Leather Projects Using 50 Dollars of amazon Tools

[WalterF]

Moved back to the family farm last year and started farming it. The farm has been in the family over 100 years. The last it was farmed was over 40 years ago. Lots of work and little time for leather. Plus my tools are 12 hours away in storage. A distant cousin who has been helping get things together mentioned some leather items he wanted, purchased some bellies on  sale months ago in hopes of doing some. As a thank you decided to take some time and do some leatherwork. Only problem no tools, purchased a cheap set of stamps 15 dollars for 10 or so from amazon, and a starter kit for around 20 dollars, box cutter I had. 

 

It was a challenge to see what could be done, started out originally 6 years ago with a deluxe starter set from them with bad results. Making all of these had to be creative due to not having any snaps or accessories,  or any type of finishing other than my cooking olive oil. The leather was Wickett and Craig 6 or 7 dollar belly overstock. Didn't have high expectations, but was pleased with the results. I am a tool snob, goes back to mechanic days.

 

Dip can holder, Cell phone belt case, Buck 112 case, Schrade Walden knife sheath, Cell Case. All these from 1 belly with a couple feet left.

 

[SUP]

These items are beautiful; even more so when you consider the limited number of ordinary tools that you had at hand,

It's always the talent in the hands doing the work that matters the most, is, I think, what is clear here. 🙂

[AlZilla]

Very inspirational. New leatherworkers should see this before they embark on a tool buying binge.

It almost ought to be referenced in the "Getting Started" section.

[SUP]

1 hour ago, AlZilla said:

Very inspirational. New leatherworkers should see this before they embark on a tool buying binge.

It almost ought to be referenced in the "Getting Started" section.

Absolutely.

[WalterF]

7 hours ago, AlZilla said:

Very inspirational. New leatherworkers should see this before they embark on a tool buying binge.

It almost ought to be referenced in the "Getting Started" section.

Thank you, It is easy to fall in the trap of watching experienced people working and most of the time they have acquired good tools over time. I would think if I use a tool like theirs then my work would improve. 

One old timer would tell me to get tools when needed (detail what they did current ones wouldn't). Instead pound more leather, you can watch videos all day and know the steps and process, but until you pound leather it is just head knowledge and not skill!

8 hours ago, SUP said:

These items are beautiful; even more so when you consider the limited number of ordinary tools that you had at hand,

It's always the talent in the hands doing the work that matters the most, is, I think, what is clear here. 🙂

Thank you for the kind words.

[WalterF]

It is a rainy day and the ground is to wet to work. So today is an off day, working on a sheath for a Schrade Old Timer skinning knife. This pattern was made using 8 stamps in combination, This has helped me grow by forcing me to not just grab tools but to think how can I make due with what is available. 

[JDFred]

1 hour ago, WalterF said:

It is a rainy day and the ground is to wet to work. So today is an off day, working on a sheath for a Schrade Old Timer skinning knife. This pattern was made using 8 stamps in combination, This has helped me grow by forcing me to not just grab tools but to think how can I make do with what is available. 

All your projects are turning out very well.  I really like your creative use of the veiner in this one.  It’s pretty cool.

[WalterF]

On 5/27/2025 at 4:56 PM, JDFred said:

All your projects are turning out very well.  I really like your creative use of the veiner in this one.  It’s pretty cool.

Thank you.

 

This is how I am working now, the area has to cover air rifle stuff, and knife work. One tool I purchased for the class at Tandy was a maul, just so used to it.

 

The old setup.

 

 

[WalterF]

A photo of the holster being done.