I Guess If It Helps Sell Your Stuff...

[dirtclod]

All the hype aside, I want to know who all these backers are that don't know how to do the most basic research, like look up what a finished wallet should actually look like.

Like i said before either they did or they they found somebody that could write something all fancy and flowery that is a bunch of BS and people are eating it up. Their billfold is like a bunch of stuff that is really simply made and sold for a really high price. I had a guy come in my shop one day wanting his billfold sewn in a couple of places where it was starting to tear. I looked at it and told hime i couldn't help him out because the billfold was made of plastic. That really PHO and proceeded to tell me that it was a 400.00 some name i don't remember bilfold and that it wasn't made of plastic that it leather. Personally i think he didn't want admitt that he got took buying some big name designer junk.

[Cyberthrasher]

yeah, that's what I don't understand. All the BS in the world shouldn't obscure from what's obviously visible in the pictures - a POS wallet that might last a year before it looks even worse off then it does now. And, all that BS sounds like just that. Any logical person who's wanting to support a business venture should see through that crap. But, apparently logical people aren't the one's using kickstart.

[EquusCustomLeathers]

I have been looking around on Kickstarter lately, just to see what it's all about. It's incredible that some of these folks are managing to get thousands of dollars from people. I hear a lot of grumbling about the economy, but somebody out there obviously has money to throw away! Are the businesses held accountable for the money they receive, or is it just a free for all, and they don't have to show where backers' money went? It looks more like a roundabout way of selling items, and calling it "backing" to me..

[veedub3]

Are the businesses held accountable for the money they receive, or is it just a free for all, and they don't have to show where backers' money went?

Kickstarter policy says that ..."if a funded campaign is not able to fulfill the order for whatever reason, they are required to refund the backers money, then they go on to say....."Kickstarter is not liable for any damages or loss related to rewards, is under no obligation to become involved in disputes between parties, they do not oversee the delivery of goods, and that Kickstarter users release them from any damages, demands arising from disputes......"

Basically...I take this as use at your own risk. Once the campaign has been funded, Kickstarter will deduct their fees, then transfer the funds to the Company. If the company fails to deliver the goods, Kickstater has nothing in place to recoup backers funds, but relying on the company to act accordingly, and are pretty much saying "My name is Bennett and I ain't in it!"

Karina

[EquusCustomLeathers]

Wow! I was just curious, because I have been watching one shop in particular (not leather related) that seems to really be having trouble following through with what they are selling..They received funding as of March of last year, and still haven't provided the service they got $22,000 for! Backers tolerance amazes me LOL

[jk215]

"Companies" like this irk me because you can tell they dont neccesarily care what their business is as long as its a business. They just decided on leather wallets. Start a Kickstarter, reguritate some bullshit about what a quality leather product should be, and have someone else make it. They need stupid tag lines like that because they personally have no idea what they are doing.

[johnv474]

I'll preface my comments by saying thay I hand stitch everything. That said, the arguments for hand-stitching aren't perfect. A machine can be more consistent than a human at cutting, sewing, spacing, and thread tension. Most of these debates assume identical products, with the only difference being hand- vs machine-stitched. However, FOR THE TIME INVESTED, a machine could triple-stitch the seam, or more... and use heavier-dutythread than could easily be done by hand. Now, a single row of stitching may be better as a saddler stitch, but you'd have a hard time showing that one row of saddlers stitching would beat multiple rows of more consistent machine-sewn lockstitch. People use machines to speed up the work. I recently saw an old leather workshop with specialized burnishers and polishing wheels set up. The argument for hand stitching is similar tothe argument that building a house without power tools is superior. Reality seldom cooperates by being so simple. Three areas where hand-stitching shines: 1) repairs, 2) very unusual shapes that machines can't handle, 3) authenticity. Some people place value on a piece being done by hand, but they are the minority. What often happens after people start sewing by machine (think manufacturers) is they realize theycan just give a warranty and skip the triple stitch -- bam, bigger profits. They can also stop using full-grain leather -- bam, bigger profits and more consistent results (e.g. with top-grain, having been corrected). Knowing each piece is made by hand inspires many, but this can mean made by hand using machines as well. The key for hand stitchers, to remain competitive,is either to not compete solely on price, or to design in ways that minimize stitching because it is always slow (by comparison). For me it's a hobby that I want to be mobile so a machine is not a good solution. I might find it less therapeutic,

[Tex Shooter]

For me, I get a feeling of pride when I see a nice row of my hand stitching and I just enjoy doing it. I don't have anything against machine stitching. -- Tex

[oltoot]

Here's what I learned and repeat with confidence as applies to tack and harness: The first sewing machines were single needle, needle feed. They used large needles but made a lockstitch of which the benefits have been discussed. It was a tossup which was better. When needle and awl machines were introduced, smaller holes, packed tighter with thread resulted so machine became potentially better, especially when speed was emphasized with handsewing and big awls were used to make thread passage easier. The question with things like cantle bindings and horn covers which can be machine sewn if certain assembly techniques are used is the relative suitability of the construction outcome not the inherent nature of hand vs machine sewing. Now fast forwarding to today, single needle, needle feed heavy duty machines have improved and advances in thread and needle availability make the stitch quality real close to needle and awl but a well adjusted and appropriately used N&A machine still is the champ! Now long story short, the answer to the "which is better" is it depends. Proper utilization and needle/awl/thread selection is still key and the relative prices of the different types of machines is still a consideration. All is offered IMHO

[BruceH]

For me, when I see something is handmade, I have visions of someone doting over their work and making sure everything is just so. Finally, a high-quality product (the won't fall apart) is produced just for me. That's a nice feeling. Too bad that is not always true.

On the other hand, when I hear of something being machine made, I have visions of something being forced though the production process at the cheapest and highest speed possible. On top of that, "inspector 1" had a hard night and was asleep at the wheel when my crummy product was missed in the quality inspection process. Arriving at my door is some piece of junk that I have to return.

The real truth is probably somewhere in the middle of these 2 scenarios.

Bruce