When Is It Ok To Give Up?

[camano ridge]

Ourjud, thanks for posting pics. Your desire to achieve a look that you want is not snobbish, it was the general attitude of your post which you have clarified. I won't be long winded on this one. With the pictures you posted it gives a better idea of what you are trying to achieve. What size thread are you using both hand and in the machine? On the item in picture number 4 you said it is cow if it is veg tan try some sand papar on the edges. You will be able to smooth the edges and remove some of the sqeeze out from the glue. Then try burnishing the edges, if you don't have a proper burnsher for right now you can use a hardwood dowel or plastic rod. Dampen the edges and then rub like heck (don't apply a lot of pressure) you are creating friction to burnish the edge. You will not achieve your ultimate goal with the project you have there, however you can use it as a practice piece to improve the things you don't like about it.

Edited March 27, 2014 by camano ridge

[humperdingle]

Yep, veg tan will give you better results. Have a look at Nigel Armitage's YouTube video of small wallets if you haven't already - it'll give you an idea of how much 'better' veg tan is to work with.

[WScott]

I will pile on here and say get a veg tanned hide as well. In those first three pics that chrome tanned goat is the problem, as you get to the last wallet, things improve dramatically!

So a better material, some edge refinement and hand stitching and you are there.

Don't give up you are very close. I second the Nigel videos. Go on You Tube and watch all of his project videos. You will pick up a ton of tips and can converse with him as well

Good luck man

Edited March 27, 2014 by WScott

[OurJud]

Thanks.

Incidentally, the cowhide I mention is pull-up... don't know if that's the proper name for it.

As I've said before, the reason I've avoided veg-tan is because it seems to be very difficult to get it pre-dyed. Sure, I could dye it myself, but as far as I can gather from other posts on the subject, it doesn't stop there because it would then need to be sealed and whatnot... this is just more expense that I don't have the funds for.

camano, not exactly sure what thread I used. It's just some nylon stuff my mum had. I'm a fairly strong guy, but I can't snap it with my bare hands, so figured it would be suitable. I do have some 0.8mm tiger thread, but it gives too 'chunky' a finish for my tastes.

If I had made this, I would be as pleased as punch. I love the look and design (yes I know the stitching is very obvious, but it works). Perhaps someone could tell me what type and thickness of leather he's used. It says in the description on the website that it's made from a single piece of leather, but I just can't fathom the construction.

Edited March 27, 2014 by OurJud

[treybecca]

The recent pic you posted looks like perhaps 3oz oil stoned hide ( different folks call it different stuff). The biggest issue I see with your original product is hands down the edges everywhere. The stitching looks god, but the edges being rough, glue showing and lack of quality leather is what I see when I view your product.

[OurJud]

The recent pic you posted looks like perhaps 3oz oil stoned hide ( different folks call it different stuff). The biggest issue I see with your original product is hands down the edges everywhere. The stitching looks god, but the edges being rough, glue showing and lack of quality leather is what I see when I view your product.

Thanks, treybecca.

Google doesn't seem to like your wording, as "3oz oil stoned hide" doesn't bring up any relative results. I know the edging is bad, but I can't afford better leather right now. Come mid July, however, I will have funds to buy some proper stuff and maybe even some tools.

[camano ridge]

If you look up Stoned oil leather or Stoned oil cowhide you willl have better luck. Chrome Excell is the original pull up leather. There is also aniline pull up leather, additional oils and waxes are added when the leather is pulled or shaped around an item the leather the color becomes lighter in areas where it is stretched..

[BigGriff]

The Pall wallet you posted is pretty easy. I can see it. Imagine 4 squares - 2 squares on the left and two on the right. Here's the best I can do on this website.

1

23

4

1 & 2 are connect at the top and bottom. 2 & 3 are connected at the side. 3 & 4 are connected bottom and top. Piece 4 also has the snaps you need to close the wallet.

Fold 1 over 2, then 4 over 3, then fold 2 & 3 together. You could definitely make this. Hell, I might give it a go.

[humperdingle]

Ourjud, if you want to contribute a fiver or so toward p&p, I can send you enough natural veg tan to maybe make a couple of minimalist wallets. It'll be a bit thicker at about 3mm, but might help until you can buy more.

It's very light in colour but can easily be darkened with olive oil.

Let me know by PM.

[OurJud]

camano, thanks, that did return better results. I've used a lot of the pull-up stuff, although I'm not sure of it's quality.

BigGriff, thanks for the explanation of the pall wallet's construction. I can see clearly how it was done now. I really love the two-tone effect, but it amazes me how he managed to make such neat holes going through four layers of leather.

When I'm constructing my wallets I feel as though I'm treating them really roughly; pulling and folding and prodding holes so much that when I've finished they look like they've been in use for three years already. But when you look at the pall wallet, it looks like it hasn't even been touched by human hands. How does he do that?

humperdingle, PM sent.

Edited March 28, 2014 by OurJud