Latest Completed Project

[Vikefan]

Here's my latest work. To me it looks fine, but I'm not satisfied with my work as some may see from my pics. I ate this project; "freebie" for person I made it for. I did learn a great deal though completing this project.

See what you all think and let me know.

Thank you in advance,

Vikefan

[UKRay]

Nice work, Vikefan. Stacking those layers is a painstaking process and getting the stitching neat is difficult. I like the inlay work a lot but somehow I would have preferred to see a leather strap rather than that ugly metal clip. Just my opinion and worth what you paid for it! LOL

Do post more pictures of your work, I'd really like to see the other stuff you make!

Ray

[Luke Hatley]

We are our own worst Critic,,,I beleive you did well...

a fine looking sheath

Edited January 29, 2011 by Luke Hatley

[bison]

I'd like to know what it is you're unhappy with. I think it looks pretty good. The stitching is nice and tight, even through all those layers. The texture of the leather is interesting, and the inlay is nice. Your edges look pretty good, but you may want to look at Bob Parks pinned article on burnishing.

As for eating it and giving it away...we are always harder on ourselves than anyone else will ever be. We will never feel the piece is 100% because we are so invested in it. I don't think you should ever give a product away to a customer (a gift to someone you care about it different). Once you start down that path, it's hard to get off. One customer tells his friends that he got this for free, the friend expects the same thing, and so on. Charge them what they agreed to pay. If they are unhappy with it, fix it, make them happy with it. If it just won't work, give the money back and take the product back, no harm done. Just my thoughts about your nive work.

Dave

[Tree Reaper]

I think you did a good job with that, looks good.

I've always had a problem getting the thread hole on the bottom in the proper place with thick laminated leather.

I come in from both sides with the awl but the holes almost always don't line up.

[hivemind]

That's serious welting. Looks good to me man.

[Vikefan]

I'd like to know what it is you're unhappy with. I think it looks pretty good. The stitching is nice and tight, even through all those layers. The texture of the leather is interesting, and the inlay is nice. Your edges look pretty good, but you may want to look at Bob Parks pinned article on burnishing.

As for eating it and giving it away...we are always harder on ourselves than anyone else will ever be. We will never feel the piece is 100% because we are so invested in it. I don't think you should ever give a product away to a customer (a gift to someone you care about it different). Once you start down that path, it's hard to get off. One customer tells his friends that he got this for free, the friend expects the same thing, and so on. Charge them what they agreed to pay. If they are unhappy with it, fix it, make them happy with it. If it just won't work, give the money back and take the product back, no harm done. Just my thoughts about your nive work.

Dave

Dave,

I understand what you just said, and think you are correct. I will keep that in mind in the future. Thank you for your reply and advice.

Vikefan

[bison]

No problem. I think that art is worth paying for, and when it's functional art...well, it's really worth paying for!

Keep up the great work.

Dave