NatesLeatherGds

Handmade - ground from a sawzall blade, cedar handles. I use it occasionally - sharpening it as above. Otherwise -- utility knives

Well... many schools of though on knife sharpening. Rabbit hole as deep as night. As for me.... freehand. Dry stone. Arkansas. Final strop on paper, leather or blue jeans (depending what's handy). Shaving sharp.

Looks great. Well made and tough.

Gorgeous carving.

Stuff I'm doing. The money clip was a Tandy kit with a wide back originally - insert that held the clip - too wide and wouldn't close. Ripped it up and did a this new one that is slimmer and seems better made. Hopefully clients/customers will like. Coasters were cut with a die cutter and glued the cork to the back. Hopefully they hold up. Wallet / pouch is a Tandy design that I really like, easy to do and even sold one.

Nice work! I am sure your customer will be happy.

What he says ^ - yes - and a paper dummy/mockup - I do that with scissors and paper to fool around until I can nail it. THEN cut the leather. And be ready to have to waste leather - not the best thing - but sometimes ... you just waste leather, don't beat yourself up.

DeWayne, Oh thanks and that looks really useful! I will see if my local Tandy has one and may explore use - small apartment - so have ventilation issues with sprays. Can I use it for a small one off (2 or 3 belts, say) and then reuse over a few days until the dye jar is empty ?

Still have this ? Willing to piece it out ?

Thanks much Wizcrafts. So... fwiw - here it is :

Northmount - thanks. Am I allowed to just put a link here to youtube ? If not, is OK, too. Thanks again.

Thanks. And it works too. I did a short video on youtube. Will try to get it up here if I am allowed to link off site.

DieseTech - oh wow- that's very nice and even. Will keep trying. Thanks! And MarshalWill - very nice look, thanks. I'm just starting with dyes, so your input is helpful.

I got this last 3-4 months ago and have been experimenting. I must say I do love it. Doing this bag - seam is a saddle stitch. Pocket is with the Singer. 138 thread and a 20 needle (I think). Still having fun learning it. 3-4 oz chrome tanned leather.

Thanks and hi! No one encouraged it - was a desperation move to try to get the Eco Flo all-in-one to spread more even.

Second try : Same leather - veg tanned Tandy economy hide. Fiebings Pro Dye - light brown. 2 coats (made it much darker than 'light brown') - Tan Kote top/finish. Final conditioning with Angelus Leather Balm. I'm certainly happier with it. Wish I had started learning dyes years ago. Much easier than I thought and fun, too.

So, my first shot at dyeing leather. I was very apprehensive. Tandy All-in-One Eco Flo. Acorn. Veg tanned Tandy economy hide. 2 were done with the leather dry (those on the right side -- "reddish" color). 2 were done with the leather soaked through with hot water and patted dry. I quickly have moved to Fiebings Pro Dye. Will post pics of that next.

Hi All. Been lurking for years, finally signed up. I've learned a ton from all of you! Can't wait to interact and keep learning.