A beginner with a hobby goal!

[DesertLeather]

Hey leathercrafters of reddit!

I'm a complete beginner in leatherworking and my end goal is to make a cute purse for my spouse, watch straps and a dopp kit for myself.

I have watched videos and I'm reading about the basics, and I want to set my foot in there.

I would greatly appreciate tips, tricks, advice, maybe even links?

I have a budget of about 200$ to begin with and hopefully make it with the purse, or at least.

In terms of tools, I only own rulers a cutting mat and small knives (like x-acto knives).

In geographical terms I'd rather use European suppliers to aid with lower shipping costs to me.

 

To be specific, she likes leather products from the big brands, with finishes like the Saffiano, Epi and Epsom leathers. I know it's standardized leather and I might have to put a good penny on it by itself?

I'd like to make a lightweight bag, yet have it hold shape and stiffness. I want to add a lining too, but I went lost in all the options.

the watch straps I'd like are simple, yet I want them to be comfortable to wear in terms of material that lays on the skin.

I'd like to make a dopp kit that js waterproof (or at least splash proof) lined with something soft.

I know I'd need a mallet, pricking irons, needles, thread, probably edge dying and finishing supplies, and probably some more tools and supplies.

Is there a type of leather, supply, thread, tool etc to avoid? Anything I can cheap out on? Things that are worth the investment?

I'd appreciate any and all inputs!

Thanks in advance!

[zuludog]

Hello DesertLeather and welcome to the fun! ........ here are a few comments, I'm sure other members will come along with their own

Sounds like you already have some ideas, but YouTube will be very useful. Search for 'beginner's leather tools'; there are several videos, each one is similar but slightly different, showing the preference of the individual worker, but overall you'll get a good idea of what is needed

Search for making bags, wallets, watch straps and other item's you'd like and you'll see how other people do things and what they use

Your Xacto knives will be OK for thin leather, but for anything thicker than about 1,5mm you'll need something better/bigger/stronger. There are many different knives available, but to start with a Stanley/Utility/Box cutter will do the job. The blades are disposable, but you can resharpen them on a fine stone or abrasive paper. In fact blades often work better if they have been resharpened as this polishes the bevel of the cutting edge. Also use a strop, there are several YT videos on how to make one

Remember that YT videos are often made by experts, and you'll find that doing it yourself is not as easy as it looks! ...... So start with something simple like a key fob or a simple card holder, and build up from there. 

The leather you have named is very expensive, so learn on something that is cheaper, but still reasonable quality

Here are a few suppliers; there are others, but 1, 2, & 3 are good mid priced suppliers, and 4 has a wide range of leather so even if you don't buy anything from them you can see what is available

1) www.leather4craft.co.uk

2) www.artisanleather.co.uk

3) www.identityleathercraft.com

4) www.buyleatheronline.com

Don't be afraid of the suppliers! They know their stuff and are helpful, so ask their advice if you have a question

There is a tool to avoid - you sometimes see the 4 - in - 1 awl with interchangeable blades; it's not very good and it is expensive. You're better to buy two separate awls - 

A diamond/saddler's awl and a scratch/round awl.  Sometimes a saddler's awl is supplied as separate blade and handle/haft but It's easier to buy it ready assembled, though you will still need to sharpen & polish the blade yourself, there are videos. And a round awl is cheap enough 

Edited August 23, 2023 by zuludog

[tsunkasapa]

I would ask where you are. Rocky Mountain Leather carries some very nice European leathers. If you are Stateside there is no reason to go to all the expense of ordering from overseas.

Leather Tools & Supplies (rmleathersupply.com)

[SUP]

1 hour ago, DesertLeather said:

Hey leathercrafters of reddit!

Ahem. This is not reddit. This is leatherworker.net.

You will find very helpful people here who will give you a lot of guidance. 

[DesertLeather]

37 minutes ago, SUP said:

Ahem. This is not reddit. This is leatherworker.net.

You will find very helpful people here who will give you a lot of guidance. 

That is absolutely my mistake, I'm just reaching out to a few places.

Sorry for that!

[DesertLeather]

1 hour ago, tsunkasapa said:

I would ask where you are. Rocky Mountain Leather carries some very nice European leathers. If you are Stateside there is no reason to go to all the expense of ordering from overseas.

Leather Tools & Supplies (rmleathersupply.com)

I am from Israel so closer to Europe, though Rockey Mountain ships here (although around 40USD for shipping is hefty) and they seem to have really good leathers!

[DesertLeather]

1 hour ago, zuludog said:

Hello DesertLeather and welcome to the fun! ........ here are a few comments, I'm sure other members will come along with their own

Sounds like you already have some ideas, but YouTube will be very useful. Search for 'beginner's leather tools'; there are several videos, each one is similar but slightly different, showing the preference of the individual worker, but overall you'll get a good idea of what is needed

Search for making bags, wallets, watch straps and other item's you'd like and you'll see how other people do things and what they use

Your Xacto knives will be OK for thin leather, but for anything thicker than about 1,5mm you'll need something better/bigger/stronger. There are many different knives available, but to start with a Stanley/Utility/Box cutter will do the job. The blades are disposable, but you can resharpen them on a fine stone or abrasive paper. In fact blades often work better if they have been resharpened as this polishes the bevel of the cutting edge. Also use a strop, there are several YT videos on how to make one

Remember that YT videos are often made by experts, and you'll find that doing it yourself is not as easy as it looks! ...... So start with something simple like a key fob or a simple card holder, and build up from there. 

The leather you have named is very expensive, so learn on something that is cheaper, but still reasonable quality

Here are a few suppliers; there are others, but 1, 2, & 3 are good mid priced suppliers, and 4 has a wide range of leather so even if you don't buy anything from them you can see what is available

1) www.leather4craft.co.uk

2) www.artisanleather.co.uk

3) www.identityleathercraft.com

4) www.buyleatheronline.com

Don't be afraid of the suppliers! They know their stuff and are helpful, so ask their advice if you have a question

There is a tool to avoid - you sometimes see the 4 - in - 1 awl with interchangeable blades; it's not very good and it is expensive. You're better to buy two separate awls - 

A diamond/saddler's awl and a scratch/round awl.  Sometimes a saddler's awl is supplied as separate blade and handle/haft but It's easier to buy it ready assembled, though you will still need to sharpen & polish the blade yourself, there are videos. And a round awl is cheap enough 

Thank you for the elaborate response! 

I do go into this with humility, like I think is right with any new skill. I do have a little crafting background (a little calligraphy and illumination) so my initial thought was to make things to use myself, but I guess starting slow and simple would be the way.

I assumed those leathers wouldn't come cheap, and I guess starting with something more price-friendly would be right here. I still don't know much about the difference in workability, since her bags and purses are rather stiff, I thought it could make things easier or harder (I have no real idea here).

I have not run into those suppliers so that is wonderful to have a few more websites to observe! It helps me get an idea of what's out there.

Regarding the tools, again, really appreciate the advice!

Thank you again, it means a lot to me!

[SUP]

Saffiano is available at a very reasonable rate right now at Springfierld leather but that is in the US.  Since it is otherwise very expensive, you could talk to them and inquire about the rates for shipping to you. The total might still be more reasonable than buying it elsewhere and getting it shipped wherever you are,  in or around Europe. By 'reasonable' I mean that they have some colors at $20 a piece of 10-16 ft. Check their site and look through it. Some Saffiano colors  are more expensive but still cheaper than elsewhere.

[Burkhardt]

Putting your location in your profile will help for future questions. And if you are willing to spend money for expensive leather I'd suggest buying some cheaper leather to make a practice one. You would have a tough time finding anyone on here that did a first anything without a lot of mistakes.

[DesertLeather]

8 hours ago, SUP said:

Saffiano is available at a very reasonable rate right now at Springfierld leather but that is in the US.  Since it is otherwise very expensive, you could talk to them and inquire about the rates for shipping to you. The total might still be more reasonable than buying it elsewhere and getting it shipped wherever you are,  in or around Europe. By 'reasonable' I mean that they have some colors at $20 a piece of 10-16 ft. Check their site and look through it. Some Saffiano colors  are more expensive but still cheaper than elsewhere.

That sounds great! I will reach out, thank you!

[zuludog]

As with most hobbies and crafts you need a minimum of tools and equipment to get started, and you need almost as many tools & materials to make just one item as you need to make dozens, so unfortunately you will need to spend money at first. Also there is a range of prices, from cheap to very expensive; what you want is reasonable quality mid priced tools & equipment. But that does mean you will have to do some finishing/sharpening/polishing yourself. It is only the best, expensive, custom made items you can use straight away

The key to good leatherwork is razor sharp tools. There are many videos about this, for leather tools such as knives, awls, and edge bevelers ; also non leatherwork tools like knives & chisels; the more you watch, the more you will learn & understand. You can use water, oil, or diamond stones; or fine abrasive paper. Make your own strop, green chromium dioxide stropping compound is as good as any

The same techniques are used on most leather goods, so watch videos on saddle stitch, edge finishing, dyeing, skiving, and so on, and things like belts & pouches even if you don't want to make them yourself

A Japanese Leather Knife is good for skiving and cutting straight lines and is easy to sharpen; again, there are videos

Here are some more suppliers; even if you don't buy anything you will see what is available

www.metropolitanleather.com

www.georgebarnsleyandsons.co.uk

www.sfleather.co.uk

www.proatelierplus.com

www.goodsjapan.com

These are good mid priced Japanese? Chinese? Korean? tools - Wuta ... Craft Sha ..... Seiwa ..... Kyoshin Elle

Besides shipping cost your country might also apply import duty/taxes but you'll have to find out for yourself. Or just order a couple of cheaper items and see what happens 

There are many YouTube channels & videos about leatherwork; try -- JH Leather ..... Ian Atkinson/Leodis Leather ..... Nigel Armitage .... Corter Leather .... Leathercraft Masterclass ..... Geordie's Workshop - he has about 15 videos aimed at beginners

I have used www.buyleatheronline.com They are good & reliable and have a wide range, and have advice on their website or if you email them. But when you start or plan an item, use something like thick paper or cereal packets to make a prototype or a mock - up. This will show you what the finished item will look like, & the sequence of construction, and future problems - Old cardboard is a lot cheaper than leather!

Come back to us with any questions, or let us know what you are thinking of buying, and we can give you our opinions 

 

Edited August 24, 2023 by zuludog

[DesertLeather]

5 hours ago, Burkhardt said:

Putting your location in your profile will help for future questions. And if you are willing to spend money for expensive leather I'd suggest buying some cheaper leather to make a practice one. You would have a tough time finding anyone on here that did a first anything without a lot of mistakes.

That's right. I'm sure I will make mistakes, I was just wondering maybe that would require additional practice because of firmness? Maybe stiffer leather is actually easier to handle?

The main reason I put out these leather type names is that she loves them and I want to make her happy. That's the primary goal of getting into this.

Thank you for the comment and insight!

Is there any material or tool you'd avoid beyond that?

[Klara]

Here is a French supplier: https://www.decocuir.com/ I don't know about shipping cost to Israel, though. The leather I have bought there has always been good quality and they have a good choice of hardware for bags etc.

There is only one material I have been disappointed with, and that is this: https://www.pethardware.com/en/cow-grain-leather/vegetable-tanned-leather-double-butts-black-1061/ because at the time I bought it, "split" was not in the description, so I expected full-grain leather. That said, the collars, leashes and training belt I made for my dog have held up for well over a year with constant use and no maintenance, so the stuff is not bad... It might work well for a waterproof dopp kit, except it's on the thick side. 

I would recommend The Leatherwork Handbook by Valerie Michael  because this lady somewhat specialises in ladies handbags and has a lot of advice regarding their construction. 

Have fun!

 

 

[DesertLeather]

40 minutes ago, zuludog said:

As with most hobbies and crafts you need a minimum of tools and equipment to get started, and you need almost as many tools & materials to make just one item as you need to make dozens, so unfortunately you will need to spend money at first. Also there is a range of prices, from cheap to very expensive; what you want is reasonable quality mid priced tools & equipment. But that does mean you will have to do some finishing/sharpening/polishing yourself. It is only the best, expensive, custom made items you can use straight away

The key to good leatherwork is razor sharp tools. There are many videos about this, for leather tools such as knives, awls, and edge bevelers ; also non leatherwork tools like knives & chisels; the more you watch, the more you will learn & understand. You can use water, oil, or diamond stones; or fine abrasive paper. Make your own strop, green chromium dioxide stropping compound is as good as any

The same techniques are used on most leather goods, so watch videos on saddle stitch, edge finishing, dyeing, skiving, and so on, and things like belts & pouches even if you don't want to make them yourself

A Japanese Leather Knife is good for skiving and cutting straight lines and is easy to sharpen; again, there are videos

Here are some more suppliers; even if you don't buy anything you will see what is available

www.metropolitanleather.com

www.georgebarnsleyandsons.co.uk

www.sfleather.co.uk

www.proatelierplus.com

www.goodsjapan.com

These are good mid priced Japanese? Chinese? Korean? tools - Wuta ... Craft Sha ..... Seiwa ..... Kyoshin Elle

Besides shipping cost your country might also apply import duty/taxes but you'll have to find out for yourself. Or just order a couple of cheaper items and see what happens 

There are many YouTube channels & videos about leatherwork; try -- JH Leather ..... Ian Atkinson/Leodis Leather ..... Nigel Armitage .... Corter Leather .... Leathercraft Masterclass ..... Geordie's Workshop - he has about 15 videos aimed at beginners

I have used www.buyleatheronline.com They are good & reliable and have a wide range, and have advice on their website or if you email them. But when you start or plan an item, use something like thick paper or cereal packets to make a prototype or a mock - up. This will show you what the finished item will look like, & the sequence of construction, and future problems - Old cardboard is a lot cheaper than leather!

Come back to us with any questions, or let us know what you are thinking of buying, and we can give you our opinions 

 

Thank you again!

Fortunately my months of learning led me to those YT channels and I am familiar.

Thank you for all the resources! I will surely find everything I look for and probably a little extra!

In terms of threads and adhesives, I'd rather go natural linen thread and water based adhesives. Do you think it holds and effects to the end product quality?

And regarding edge painting and dressing, I didn't see much besides burnishing with tokonole and applying edge paints but I have no idea about the different makes and types (for example, Angelus for edge paint? Some generic black paint? What about something more colorful?)

Thanks again for the welcoming attitude and abundance of insight!

[DesertLeather]

25 minutes ago, Klara said:

Here is a French supplier: https://www.decocuir.com/ I don't know about shipping cost to Israel, though. The leather I have bought there has always been good quality and they have a good choice of hardware for bags etc.

There is only one material I have been disappointed with, and that is this: https://www.pethardware.com/en/cow-grain-leather/vegetable-tanned-leather-double-butts-black-1061/ because at the time I bought it, "split" was not in the description, so I expected full-grain leather. That said, the collars, leashes and training belt I made for my dog have held up for well over a year with constant use and no maintenance, so the stuff is not bad... It might work well for a waterproof dopp kit, except it's on the thick side. 

I would recommend The Leatherwork Handbook by Valerie Michael  because this lady somewhat specialises in ladies handbags and has a lot of advice regarding their construction. 

Have fun!

 

 

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate the knowledge you drop here! I put the book on order straight away!

Merci beaucoup!

[chrisash]

There is a Tandy store in Spain that may be a lower cost option and also a Italian company for leather

https://tandyleather.eu/?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=Yext&y_source=1_MjM3NjIzNzYtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D

https://buyleatheronline.com/

 

[zuludog]

1 hour ago, DesertLeather said:

Thank you again!

Fortunately my months of learning led me to those YT channels and I am familiar.

Thank you for all the resources! I will surely find everything I look for and probably a little extra!

In terms of threads and adhesives, I'd rather go natural linen thread and water based adhesives. Do you think it holds and effects to the end product quality?

And regarding edge painting and dressing, I didn't see much besides burnishing with tokonole and applying edge paints but I have no idea about the different makes and types (for example, Angelus for edge paint? Some generic black paint? What about something more colorful?)

Thanks again for the welcoming attitude and abundance of insight!

You can go on and on watching videos and reading forums, but ultimately you will just have to try things for yourself, as we all have - that's all part of the fun! -- and the expense!

There is a lot of choice and discussion about thread. I have used linen but now I use synthetic, but many people prefer linen, it's your choice. Briefly, synthetic is stronger and doesn't rot; although linen is weaker the point is that it is strong enough and many people prefer to use natural thread with natural materials like leather. I suggest you just try both. There is also Meisi Xiange thread, which is synthetic but made to look & behave like linen, though I haven't used it myself

Most people try a few types & makes of thread when they start, before they settle on something they like. And don't forget the beeswax! I usually wax my own thread, even if it is sold as ready waxed

Most leatherwork can be done with 0,6mm diameter thread, called 18/3 by the international system and 432 by the French system. For thinner leather like wallets you might want to try 0,45mm diameter thread

Shop around the suppliers and you'll find shorter lengths and sample packs to try, also a range of colours

For 0,6mm thread I use John James Saddler's Harness Needles item code L3912 size 002 and size 004 for thinner thread; there are other makes but I don't know about them. You could ask the suppliers, and needles are usually cheap enough to try

I use solvent based contact adhesive, but many people are happy enough with water based glue

There are many videos on edge finishing. This is my method, but I'm sure others will work. After gluing & sewing, edge bevel .....sand if necessary with 120 grit paper ...... apply Tokonole ..... burnish ..... apply edge paint ..... burnish

I use mostly Fiebings Edge Kote edge paint, but I've also used Metropolitan Leather and Identity Leathercraft own brands. As far as I can tell they're very similar. I haven't used Angelus, but I think it's reliable. Black will do for most items, but shop around and there are all sorts of colours available, sometimes as mixed sample packs. Besides Tokonole I think Metropolitan and Identity have complete edge finishing systems, with sealants, paints, and other treatments

A general comment - Search on the supplier's websites and you will find all sorts of colours for leather, thread, and edge paint, and you can also dye your own leather 

Tandy is a good supplier, but I'd forgotten about them as they no longer trade in the UK

Here's an suggestion - shop around for something like a  2 mm  vegetable tanned half shoulder that's cheap, natural or coloured, even if it is second grade . Use it to practice on, make a strop, simple sheaths/slip covers for your knives and stitching chisels, practice skiving, make a key fob, card holder.

And Valerie Michael's book is good.

Edited August 24, 2023 by zuludog

[AlZilla]

I haven't regretted starting with a beginners set of leather crafting tools. I've accumulated a lot more since then, but it got me a base of things to start with.  My kit included a couple of projects to do, a sheath, wallet, etc.

[SUP]

@AlZilla  me too!  It got me the basic things like mats, needles, etc. for a very reasonable price, that I still use.

Other things I bought over time as I realized I needed them.

@DesertLeather, that is an option for at least the basic items.

[DesertLeather]

7 hours ago, AlZilla said:

I haven't regretted starting with a beginners set of leather crafting tools. I've accumulated a lot more since then, but it got me a base of things to start with.  My kit included a couple of projects to do, a sheath, wallet, etc.

 

3 hours ago, SUP said:

@AlZilla  me too!  It got me the basic things like mats, needles, etc. for a very reasonable price, that I still use.

Other things I bought over time as I realized I needed them.

@DesertLeather, that is an option for at least the basic items.

Thank you both so much!

From what I saw a mallet, pricking irons, needles and thread, round and awls, a skiving knife and edge bevelers should do the trick and a few consumables (sand paper, glue, tokonole, edge paint and finisher) should do the trick and some leather to try and begin.. did I miss anything?

[SUP]

All of these you will get in a kit on Amazon.  Amazon has a large selection to choose from.

As I mentioned above, I started leatherwork in Jan.,2023 with an Amazon kit and do not regret it a bit. I got all the basics for a song and am building up a collection of good instruments as needed. Until then, the items from the kit worked fine. I still use most of them.

A Stanley knife works for cutting most leathers. The stitching chisels I received in my kit are fine and I still use them. Not even needed to sharpen the as yet. Ditto the awl. You can use a woodworking one at a pinch. Edge beveler was not too sharp but I sharpened it. You can get thin whetstones in Amazon for a song. Tokonole is very useful; glue - I use gorilla  glue and it works fine for me.

Edge paint I only started using recently - I used plain dye earlier. It was fine but if you want to use those high-end leathers, you will need to practice with edge paint - it is not as easy as it looks. All the videos on YouTube use thick leather with straight edges. Very few bags have only straight edges or are so thick! At least in my experience! They would be so heavy if very thick! Besides, it takes practice to cut smooth edges that will paint or burnish well. I started with acrylic leather paint to learn and then bought the actual leather edge paints.

For burnishing, I discovered that more than a wooden burnisher, a piece from an old, cut up pair of jeans works very well, in fact works best. It is khaki in color so no risk at all of color transfer.

My kit included needles and thread as well which were fine for practice and learning. I bought a skiving knife off Amazon and had it sharpened with a man who sharpens it here for a couple of dollars, I kid you not! He is very good and that knife is very sharp indeed.

 X-acto knives also work very well for a good amount of the cutting and sharp kitchen scissors of course! And lighter to burn the thread once you start stitching. 

You can improvise a stitching pony. Plenty of YouTube videos to show that. But that is  needed, otherwid=se stitching leather can become tedious. It is not very expensive to buy though. 

I would suggest buying plain leather, the least expensive, to practice cutting, stitching etc. until you gain some confidence. I saw those teaching videos too and it is not as easy as it looks! It takes ages to get satisfactory results and for high end items for loved ones, you will want that perfection even more.

I practiced by making sheaths for every sharp instrument in the house! The type of leather does not matter much as long as it is veg-tanned. 

About leather, many stores have sales, either ongoing or at specific times each month when you can get good leather for very reasonable rates. They become difficult to resist sometimes.

That's all I can think of to add from my recent newbie experience. 

 

 

 

[DesertLeather]

2 hours ago, SUP said:

All of these you will get in a kit on Amazon.  Amazon has a large selection to choose from.

As I mentioned above, I started leatherwork in Jan.,2023 with an Amazon kit and do not regret it a bit. I got all the basics for a song and am building up a collection of good instruments as needed. Until then, the items from the kit worked fine. I still use most of them.

A Stanley knife works for cutting most leathers. The stitching chisels I received in my kit are fine and I still use them. Not even needed to sharpen the as yet. Ditto the awl. You can use a woodworking one at a pinch. Edge beveler was not too sharp but I sharpened it. You can get thin whetstones in Amazon for a song. Tokonole is very useful; glue - I use gorilla  glue and it works fine for me.

Edge paint I only started using recently - I used plain dye earlier. It was fine but if you want to use those high-end leathers, you will need to practice with edge paint - it is not as easy as it looks. All the videos on YouTube use thick leather with straight edges. Very few bags have only straight edges or are so thick! At least in my experience! They would be so heavy if very thick! Besides, it takes practice to cut smooth edges that will paint or burnish well. I started with acrylic leather paint to learn and then bought the actual leather edge paints.

For burnishing, I discovered that more than a wooden burnisher, a piece from an old, cut up pair of jeans works very well, in fact works best. It is khaki in color so no risk at all of color transfer.

My kit included needles and thread as well which were fine for practice and learning. I bought a skiving knife off Amazon and had it sharpened with a man who sharpens it here for a couple of dollars, I kid you not! He is very good and that knife is very sharp indeed.

 X-acto knives also work very well for a good amount of the cutting and sharp kitchen scissors of course! And lighter to burn the thread once you start stitching. 

You can improvise a stitching pony. Plenty of YouTube videos to show that. But that is  needed, otherwid=se stitching leather can become tedious. It is not very expensive to buy though. 

I would suggest buying plain leather, the least expensive, to practice cutting, stitching etc. until you gain some confidence. I saw those teaching videos too and it is not as easy as it looks! It takes ages to get satisfactory results and for high end items for loved ones, you will want that perfection even more.

I practiced by making sheaths for every sharp instrument in the house! The type of leather does not matter much as long as it is veg-tanned. 

About leather, many stores have sales, either ongoing or at specific times each month when you can get good leather for very reasonable rates. They become difficult to resist sometimes.

That's all I can think of to add from my recent newbie experience. 

 

 

 

Thank you for sharing all that!

I indeed want to do the absolute best for her, so I thought of practicing cutting sewing and skiving making knife sheaths, wallets and maybe watch straps to practice the cutting, sewing edge paint and burnish, all that jazz.

I guess the best thing to do would be to just hop into it and start getting hands on it.

Thanks again!

[AlZilla]

3 hours ago, DesertLeather said:

 

Thank you both so much!

From what I saw a mallet, pricking irons, needles and thread, round and awls, a skiving knife and edge bevelers should do the trick and a few consumables (sand paper, glue, tokonole, edge paint and finisher) should do the trick and some leather to try and begin.. did I miss anything?

Don't forget dye and a way to apply it (dauber, dip or airbrush). I'd argue you don't need the tokonole or edge paint, but that's just me.

Also, I'd add beeswax. And probably other stuff if I really sat down and thought about it... How about a swivel knife?  And a stitch groover? Oh, and you'll need a slicker to do those edges ...

What a person needs to get started is one of those questions that could break the internet.  Here's a selection I found on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Jupean-Leather-Supplies-Instructions-Stamping/dp/B07THQ8QM4/
https://www.amazon.com/Leather-Supplies-Stamping-Stitching-Punching/dp/B07QY7CP72/
https://www.amazon.com/Realeather-Leathercraft-Instructions-Materials-Projects/dp/B01AMX0KWC/

I started with the 3rd one for $50. 20/20 hindsight says either of the other 2 would have saved me money in the long run. But that's for the things that I want to make.  And a couple of those things from the higher priced kits are in my amazon cart right now to the tune of about $30.

I got involved in this because I thought $150 was too much for a new leather hat.  $500 and many hours later, I had my $150 hat. (and let's not talk about several thousand $$$ for the sewing machines that followed ..)

Good luck with it, it's a rewarding skill to have. And a rabbit hole.

Edited August 24, 2023 by AlZilla

[Klara]

I too started with a kit from Amazon, but a small one. Here you find a (rather heated) discussion on the minimum tools required. 

However, in your place (because your goal is a bit different) I'd wait for the book before buying anything. Btw, have you tried to find an actual brick and mortar store in your area? If the staff are knowledgeable, a visit will be educational and a lot of fun (probably not cheap, though...)

[DesertLeather]

2 hours ago, Klara said:

I too started with a kit from Amazon, but a small one. Here you find a (rather heated) discussion on the minimum tools required. 

However, in your place (because your goal is a bit different) I'd wait for the book before buying anything. Btw, have you tried to find an actual brick and mortar store in your area? If the staff are knowledgeable, a visit will be educational and a lot of fun (probably not cheap, though...)

I already ordered the book and it is on the way!

Unfortunately there are 2 stores in a whole different city and after calling them, they explained they just sell leather and most of it is for upholstery with a relatively narrow selection.

I figured I'd rather buy online so I know the tannery and all so I can buy the same again and again.

The further I learn about leather working the more projects I have in mind and I'm sure it will take additional budget, just like with any hobby I am sure I will take it slow and build up from there with tools, supplies, making patterns (which I started practicing with card stock) and progressive acquiring of understanding for the process..

 

@SUP @Klara thank you again for all of your inputs! I appreciate it so much!