Crazyjaw Report post Posted September 30, 2015 I just picked up my first shoulder of leather (well, half shoulder), and i need to cut a strap from it. The only time ive ever done this was from a hide that already had a nice, straight edge prepared and all i had to do was make sure i didnt mess up with my strap cutter. I was wondering if there was some theory or technique to straighten out the edges of the hide, beyond just going at it with a ruler and a razor blade? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
25b Report post Posted September 30, 2015 (edited) http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Level-Tool-J60-Aluminum/dp/B0009WG5F8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443580604&sr=8-1 Buy one and start cutting. The one I use is actually an aluminum level so it has a higher edge to protect my fingers better. Edited September 30, 2015 by 25b Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlapaglia Report post Posted September 30, 2015 I do the same with a 7 foot AL ruler. I clamp the ruler over the leather, to the table so it doesnt slip as I cut. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crazyjaw Report post Posted September 30, 2015 Ordered, thanks for the tip! Another thing, this hide i got has a lot of long thin dark streaks (almost like zebra strips) and blemishes, which the last hide i used didn't really have (my instructor commented that we had an unusually beautiful shoulder). Is there a way to deal with these? I plan on dying my strips but i am afraid that they will still be noticeable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wlg190861 Report post Posted September 30, 2015 Go to your local ACE hardware store and, if not in stock they can order a 6' or 8' aluminum ruler. I use a 8' an it works great Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cgleathercraft Report post Posted September 30, 2015 Another thing, this hide i got has a lot of long thin dark streaks (almost like zebra strips) and blemishes, which the last hide i used didn't really have (my instructor commented that we had an unusually beautiful shoulder). Is there a way to deal with these? I plan on dying my strips but i am afraid that they will still be noticeable. Most likely just wrinkles. Post a pic of what your seeing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crazyjaw Report post Posted October 1, 2015 Heres a photo, probably wrinkles? Is there anything special you must do to deal with these? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cgleathercraft Report post Posted October 1, 2015 Yeah just wrinkles. Wont be too apparent after tooled and dyed. Gives each piece a little bit of character! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
