Casing , Soak Or Spray/sponge ?

[Alfa34]

Newbie here, I have been reading and following all the topics and have learned so much from this site. I am a little confused on casing or wetting of the leather. I understand that everyone has a technique that works for them. I have notice how my stamping looks at varied times in the drying process. My question is: do I only soak the leather and wait for the right time to carve only, and for stamping I should just sponge or spray water on top surface? Or are both done after soaking? Again thanks for all the valuable info here, I have made a few knife sheathes and a holster. Each one gets better , my stitching was a mess. But has improved due to this site. Wanting to start on some stamping carving to take it up a notch. Will post a pic when something is worthy.

[electrathon]

I generally use a spray bottle, tool after a little bit of waiting. I like the spray over a bowl because it is hard to spill.

[JLSleather]

Sponge. On the back side of the leather.

[King's X]

Spray bottle and sponge.....just depend on my mood.

[SmokeyPoint]

If, by "Casing" you're referring to the prep for stamping/tooling, and not wet-forming, I don't know of anyone who recommends actually soaking (submerging) the leather to case it. If you look at the Bob Parks tutorial (http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=19121) and give it a try, start with less water than you think you'll need. It's amazing how wet the leather can get soaking in plastic overnight.

[grimmlin]

I'm new to, at this point I'm preferring the spray bottle method. I just give it an even misting and spray more as needed. It's working for me so far.