Want To Be Inspired? Watch This Leather Craft Video

[JLSleather]

It's certainly true that leather is the same regardless of how it's cut. One guy with an x-acto, one with a head knife, one with a clicker die. For those who miss this, Hermann Oak "A" grade (for instance) doesn't care which knife is used - still the same quality leather. Any operation that doesn't IMPROVE the finished product is wasted work (and usually a grift)

I can make a double-layer belt from the top grade Wickett & Craig drum dyed skirting leather for well under $20 (depending on yield from the hide, likely closer to $15). I know that, because I do it.

If I didn't feel like making one, but I need one, I'd wanna pay $65. Since that's about what I would want to pay, then that's about what I charge.

Do the math - that leaves me "making" about $50 per. But all the "processes" are negligible time. Cut two strips, glue together, trim if needed, stitch (the only part takes really ANY time at all), punch holes, attach buckle. Now without going into how many MINUTES each of those takes, here's the point ... INEFFICIENT does not equal better QUALITY. If that belt takes you 3 hours, you're not "better", you're just slower.

PUH LEEZE do not give me $20 worth of materials, an hour of your time, and a pretty story and ask $100. Your story isn't worth that much

• Gluing two strips of leather does not warrant $30/hour.
• GREAT leather is $9 / foot. It is not worth more because you WALKED to pick it up.
• I can tell the difference between "each one is unique" and you just couldn't duplicate it.

Yikes, I forgot how simple this is I've been busy making holsters and the occasional belt. Looks like I need to go make a pile of belts ...

[splinters]

JLS,

Thanks for the heads-up on this thread today. An interesting read that lets me know I have so much to learn starting at the basics. I'm trying but will probably run out of time at

my age...... LOL ...... but the learning to me is a big part of the fun.

Pat

[jrny4wrd]

There is only one thing I have to question. Stitching. I know one statement mentioned it above but stitch is one thing that is worth mentioning. Why? Because saddle stitching has an advantage a customer cant see.

[JLSleather]

I'm not seeing the benefit there, personally. I've broken threads in machine stitching, and I'll tell you it does NOT "come apart".

If you've glued belt layers with permanent bonding cement, then the thread is merely cosmetic. If you didn't stitch it AT ALL, you STILL wouldn't get it apart.

There is some stretch resistance added with the thread, but it's minimal. Keep in mind that 1) thread stretches too, and 2) if normal wear of a belt causes significant stretch - you might consider the leather you're using (it aint the stitching problem).