The tools I used to make this watch strap

[Danne]

I sometimes see people who ask what tools they need for this craft. 

This is most of what I use to make a watch strap. Not included are things like a granite plate for skiving, a punch pad for hole punches, a cutting mat, and such.
I understand that an electric creaser and irons and punches from brands like Ksblade can be expensive, but there are cheaper good alternatives that will give you a really good result, like manual creaser irons (you heat over an alcohol lamp) and cheaper good quality hole punches and stitching irons.

If there is one tool I wouldn't buy the cheapest then it's the skiving knife. This is a Kyoshin Elle 40-50 euros so not super expensive, but the really cheap ones out there will cause you a lot of frustration. And btw, I sharpen my skiving knife with wet and dry sandpaper (Mirka or 3M are good brands)

[zuludog]

I don't make watch straps, and don't intend to, but thank you for a clear illustration of the tools that you use

Just one question though - I can identify most of the tools except for the 4 X small rectangular blocks between the pen and the glue pot; what are they please?

[Danne]

3 minutes ago, zuludog said:

I don't make watch straps, and don't intend to, but thank you for a clear illustration of the tools that you use

Just one question though - I can identify most of the tools except for the 4 X small rectangular blocks between the pen and the glue pot; what are they please?

Paraffin wax

Bees wax

Crepe rubber

A sanding block (Just a small piece of beech wood to hold sand paper.)

Edited December 4, 2022 by Danne

[zuludog]

29 minutes ago, Danne said:

Paraffin wax

Bees wax

Crepe rubber

A sanding block (Just a small piece of beech wood to hold sand paper.)

Thanks. I recognise them now, and know them, but they were not so easy to identify just on their own.

[rleather]

I really admire your precision and expertise at making your watch straps. And your eye for color combinations , that I never would think of trying. 

I know that those that have posted questions in the past and will in the future , will benefit from  your kindness in sharing the array of tools needed to do it the craftsman's way.

Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[Danne]

5 minutes ago, rleather said:

I really admire your precision and expertise at making your watch straps. And your eye for color combinations , that I never would think of trying. 

I know that those that have posted questions in the past and will in the future , will benefit from  your kindness in sharing the array of tools needed to do it the craftsman's way.

Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thank you, 

lol, when I look at my straps or other leather projects, I only see what could be improved. I mean I know I have reached a level where I have quite good attention to details, but there are always things that can be improved, and also consistency is hard, the smallest "mistake" become so visible on such a small item as a watch strap. But it's also what I like about this craft (To spend time on on details, and improving details)

The same merry christmas

[McCarthy]

Excellent thread. What is the significance of the two round awls, and the block of wood next to the mallet?

[Danne]

3 hours ago, McCarthy said:

Excellent thread. What is the significance of the two round awls, and the block of wood next to the mallet?

One awl is used as a scratch awl, the other one is really sharp and polished for making round holes, like for the stitching at the point of the long strap. 
 

The block of wood is a ”slicker plate” If I glue two thin pieces of leather together and use a ”rubber roller” to press them together it will distort the leather, If I instead use a slicker plate and a piece of paper between that doesn’t happen. For this strap it’s used to press down reinforcement when glued to the top layer. When I glue the reinforcement I fold it slightly at the lug and buckle end (otherwise it wrinkles when fully folded) so not enough space to use a roller. (Sorry if I explained bad)

Edited December 7, 2022 by Danne

[GrampaJoel]

On 12/4/2022 at 1:59 PM, Danne said:

Thank you, 

lol, when I look at my straps or other leather projects, I only see what could be improved. I mean I know I have reached a level where I have quite good attention to details, but there are always things that can be improved, and also consistency is hard, the smallest "mistake" become so visible on such a small item as a watch strap. But it's also what I like about this craft (To spend time on on details, and improving details)

The same merry christmas

I admire your work, and kindness.

I’m 73. For 10-15 years I have always made larger horse related items.

These days I’m trying to wind down the shop, to just small items now.
But my shaking hands often prevent the precision work of your quality.

I admire your work, and celebrate  you,,,,, for your generous posts on this forum to help others.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Joel

[Danne]

3 hours ago, GrampaJoel said:

I admire your work, and kindness.

I’m 73. For 10-15 years I have always made larger horse related items.

These days I’m trying to wind down the shop, to just small items now.
But my shaking hands often prevent the precision work of your quality.

I admire your work, and celebrate  you,,,,, for your generous posts on this forum to help others.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Joel

Thank you for your kind words.

Now I have no idea how much shaking you have in your hands, but maybe it could be an inspiration that it doesn't stop Bedos leatherworks, he have a Youtube channel, he repair shoes and handbags mainly. He have had shakings in his hands all of his life, and his work is really clean. Of course I understand that it can make it harder (Self having health issues that stop me from pursuing this craft to the level I want too)

Merry christmas to you also Joel.