narrowing down the many options so any recommendations here would be helpful. Blanchard #7 (3.85mm) - 02 Pricking Iron Blanchard #7 (3.85mm) - 05 Pricking Iron Blanchard #10 (2.7mm) - 02 Pricking Iron Blanchard #10 (2.7mm) - 05 Pricking Iron Blanchard Scratch Compass No 8 Palosanto Edge Beveler Set (0.4mm - 1.5mm) Jerome David 2mm awl Jerome David 2.5mm awl C.S. Osborne Scratch Awl 2pack Barry King 24oz Tapered Maul Alvin 24"x36" Cutting Mat SDI Utility Knife SDI Replacement Blades (100ct) Vinca Carpenter L Frame Steel Square 8"x12" Vinca Carpenter L Frame Steel Square 16"x24" Barge Cement Glue Applicator / Spreader Wutu Edge Burnisher / Slicker John James Saddlers Harness Needles