I Need To Know A Few Very Important Things To Get Started...

[Peppercorn]

Kangaroo is obviously from "Roos", is very nice and luxurious to the touch and eye. It is chrome tanned, dyed at the tannery, and averages 1.5oz. to 2oz.

That makes it a shade less than 1/32" in thickness.

I have made a number of change purses/wallets and lined belts and shoulder straps with the Kangaroo.

ferg

Ferg,

For being that thin, do you rate Kangaroo Leather as being incredibly tough?

If you wanted to make a little pocket case for slipping a pocketknife into, would the chrome tanning discolor the knife?

The most worst way to try to hand sew is to get one of the automatic sewing awls that have a bobbin built in. It is sort of a manual sewing machine. Do not waste your money.

Thank you. They do look like an overcomplication for that whole process.

As far as the chisel vs awl debate goes, it's all a matter of style. As I said, some do say the chisel makes for a weaker stitch. That being said, I now do it the same way Ian does, skipping the awl all together.

I reckon I will end up with a couple of awls anyway, I use them now and I don't even do this stuff! But I understand what you are talking about.

[Ferg]

Peppercorn

The Kangaroo is incredibly tough. I have made a couple dozen cases for Nail Clippers from this leather. I carry one myself. It becomes the shape of the tool inside it without molding. I find no discoloration on any thing I have made a case for from the Kangaroo.

ferg

[Peppercorn]

Ferg,

That's excellent news! It looks so buttery in that video.

[WyomingSlick]

The most worst way to try to hand sew is to get one of the automatic sewing awls that have a bobbin built in. It is sort of a manual sewing machine. Do not waste your money.

LOL He, and others just say that because they haven't mastered the tool. No, it isn't as fast as a sewing machine, but it produces the same stitch, and it's a lot easier to carry in a saddle bag on that pack trip than a sewing machine. Plus, it's usually hard to find a currant bush to run a machine ! LOL

AND, it's a lot simpler and quicker than fussing with needles, waxing, tapering thread ends, etc. in order to handsew a repair. True, not as strong...but it will do the job.

[Peppercorn]

If it stitches like a sewing machine, that means that two different threads meet in the multiple layers of leather and the two loops entwine once and that's it. That's all right for emergency repairs in the field I reckon, but on something that is handmade that I want to last for as long as possible, I would not be interested in that when you compare it to the Saddle Stitch.

[electrathon]

LOL He, and others just say that because they haven't mastered the tool. No, it isn't as fast as a sewing machine, but it produces the same stitch, and it's a lot easier to carry in a saddle bag on that pack trip than a sewing machine. Plus, it's usually hard to find a currant bush to run a machine ! LOL

AND, it's a lot simpler and quicker than fussing with needles, waxing, tapering thread ends, etc. in order to handsew a repair. True, not as strong...but it will do the job.

See, told you. No matter what form of hand sewing you use there is always controversy.

Aaron

[Peppercorn]

When I see how the Saddle Stitch is done and understand how the sewing machine and similar devices do a stitch, just my opinion, the Saddle Stitch is what you would want for construction. For repairs? As far as I'm concerned, we can then embrace the whole Russian proverb of, "The best is the enemy of good enough." I can't rightly remember it ver batim. 8-)

But I don't think it is "good enough" for the original construction of a piece. As a matter of fact, for hard use items, it would seem that you would be guaranteeing that you will have to be making a repair in the field in the future by not using a hardier stitch.

[Dangerous Beans]

I'm curious... The absurdity of the automatic stitch thing aside... How many of you have had to actually undertake an emergency repair in the field? Of something made of leather?

I have been designing and making all manor of leather thingumywhatsits for a few years now... All carry a lifetime guarantee. I've yet to have a customer return something they have broken, torn or have had a seam fail on them.

And as for the comment that those who decry the auto awl are those that have failed to master it. I'm sorry but what tosh.

I'm not a negative person, I can find positive in most anything, but really... The auto awl?

Do it right! Do it once!

Rant done, sorry!

Nige

[remgogh]

Try to get your hands on some Cromexcel leather from Horween, might bee a little thicker than you are thinking but it makes great wallets. Average weight is 4oz. I not very experiences but where I'm from there is minimal choice in leather especially roo,

[A and T Leather]

The most worst way to try to hand sew is to get one of the automatic sewing awls that have a bobbin built in. It is sort of a manual sewing machine. Do not waste your money.

I agree 100% except when it is the only way to sew a item I make a butt cover for guns that I use it to sew because I cant get my big hands down inside to saddle stitch it so I use a auto awl and a long pair of needle nose pliers but I found if you use 346 and wax it yourself You can keep it tight and it looks good Just thought I would add my two cents LOL