New To Leather: What Tools Should I Invest In?

[californianinkansas]

This is an extremely helpful thread for my complete newbie self (I'm still at the learning-on-paracord stage). Thank you all for sharing your experience and wisdom. I'd rather save up and purchase a tool that will last a lifetime.

Best Regards,

Amber

[terrymac]

Just to let everyone know, Barry King is selling awl blades. I just received a 11/2" model and it is hands above the Vergez Blanchard I also recently acquired. Even after sharpening the Vergez awl on a 8000 grit diamond stone, it is not as sharp as the King model. I can't compare it to the Douglas awl as I have never tried one. Was going to order one, but didn't want to wait so went with the King blade, and glad I did. Everything I have ever bought from him has been excellent quality. You might also want to check several videos Nigel Armitage has on You Tube, as they are extremely helpful and full of information. He does most everything in 7spi, and highly recommends tiger Thread. I use the 1mm at 7 spi, and it looks great. King sells the awl haft as well does Ed the Bearman. He is member of this forum and makes the finest maul on the market. The Vergez awl comes with the blade permanently attached so would not be a candidate for a different blade.

Hope this helps,

Terry

[DavidL]

Just to let everyone know, Barry King is selling awl blades. I just received a 11/2" model and it is hands above the Vergez Blanchard I also recently acquired. Even after sharpening the Vergez awl on a 8000 grit diamond stone, it is not as sharp as the King model. I can't compare it to the Douglas awl as I have never tried one. Was going to order one, but didn't want to wait so went with the King blade, and glad I did. Everything I have ever bought from him has been excellent quality. You might also want to check several videos Nigel Armitage has on You Tube, as they are extremely helpful and full of information. He does most everything in 7spi, and highly recommends tiger Thread. I use the 1mm at 7 spi, and it looks great. King sells the awl haft as well does Ed the Bearman. He is member of this forum and makes the finest maul on the market. The Vergez awl comes with the blade permanently attached so would not be a candidate for a different blade.

Hope this helps,

Terry

my vergez awl is really, really sharp, probably at the bob douglas awl level (funny how i keep referring to it but i have never got my hands on it).

Sharpen on a rough stone and then progress to a fine stone then finish off with green compound on a strop. Before the compound the awl was not that sharp.

More importantly to save cash go for the Dixon pricking iron if its 7 or under. Previously I haven't been hammereing hard enough and was hitting on an unstable surface giving a bad impression on the leather. A dixon pricking iron at 7 spi is 70 dollars vs vergez 220 dollars and for me works fine. It does need to be grinded down on a stone manually - roughly 10-15 minutes and it was in perfect condition. If you buy from dixon directly they can grind the teeth down the proper size. Vergez is a pretty looking tool which has no flaws, but a huge price tag.

[Mike 257]

Looks like you ordered some great stuff from what research I have done.

Im going to start ordering my stuff today! Its a bit overwhelming since to get all the different stuff I want Im going to be ordering from 5 or more places. Not to mention the start up cost for good quality tools.

You mentioned the Douglas Awl blade was backordered. Do you know if that was for a specific size? I was going to order one but if thats the case I think I will order the Vergez Blanchard awl.

Will you be using the compass to scratch a line for your stitching or are you planning on getting some type of groover as well?

I do have a compass coming in hopefully this week , but I also want a stitch groover . Im just not sure which one I want yet . ALL Douglas blades are on backorder, They will notify me when they are in .

Edited April 13, 2014 by Mike 257

[Mike 257]

Benefits/drawbacks for hammer vs. mauls (re: Barry King versions)?

I assume the straight vs. angle is a matter of striking angle, which will be a function of ergonomics - but I may be wrong there.

I just got my Barry King maul (tapered) , Im getting used to it. I find myself not holding it in the right angle and seems like I had a few miss strikes . When I am conscious of how Im holding it , then it is very comfortable to use. I am thinking of ordering a straight one just so I have both .

[mrtreat32]

Thanks everyone. Lots of helpful info!

I placed orders the other day and have already racked up quite a bill. Pretty sure I have most of the tools I need to start out and a few I realize now probably didnt need right away. But since everyone had such great info I feel good that I got some quality stuff that should last me a long time and wont feel the urge to upgrade in 3 months.

Next purchase is going to need to be some leather so I can actually start learning how to use all the tools I ordered. Was gonna ask for recommendations.

I mentioned earlier that the stuff Im interested in working on would mostly be accessories (wallets, key chains, straps and pockets for canvas bags, belts etc).

I dont have any interest as of now in carving or dying my own leather. Do you have a recommendation for a quality leather that won't break the bank for small accessories projects? What is a good all around oz to learn on that's good for those kinds of projects?

I like the look of Tanner Goods which lists 3.5 oz/tooling leather. Should I mostly be looking at the "tooling" section on the supply sites (I'm on Maverik). They look similiar to "veg shoulder," but I'm not sure what that is. I also really like chromoexcel but is that going to be pricey?

I know a lot of people on here dye their own leather. Is there a specific type of leather that they use or do they use natural?

I'm sorry for all the questions. I've looked around on other questions but haven't seen these specific questions answered. You guys have been a big help.

Edited April 14, 2014 by mrtreat32

[DavidL]

excel is 10 a sq foot. at springfield leather company. idk what to tell you about dyed leathers that are cheap. I dye all my leathers by hand. Hand dyed leather for me doesn't look that good. Oil tan, pull up and latigo are leathers you should look at. Bridle, veg tan goat, box calf are the highest on the range, but do not start with these it will be wasted on beginner errors and probably not at all if you do not plan to sell online.