Repairing Ren Boots

[corbmonster]

So I have a pair of ren boots that were chewed on by a dog. Don't want to get into it. But chewed boots is what I have. I'll show you pics below, but hear me out on my idea first. I have been in contact with the craftsman who say he can patch it, or cut both boots down past the destruction. I was thinking of getting it patched. And later getting a friend to tool a big piece of leather (like a celtic knot or something), and stitch that on top of the repair so it looks like it is supposed to be there. The maker does not tool leather so I'd have to get someone to do it for me. So, what do you think? Good idea? Would it work?

What renboots look like. They wrap around the calf and a re laced up by the conchos.

Destruction:

Sorry if I put this in the wrong spot. Also I tried adding a poll, but I'm not seeing it in the preview.

[dbusarow]

I think that I'd add a 4" wide trim to the top of both boots. No need to tool.

Dan

[electrathon]

I think that I'd add a 4" wide trim to the top of both boots. No need to tool.

Dan

Funny, I read this post yesterday and did not comment. Thought about it and cam back to post this exact same thing. Cut off the tops, sew a "band" back on the tops of both.

[corbmonster]

Thanks for your tips guys. I really appreciate it. So you are recommending to cut them both down, and then sew something back over it? Just from the stance of being frugal (patching $70 (just one boot), and cutting down without patching $100), could I just patch it without cutting it down?

[Art]

You could just cut it down and have a shorter boot top. You have to wear it, so you must decide. A complete cutoff and replace and would look like it was a design element. A patch might look ok if you can find identical leather and would really need someone other than a shoe cobbler to do it, more like a leatherworker. Might choice would be to cover over the old boot top (not take it off) and make the old top effectively a liner. I would not contrast it so it wouldn't call attention to itself, rather stay with the color and maybe a different leather. Match the seams and buttonwork, roll the top over the "liner" or bead the top.

All that being said, a well done patch may be more period. Back in the day, they did repair everything. Clean-up the ragged edges and sew in a patch.

Art

[corbmonster]

You could just cut it down and have a shorter boot top. You have to wear it, so you must decide. A complete cutoff and replace and would look like it was a design element. A patch might look ok if you can find identical leather and would really need someone other than a shoe cobbler to do it, more like a leatherworker. Might choice would be to cover over the old boot top (not take it off) and make the old top effectively a liner. I would not contrast it so it wouldn't call attention to itself, rather stay with the color and maybe a different leather. Match the seams and buttonwork, roll the top over the "liner" or bead the top.

All that being said, a well done patch may be more period. Back in the day, they did repair everything. Clean-up the ragged edges and sew in a patch.

Art

This is what I was thinking. Except perhaps to put a celtic knot on the patch / band. But I think I'll go for minimalism as so many have suggested.

I admit I know next to nothing about leather work. Would it be possible to put a band over the repair. And later tool that after the fact? Like if I had it repaired this year with no tooling, and I change my mind later, could I get it tooled next year or even later?

[Art]

First of all, it has to be veg tanned leather to tool it. Eventually, over time, the ability to tool will be less and less; and it sounds like a real PIA job. Sooooooo, I wouldn't do it.

Art

[corbmonster]

First of all, it has to be veg tanned leather to tool it. Eventually, over time, the ability to tool will be less and less; and it sounds like a real PIA job. Sooooooo, I wouldn't do it.

Art

Thanks