Not Your Grandpa's Briefcase

[DonorLeather]

To line this case with glazed pigskin would take 3-4 (maybe more) sides since the surface area to cover is so great. Each side would run $20 a piece retail so you can see how the price would rocket up. I don't use fabric in my creations, unless it is specifically asked for by the customer. 100% leather here =)

To make the pin-striping (that's what I like to call it as it comes out looking just like an awesome pinstripe) you simply use an adjustable groover like the craft aid 8074-00. I dye the leather first and let it dry overnight, then I take the groover and lightly score a pinstripe into the leather to add additional flair and style to the piece. It doesn't have to be a deep groove, just enough to take the surface off. Then I finish the leather with resoline.

The edges of this case are finished now, I took the pictures that I posted before I finished the edges. At the time I was debating adding an Australian Double loop stitch with calf skin to the outside, as opposed to the saddle stitch you see. I decided to keep the saddle stitch and used gum to burnish the edges.

[FoamerAce]

To make the pin-striping (that's what I like to call it as it comes out looking just like an awesome pinstripe) you simply use an adjustable groover like the craft aid 8074-00. I dye the leather first and let it dry overnight, then I take the groover and lightly score a pinstripe into the leather to add additional flair and style to the piece. It doesn't have to be a deep groove, just enough to take the surface off.

Consider That Shit Stolen Son

[Craftsman Made]

Just came across this. Simply stunning work unbelievable skill.

[Avgvstvs]

Nice work! The tooling design is quite nice and original!

The coin you tooled is actually a drachma, ancient Athens's currency. The border is there so that people changing currency would't take too much metal off the coin for payment to keep coin value.

Cheers!

[Jimbob]

my Grandpa would have loved this one....cool....

[WinstonWolf]

On 10/11/2015 at 9:54 AM, FoamerAce said:

Awesome work there. I really dig the color choices and dye technique. Very impressive tooiing.

I recognize the pattern as Tandy's Expedition Briefcase. It looks like you cut your own leather on it, but you followed it almost exactly, down to the mismatched hardware on the sides. But I think you left out the center divider. How did you finish the inside? Did you add any pockets or lining?

My experience with that bag is that the handle is a weak point. There's only one rivet holding it on there. Don't know if you'd want to throw a couple stitches on there at this point though.

Again, really excellent work. That full coverage tooling is really impressive.

i am making this kit (Expedition Briefcase) and i am stuck on how do lace the gussets and pockets together.   the instruction drawings are confusing.  is there are video somewhere?    or maybe you can do a better job of explaining it?    

[Djw872]

That's fantastic!