Would any of these sets be good?

[SUP]

4 hours ago, zuludog said:

the leather craft kits from Amazon aren't very good, and generally again, you'd be better off putting your money towards something better ----- on the other hand, if the price is very low you'll get a good selection for little money, so it might be worth a go just to try it and get started

@zuludog you are right that they are not top notch but they are not abysmally bad either. They work for a newbie, to get an idea of the craft. Besides the prices are low and even if half the items are discarded later, the price is such that, buying what remains in use individually, would still be more expensive than getting them as part of a set. And time consuming and a headache too! So at least for me, it was convenient and practical to get a kit as a beginner. Besides I was clueless and everything is bewildering when new to a craft.. .Getting a kit at least allowed me to stop worrying about what tools to get and allowed me to think about the leathers and what I wanted to make. 

4 hours ago, zuludog said:

However, paradoxically, if that's the right word, you need some experience to decide ..... like I said, welcome to the fun

I'm not sure of that. I mean, a bad stamp  does not give clear results. A bad punch takes a dozen hammers for a single hole, and so on. 

Incidentally, @MasonLikesLeather, if you don't have a set of knife sharpening stones, I suggest you get them. Leather needs very sharp edges and some of us even sharpen the box cutters that we use (very useful for cutting leather). Different grits or just go to Temu and get their diamond sharpening stones - at a fraction of the cost of Amazon or elsewhere and they work as well, I find.

So many of us giving you so much information!   I am still new enough to remember how bewildered I was. Good luck.

Edited July 4, 2024 by SUP

[SUP]

@MasonLikesLeather, I just have to say this.  So much information from so many of us!  I would suggest, just take it easy, relax and do what makes your heart sing. Even if you make a tiny key-chain to start. No reason why you need to go for bigger things in the beginning. A cut piece of leather held together with a rivet - it gives a sense of accomplishment that matches or exceeds that from much more complicated projects done later on. So just jump in once you get your tools. Have fun!

[elnedro]

Also worth noting, If you just want to play with some leather, Leather Pyrography is another thing to play with.  

I bought one of those fairly inexpensive wood burning tools and played around with making hat patches. I bought one with an adjustable temperature because you don't want to go too hot with leather.

 Just another option.

 

[MasonLikesLeather]

29 minutes ago, elnedro said:

Also worth noting, If you just want to play with some leather, Leather Pyrography is another thing to play with.  

I bought one of those fairly inexpensive wood burning tools and played around with making hat patches. I bought one with an adjustable temperature because you don't want to go too hot with leather.

 Just another option.

 

Thanks. Noted. As I was walking around some vendors for July 4th today, I noticed a leather "provider" or what ever you call it. He was selling Authentic Leather. He also sold belts, wallets, and other things made out of leather. Would any of those things be helpful?

2 hours ago, SUP said:

@MasonLikesLeather, I just have to say this.  So much information from so many of us!  I would suggest, just take it easy, relax and do what makes your heart sing. Even if you make a tiny key-chain to start. No reason why you need to go for bigger things in the beginning. A cut piece of leather held together with a rivet - it gives a sense of accomplishment that matches or exceeds that from much more complicated projects done later on. So just jump in once you get your tools. Have fun!

Thanks! I will have fun!

Thanks for the help, everyone!

[elnedro]

41 minutes ago, MasonLikesLeather said:

Thanks. Noted. As I was walking around some vendors for July 4th today, I noticed a leather "provider" or what ever you call it. He was selling Authentic Leather. He also sold belts, wallets, and other things made out of leather. Would any of those things be helpful?

 

Typically "Authentic leather" just means it's real leather, as opposed to vegan leather or whatever synthetic.  However it it said "Genuine Leather", that would mean its a lower quality and it's like the equivalent of MDF in wood.  

As for whether they would be helpful, sure... in the sense of inspiration.  Did you see something he was selling that you wish you could make?  Then google how to make them.  Youtube is great, and Tandy has their online leather craft library  https://tandyleather.com/blogs/leathercraft-library. great for ideas and how to guides. Weaver leather does some good simple videos too on YouTube,

 

[Sheilajeanne]

I got my start when I bought a Tandy's beginner kit, which came with 8 weeks of free lessons. If you are close to a Tandy's store, I can highly recommend this. Their tools are good enough quality to get you started in this wonderful hobby!

[MasonLikesLeather]

2 hours ago, Sheilajeanne said:

I got my start when I bought a Tandy's beginner kit, which came with 8 weeks of free lessons. If you are close to a Tandy's store, I can highly recommend this. Their tools are good enough quality to get you started in this wonderful hobby!

Yes! Thanks for the information/advice.

[fredk]

Amazon are highly over priced for low quality. Buy what you need when you need it

Put in your profile whereabouts you are and we can advice where to shop for better quality and for bargains

[MasonLikesLeather]

10 hours ago, fredk said:

Amazon are highly over priced for low quality. Buy what you need when you need it

Put in your profile whereabouts you are and we can advice where to shop for better quality and for bargains

Thanks for the information! This will definitely come to mind when ever I think about purchasing my first tools, sets, and leather.