Where To Start?

[bruce johnson]

I transfer patterns with a stylus for the most part. I don't like the bent tip ones. Barry's are more like a pen and pretty comfortable. I also have one a buddy made from some hex rod that's a dandy. For really detailed or tight work I use a mechanical pencil without the lead.

[Cyberthrasher]

when I started I was using a dead ball-point pen - until the day it decided that even with no ink it was going to put ink on my transfer sheet. The thought of marking the leather scared me so I ended up with a comfy "stylus" that has a pointed end and a ball point end. I prefer the pointed end so it marks thinner lines. You can really use anything that will act like a stylus here. I was using some knitting needles for a couple days when the ink started flowing until I could get something better ordered.

[St8LineGunsmith]

I use a bamboo chop stick that I sharpen with a pencil sharpener then sand the point round to transfer patterns to the leatheri

the bamboo is strong but is softer than a metal stylus so it is a little forgiving on the transfer sheet

as far as tools it pays to shop around.

you can find tools at a discount on E-Bay and Amazon.

you can also browse the for sale section here in the forum

things like cutting boards measuring tools,and cutting tools can be found at harbor freight toolsfor a frction that you would pay at the leather store.

springfield leather has new tools reasonably priced

Check out the ergo swivel knife and get a 1/4" angled blade it really feels good in the hand

or if you can swing the cash check out the new pro swivel knife tandy just put on the market

it is really nice but it is a bit pricey.