harelei Report post Posted January 10, 2013 Hi there, I've just been given this small piece by an old saddler here in town. It's about 4-5mm thick (0.157" sorry, don't know how to convert that into a fraction ) He said it was bridle leather. Would anyone know what it is? (veg tan etc) Will I be able to tool and dye it? The old guy doesn't know anything about carving/tooling leather, so couldn't answer my questions... What kind of items would it be good to use for? I'm waiting for my first tools to arrive (ebay), and I'm really looking forward to getting started. I think I'm already addicted, cos I've got all these designs running around in my head and in my dreams! Hope I can develop the necessary skills to transfer them onto leather... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted January 10, 2013 Bridle leather is not veg tanned leather. You should be able to cut, stamp, or crease that leather, but not tool it. As one other member stated, it does look a bit dry. But, bridle leather is more about strength than other issues. On the other hand, most bridle leather is quite nice all by itself, ,just a crease down each side and ya got a nice lookin belt. Add some decorative stitchin', what else... OH, yeah, .157 is roughly 5/32", or likely what we might call 10 ounce leather. Welcome! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
harelei Report post Posted January 10, 2013 Thanks for the reply JLSleather, now I know what I've got... not really what I was after, I think I'll get my order in for veg tanned belt blanks.. 10oz; awesome! Looks like a cuff coming on... I read another of your posts (first tools?) so while waiting for USPS to bring me my tools, I'm gonna get out my stanley knife that I used for harvesting and prepping up flax for weaving back in NZ, cos I think it's similar to the x-acto knives you mentioned, dampen down that dried up ol' scrap of skin and get started! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
