Saddle Fender

[Bar C Leather]

Okay, so this is my first critique request! I need some words from fellow crafters as most of my critiquing comes from my husband...nobody else will tell me the truth!!

A little background on this project. This is a fender for my very first saddle. It may look small, that's because it's for a pony saddle. Looking at the pictures, I feel maybe the black background didn't do it justice but I had already started other parts of the saddle this way so I obviously had to stick with it! I'm using on-hand leather for this one as I have several partial hides of similar properties. No Hermann Oak or Wickett & Craig on this little saddle but I'm doing my best with my left overs!

I put the edge picture in there because I'm just tickled pink with my new edges...thanks again Bobby for your wonderful tutorial!!!

Edited October 18, 2009 by Bar C Leather

[dirtclod]

Bar C you have done a fine job on the fender !! When you get the saddle done your whole family will have something to be proud up. But most important of all your kids will have a nice a saddle that they can be proud up !!

[Bar C Leather]

Thanks, I figured it would be special if I could give my first saddle to my children and even keep it for the grandchildren to use someday.... and I could look back and see how I've improved!

[dirtclod]

When i wrote ( proud up ) that should of been proud of. Not sure where my mind was or is anymore...LOL.

The saddle your building will be around for the grandkids to use unlike most of the new ones that are for sale now which are JUNK !! Your doing a mighty fine job. Send more progress pictures as you get things done.

I have some of the first things i made laying around and look at them sometimes and wonder who in their right mind would of bought anything i made at the time...LOL.

[D.A. Kabatoff]

BarC,

looks like you are doing a nice job of your first saddle. As for critiquing I'd say the most noticeable thing that needs improvement is your use of a round knife. The edges appear to have flat spots along the sides which suggests the cutting out of the fender was somewhat staggered. This could be a combination of a number of things such as overly firm leather, a dull knife, and your experience using a round knife. When your knife is sharp enough you should be able to cut one side of the fender with a long graceful motion. Any small imperfections should be sanded off with a small wood block and moderately coarse sandpaper before edging. Do this before you make your border line with your calipers so that the calipers are following a smooth edge.

Other than that, it's looking pretty good.

Darcy

[Bar C Leather]

BarC,

looks like you are doing a nice job of your first saddle. As for critiquing I'd say the most noticeable thing that needs improvement is your use of a round knife. The edges appear to have flat spots along the sides which suggests the cutting out of the fender was somewhat staggered. This could be a combination of a number of things such as overly firm leather, a dull knife, and your experience using a round knife. When your knife is sharp enough you should be able to cut one side of the fender with a long graceful motion. Any small imperfections should be sanded off with a small wood block and moderately coarse sandpaper before edging. Do this before you make your border line with your calipers so that the calipers are following a smooth edge.

Other than that, it's looking pretty good.

Darcy

Thanks for the feedback. That's the kind of stuff I'm looking for ;o) These are made from leftovers from some not-so-special hides I had laying around the shop, so they are a little firm but most likely it's my lack of knowledge and experience with the round knife. To be perfectly honest, I'm not comfortable using it most of the time and this time I used my utility knife. Mostly I am a lousy sharpener and I'm looking for a tutorial or a local place I can learn to properly sharpen my tools. I have a regular Smith's stone with a course and fine grit and I also have a leather strop with jeweler's rouge but as of late I've found that I'm better off using the pre-angled, hand held, lay person's sharpener which I KNOW is not ideal.

If you know of any good resources for proper use and sharpening of a round knife...I'm open to anything!

Thanks!!

Natalie

[Bar C Leather]

When i wrote ( proud up ) that should of been proud of. Not sure where my mind was or is anymore...LOL.

The saddle your building will be around for the grandkids to use unlike most of the new ones that are for sale now which are JUNK !! Your doing a mighty fine job. Send more progress pictures as you get things done.

I have some of the first things i made laying around and look at them sometimes and wonder who in their right mind would of bought anything i made at the time...LOL.

The main reason I started with this pony saddle is for the very reason that 99.9% of pony saddles are pure junk! Not only are the materials and workmanship inferior but they don't take into consideration that these kids need to be learning to ride properly and safely. My oldest has a hard time keeping her feet in the right position because it's nearly impossible to do so with the pony saddles we have... there is virtually no forward swing in the stirrups.

Anyhow, I've been keeping a little picture journal and I'll post more pics

Natalie

[BrookFalls]

Okay, so this is my first critique request! I need some words from fellow crafters as most of my critiquing comes from my husband...nobody else will tell me the truth!!

A little background on this project. This is a fender for my very first saddle. It may look small, that's because it's for a pony saddle. Looking at the pictures, I feel maybe the black background didn't do it justice but I had already started other parts of the saddle this way so I obviously had to stick with it! I'm using on-hand leather for this one as I have several partial hides of similar properties. No Hermann Oak or Wickett & Craig on this little saddle but I'm doing my best with my left overs!

I put the edge picture in there because I'm just tickled pink with my new edges...thanks again Bobby for your wonderful tutorial!!!

Oh, what a wonderfull work!

[TTcustom]

This is awesome and sure to be a family heirloom! Those "Bobby-edges" ; ) really make a piece. A good finished edge completes a piece and says a lot about the craftsperson that made the item. I am looking forward to seeing more of this saddle.