Tools For Bridles, Etc.

[EquestrianLeather]

So I'm making bridles, spur straps, pretty much anything. I'm heading to Tandy tomorrow, and I was wondering if there is anything you would recommend having. I need to work on finishing my edges better. Also, the ends of the leather on my first bridle are starting to split. Any fixes?

Thanks!

[Goldshot Ron]

What style of bridles are you making? Since there are many styles it is hard to give you any advice. As far as the ends splitting on your first bridle, can you explain this better. Also, the edging tools that Tandy sells are not very good for people who want good edges. CS Osborne tools is where you would start, then work up from there. One final suggestion, is to look up Bob Park's blog on this site for burnishing edges. It'll give you good insight on how to finish your edges.

Good luck

[EquestrianLeather]

What style of bridles are you making? Since there are many styles it is hard to give you any advice. As far as the ends splitting on your first bridle, can you explain this better. Also, the edging tools that Tandy sells are not very good for people who want good edges. CS Osborne tools is where you would start, then work up from there. One final suggestion, is to look up Bob Park's blog on this site for burnishing edges. It'll give you good insight on how to finish your edges.

Good luck

I'm making western bridles, single leather thickness, and pretty simple. The ends where it is tapered are splitting. Like the part you put through the buckle, and the leather looks like it could split in to two thin strips. Thanks for the advice on the CS Osborne tools compared to Tandy, I'll look at them before the ones at Tandy. And I'll definitely look at the blog.

Thanks!

[Goldshot Ron]

If the buckle end of the strap is tearing, then eventually the strap will fail at the buckle tongue. How are you cutting the strap end? What type of leather and thickness are you using? I would recommend using 9 oz. harness leather for single ply headstalls. It can be dyed to the color you choose, or left natural, and it will darken over time. When purchasing Tandy Leather Factory leather, be very careful in your selection, and by all means ask the clerk for their help. Of course, this is true when purchasing anything.

[EquestrianLeather]

If the buckle end of the strap is tearing, then eventually the strap will fail at the buckle tongue. How are you cutting the strap end? What type of leather and thickness are you using? I would recommend using 9 oz. harness leather for single ply headstalls. It can be dyed to the color you choose, or left natural, and it will darken over time. When purchasing Tandy Leather Factory leather, be very careful in your selection, and by all means ask the clerk for their help. Of course, this is true when purchasing anything.

I took in my bridle to Tandy, and the clerk said the splitting was probably because the leather was from the flank. I'm cutting the end with a knife, just tapering to a point. The leather I used for that one was from a 9 oz. Veg. Belly. I went and I got the edge beveler and a double shoulder that is really nice. And the Bob Park article on finishing edges was very helpful.

Thanks!