Need "inlay" Advice

[Shooter McGavin]

mmirob: yep, thats the style I typically do as well. I guess we can call it an "overlay"? Is that beavertail? Also, that belt is sharp as all getout.

I agree. The stuff these guys posted in here is amazing! Simply amazing.

[K-Man]

Shooter: In my opinion, what you show in your pictures is more in line with a filagree type of work. A lot of people, IMO, incorrectly call the filagree work an inlay. JohnBarton shows the way a true inlay of a skin should be done. In essence, you're bringing the exotic skin up to the same level as the top grain of the leather.

Here's an example of an overlay that I've done, which is beaver tail btw:

An example of an inlay:

Chuck Burrows shows in his knife sheath dvd how to do the inlay. I also have one of those tear-off sheets that I picked up from Leather Factory, which shows how to do the inlay. You might check with a local LF to see if they have one. If not, you're welcome to borrow mine.

Edited July 23, 2011 by K-Man

[kid terico]

I have a Chuck burrows CD also and he says thats how he does it. No where have I seen it etched in stone what is the correct and only way to do inlay opposed to filigree.One of each . KT

[K-Man]

No where have I seen it etched in stone what is the correct and only way to do inlay opposed to filigree.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inlays_and_onlays_(bookbinding)

For some reason the link does not link directly to the respective section. However, you can find the section in wikipedia within that link that pertains to inlay on leather.

YMMV

Edited July 23, 2011 by K-Man

[DCKNIVES]

I frankly don't see where it matters, all the definitions say "normally flush", but its still a matter of preference.I explain both methods in my tutorial and leave it up to the maker.I also explain both ways when I teach students.My personal preference is recessed and yes I have done raised inlays, though many hides do not lend themselves to being padded.I am reasonably sure that I have done more inlay's than most on this forum, because that's what I have chosen to specialize in for 20 years.I have also done some filigree work, which i consider quite a bit different.I have always strived to try new things and have inlayed all kinds of exotics, stones, wood,Ivory,carbon fiber, and different kinds of metal, while certainly not traditional, they were well accepted.I just don't see being close minded when it comes to artwork and I think it stifles creativity.Dave

[Shooter McGavin]

Thanks for the advice from everyone. Here was the final result. Buddy was very happy!

[Eaglestroker]

You should be happy as that looks fantastic my friend

[DCKNIVES]

It turned out very well.Dave