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Hello All, I bought some leather "splits" from Springfield Co, and after receiving them, I'm kind of at a loss as to how to best use them. Springfield indicates that since they are veg tan, they should be good for carving stamping, dyeing, etc. I also am not seeing the material as very durable for the outdoors. I am looking to make pouches and small bags, largely for myself, but eventually for sale-able projects as well. Any help is appreciated, thanks you all!

Howdy folks; New member here, first post. My name is Harvey Haines, I'm from Connecticut, and I've always wanted to try my hand at leatherwork. I'll be taking a hiatus and moving to Minneapolis in October, but for now I run a small glass and steel fabrication company. My current project is crafting banjo and guitar stands, an important feature of which is the intended use of heavy leather as padding at all contact points. It would be best to use leather from the U.S., but I'd go for an English leather if necessary. I've been thinking about getting Buffalo leather instead of cow, but I'm not knowledgable enough in availability, origins of materials, merits of different animals, etc. So, I figure I'll ask the experts here! The framework of each stand will be welded steel, with the leather being bolted on and largely stationary. However, the neck support will be, on at least one model, a 2" or 3" leather strap spanning the 4" or 5" gap between two pieces of steel. Rust, antique, or reddish-brown leather would offer a lovely color contrast against my steel frames, but I'm open to any good earth tones. My questions are these: Where can I reliably get American Buffalo leather in 8-10 oz? Is there a place to purchase S.B. Foot leather online and in small quantities? (My first big commission came from Red Wing Shoes, I've got a soft spot for the company.) Does anyone have an idea about the abrasion resistance of leathers? I've read that Chrome tanned leather has higher tolerances, but I'd like to stick with veg-tanned. Am I being too sentimental about the old-timey nonsense? Most of the cuts will be with a strap cutter, but I'll need to notch each piece of leather a few times. What would the optimum tool be for cutting a few 1"-2" straight lines? Head Knife? Shears? Alright, done babbling for now. I appreciate the help folks! Harvey

Hello to everyone on this interesting and friendly forum of leatherworkers. My name is Brett and I am hungry to learn about leatherworking as a hobby and a business. I live in the north western part of Virginia about 50 miles west of Washington, D.C. I find myself in a career field where it is difficult to find a place for someone of my age (53) and with the lack of currently required skills. Not to mention I have hated what I do for the last 8+ years, which makes it hard to go to work and have any happiness. So I am exploring other options for making a living and I am looking for some advice as far as the leather business is concerned. I know hearing about one more newbie wanting to get into the leather business is probably the last thing a professional wants to hear. I have done what I would categorize as leather craft projects in the past. Belts and holsters mostly and all my hand no machines. Unfortunately I made my first holsters when I first became a gun owner (I had experience with firearms in the military)and did not know very much about either. That was 25 years ago and now I am an avid gun owner, shooter and hunter. So before I start spending real money I want to find out if this is this a business someone can break into and make a living? Thanks everyone and anyone who replies. Brett

Hello to everyone on this interesting and friendly forum of leatherworkers. My name is Brett and I am hungry to learn about leatherworking as a hobby and a business. I live in the north western part of Virginia about 50 miles west of Washington, D.C. I find myself in a career field where it is difficult to find a place for someone of my age (53) and with the lack of currently required skills. Not to mention I have hated what I do for the last 8+ years, which makes it hard to go to work and have any happiness. So I am exploring other options for making a living and I am looking for some advice as far as the leather business is concerned. I know hearing about one more newbie wanting to get into the leather business is probably the last thing a professional wants to hear. I have done what I would categorize as leather craft projects in the past. Belts and holsters mostly and all my hand no machines. Unfortunately I made my first holsters when I first became a gun owner (I had experience with firearms in the military)and did not know very much about either. That was 25 years ago and now I am an avid gun owner, shooter and hunter. So before I start spending real money I want to find out if this is this a business someone can break into and make a living? Thanks everyone and anyone who replies. Brett

Hey Guys, I'm very new to leather work and I have some rawhide deer that I made last year. My question is while I'm breaking and softening the piece how soft does it need to be and at what stage do I dye it. I plan to make two quivers for my kids.

I'm Marshall(one of three) from Sundridge, Ontario. I joined last week, but I don't think membership is official until your first post. I've taken a huge interest in leatherwork this past summer since I bought my first saddle and couldn't leave it alone. I'm quite the novice so I'll be asking all sorts of questions, and lots of them! First one: is there a list of forum rules? Such as are links allowed? I looked briefly in the forum topics... didn't use the search though : ) Also, today I completed my first tooled belt(yay!) and gave it to a coworker, who, as it turns out, did not even own a belt until today. Great success! And that's a wrap; goodnight and God Bless.