Ritza Tiger Thread, what's all the hype ?

[craftsman827]

I'm hearing a lot of good things about this " tiger thread" !

Could someone please tell me what all the Hype is about it ?

It's Very expensive . I just purchased some flat braided waxed thread from ebay, for $ 3.79 for 1.0mm  260m in length.

Free Shipping ! It's most likely not as good as tiger thread, but you get 10 times the amount, for 1/2 the price.

 

[paramedic192]

I have been sewing with Tiger thread for a few weeks now and it has made life so much easier.  I can use a smaller thread with light waxing for long runs of saddle stitching and I havent had any worries about abrading the thread and there isn't a ton of wax buildup. I can also make much smaller holes.  There will be times when I use waxed stranded thread when I want the look of the larger heavily waxed thread, but Tiger thread is going to be my go to for most projects.  

Please let us know what you  think about the flat braided thread you purchased on ebay. That's a pretty good price for 260 meters.  What is the name of the thread you purchased?

 

Kyle

Edited October 23, 2016 by paramedic192

[craftsman827]

Kyle,

 It is good ! I never used tiger thread, but for the price , you cant go wrong.

I just used it to stitch a flashlight case from 7 oz. leather.

Looks great, & sews good.

I found it on ebay, no shipping charge, but it takes a few weeks to get to U.S.wax thread from china.htm

For the price give one spool a try. It's only $ 3.79 for a large spool 260 m

I sure it is not as good as "tiger thread" so take it as that, give it a try if you like.

Edited October 23, 2016 by craftsman827
added info

[NVLeatherWorx]

It is made from a series of continuous strands of braided poly that is pretty much the strongest thread available for saddle stitching and it stands up to UV and other natural elements much better than anything else.  Tiger thread also is a flat braid so it can lay down flat when stitched, provided you actually pay attention to the lay of the thread in the first place that is. The only other thread that matches the characteristics of Tiger is Maine Thread Co. and their polycord which I put in the exact same class as Tiger.  The bulk of the remaining threads are a series of twisted strands of nylon, cotton, or linen which are not made from single strands but a series of strands that have been twisted together to create the length of the run.  Polycord is manufactured from materials that allow it to be formed into a single strand as long as you need it to be and that is the most critical thing when it comes to hand stitched items; regular threads will wear at their transition points (where one strand has been melded with the other) and fail, even if you used the saddle stitch method.  

Do these two premium threads cost more?  Yes, but when you start talking quality you either understand what it truly means or you don't.  And I can also tell you from my vast years of experience in this trade that when a "great deal" comes along that offers a large amount of thread on a single spool for pretty much next to nothing there is no real deal in it; you will find that the materials will fail, they will fade, and you will be repairing things in relatively short order.  I still see some of the things that I made back in the late 70's (and this was before poly threads were out there) that don't even show any wear of the thread and that is because I spent the extra money on the finest threads available at the time to ensure the longest lasting product that I could.  Even then I was paying over $10.00 per spool for just over 200 yards and that was high for that time.  But it has paid off more than I could have even wanted it to.

The bottom line is that the "hype" is actually factual and proven results with the information coming from the wide range of craftsman and Master Makers that actually use the product in their works; hype is merely the corporate "Sunshine Line" that is intended to get you to buy it and try it.

[craftsman827]

2 minutes ago, NVLeatherWorx said:

It is made from a series of continuous strands of braided poly that is pretty much the strongest thread available for saddle stitching and it stands up to UV and other natural elements much better than anything else.  Tiger thread also is a flat braid so it can lay down flat when stitched, provided you actually pay attention to the lay of the thread in the first place that is. The only other thread that matches the characteristics of Tiger is Maine Thread Co. and their polycord which I put in the exact same class as Tiger.  The bulk of the remaining threads are a series of twisted strands of nylon, cotton, or linen which are not made from single strands but a series of strands that have been twisted together to create the length of the run.  Polycord is manufactured from materials that allow it to be formed into a single strand as long as you need it to be and that is the most critical thing when it comes to hand stitched items; regular threads will wear at their transition points (where one strand has been melded with the other) and fail, even if you used the saddle stitch method.  

Do these two premium threads cost more?  Yes, but when you start talking quality you either understand what it truly means or you don't.  And I can also tell you from my vast years of experience in this trade that when a "great deal" comes along that offers a large amount of thread on a single spool for pretty much next to nothing there is no real deal in it; you will find that the materials will fail, they will fade, and you will be repairing things in relatively short order.  I still see some of the things that I made back in the late 70's (and this was before poly threads were out there) that don't even show any wear of the thread and that is because I spent the extra money on the finest threads available at the time to ensure the longest lasting product that I could.  Even then I was paying over $10.00 per spool for just over 200 yards and that was high for that time.  But it has paid off more than I could have even wanted it to.

The bottom line is that the "hype" is actually factual and proven results with the information coming from the wide range of craftsman and Master Makers that actually use the product in their works; hype is merely the corporate "Sunshine Line" that is intended to get you to buy it and try it.

Thank you for your info. It is appreciated ! I too have been working with leather for over 40 years. I use the best supplies I can get.

I just wanted to know about this thread I hear so much about.

I think you explained it pretty well.       Thanks !

[MADMAX22]

9 minutes ago, NVLeatherWorx said:

It is made from a series of continuous strands of braided poly that is pretty much the strongest thread available for saddle stitching and it stands up to UV and other natural elements much better than anything else.  Tiger thread also is a flat braid so it can lay down flat when stitched, provided you actually pay attention to the lay of the thread in the first place that is. The only other thread that matches the characteristics of Tiger is Maine Thread Co. and their polycord which I put in the exact same class as Tiger.  The bulk of the remaining threads are a series of twisted strands of nylon, cotton, or linen which are not made from single strands but a series of strands that have been twisted together to create the length of the run.  Polycord is manufactured from materials that allow it to be formed into a single strand as long as you need it to be and that is the most critical thing when it comes to hand stitched items; regular threads will wear at their transition points (where one strand has been melded with the other) and fail, even if you used the saddle stitch method.  

Do these two premium threads cost more?  Yes, but when you start talking quality you either understand what it truly means or you don't.  And I can also tell you from my vast years of experience in this trade that when a "great deal" comes along that offers a large amount of thread on a single spool for pretty much next to nothing there is no real deal in it; you will find that the materials will fail, they will fade, and you will be repairing things in relatively short order.  I still see some of the things that I made back in the late 70's (and this was before poly threads were out there) that don't even show any wear of the thread and that is because I spent the extra money on the finest threads available at the time to ensure the longest lasting product that I could.  Even then I was paying over $10.00 per spool for just over 200 yards and that was high for that time.  But it has paid off more than I could have even wanted it to.

The bottom line is that the "hype" is actually factual and proven results with the information coming from the wide range of craftsman and Master Makers that actually use the product in their works; hype is merely the corporate "Sunshine Line" that is intended to get you to buy it and try it.

So I posted a question in another thread about this stuff (and all poly cord) and didnt get a response. So waxed linen thread has been proven to last for 50/80/100 years if taken care of.

What is the life span of poly? 

Also a "transition" point or wear point will cause poly cord to wear thru just as it would anything else (nylon/linen). 

Now dont take this wrong as some kind of an attach on Tiger thread or anything. I have not tried it, I did get some Maine thread and the wax was way to heavy on it and I wasnt impressed overall with it compared to my own linen thread that I hand wax with a mix of rosin and bees wax. 

That is another thing I am curious about, the rosin and bees wax mix I use really locks in the stitch as compared to just regular wax. Do you guys rewax your thread or just rely on the wax provided? 

Now I do get the prewaxed convenience and the manufactured look of the tiger thread which is probably prevalent for bigger industries requiring a bunch of people to be able to easily hand stitch something. Hand waxing linen thread takes time (make the wax mix, cut the thread, taper the tips, wax it). Plus tiger has that uniform thruout consistency that ya may not get with line thread.    

[NVLeatherWorx]

I can safely say that once you give it a try you won't look at stitching thread in the same light; I do however use Maine Thread as my primary product as it is just a high quality as Tiger and it is made right here in the U.S. and I prefer to support an American business than one from somewhere else.  The colors of Maine Thread are somewhat different than what most have become accustomed to but I am not a fan of the gaudy bright stuff anyway so the more subtle and unique tones that Maine Thread offer are better suited to my personal tastes and that of my client base.

Give it a try if you get the chance. There are some sellers on Etsy that offer up to a 40m spool for $12.50 with several supplier options to choose from.  I also know that the Buckle Guy (buckleguy.com) sells Tiger and Maine Threads and he is in Massachusetts.

[NVLeatherWorx]

I always rewax my theads and only with pure beeswax.  The poly will outlast linen and I have never seen any information that linen can last as long as you have indicated; in fact, it only has a tensile strength about 25psi and after about 10 years it is pretty ratty (even less for those who don't maintain their personal items, which is a large majority of people).  Poly cord does not have a transition point as it is a single strand of material which eliminates the need to add to the material as it is "woven" into the final product.  Linen, cotton, and nylon threads are all manufactured much the same as yarn is; it is a series of shorter length strands that are woven together at the ends (transition points) to create a longer stranded product.  This is the same way that leather lace is manufactured as well; every so many yards there is a splice where they have continued to attach various lengths of material to create the larger spool or huge roll that the end consumer purchases.  Poly cord is not manufactured this way which is why it is much stronger and longer lasting.  Regarding the heavy feel of wax on threads; if I feel that there is too much I just pull my thread through some denim or canvas to draw out any excess; works like a charm.

[MADMAX22]

Well see thats the thing, there are several items that have been around atleast that long that were sewn with linen thread, think of all the saddles/harnesses/halters that were stitched with linon thread and were still around when the leather was rotting away or falling apart. 

Also the ten year thing I am not sure about either. Ive got my belt I have worn for the past 6.5 years and it has just polished the waxed linen. 

One last thing is "poly" thread UV resistant without a coating added to it? If so for how long? Most of the bonded poly that you buy ya pay extra for it having UV resistant coatings applied to it and they advertise this I have not scene where tiger thread has stated anything about UV resistant coatings being applied to there threads. From what I have read the poly thread resistance to UV is primarily garnered from the treatments it undergoes otherwise its not as expanded a resistant material as some like to chime on about. 

 

[Wedgetail]

I haven't tried tiger thread yet, though after much frustration with other poly threads I did splash out and buy some Slam thread, after I watched an  Armitage leather YouTube video comparison of Slam thread and Tiger thread.

Both were expensive to send to Australia, but the Slam thread was at least 'close' to my price point!

I would say it is leagues better than the other poly threads I have used... really nice feel, and a joy to use by comparison.

I couldn't say how it is better or worse than waxed linen, as I have not used the stuff in my limited experience. Though I can say it's affordable and a good starting point if you want to test the difference between the cheap stuff and the good stuff.

[LumpenDoodle2]

Can't help with questions on the longevity of tiger thread, but it's a very nice thread to use.   So good in fact, that I said to the hubby last week "This is a very nice thread to use, dear".

I do have some of the Chinese braided thread, and has been said on another thread, it's pretty good, but there is quite a bit of stretch to it.

[MADMAX22]

Not a prime example of stitching, this was shortly after I started doing leather work. Barbours linen hand waxed with bees wax and rosin mix.

I think I have a thread somewhere from when I made this belt. Anyhow, this was dyed with fiebings leather dye which doesnt hold up for dying thread obviously. The belt itself has held up well I think, its HO 7-8oz liner with crazy horse outer also about 7-8oz. The buckle on the other hand is nickle plated steel and needs replacing. 

Sorry for the pics but I think I had one to many last night when I took them. The first pic is from when I made it, others are yesterday. 

 

Edited October 25, 2016 by MADMAX22

[CaptQuirk]

I've been curious about Tiger thread, and now Maine thread... never heard of that one. I have tried something akin to kevlar thread from Springfield, and it was affordable, and not too bad. But lately I've just been ordering the 25yd spools of "white" "brown" and "black", mostly because I needed thread when cash was low. I got some stuff from Springfield that would not stay twisted for nothing. I actually watched it unknot itself one night. The stuff I've received from Tandy is so heavily waxed, it leaves clumps. Then there is always a problem with white thread not staying white... need to fix that problem.

[AussieMade]

On 10/24/2016 at 6:21 PM, Wedgetail said:

I haven't tried tiger thread yet, though after much frustration with other poly threads I did splash out and buy some Slam thread, after I watched an  Armitage leather YouTube video comparison of Slam thread and Tiger thread.

Both were expensive to send to Australia, but the Slam thread was at least 'close' to my price point!

I would say it is leagues better than the other poly threads I have used... really nice feel, and a joy to use by comparison.

I couldn't say how it is better or worse than waxed linen, as I have not used the stuff in my limited experience. Though I can say it's affordable and a good starting point if you want to test the difference between the cheap stuff and the good stuff.

Who did you get the Slam through?

[Wedgetail]

12 hours ago, AussieMade said:

Who did you get the Slam through?

I got it through Lekoza in the USA.

http://lekoza.com/

Let me know if you want to try some and I'll pop a few metres in the post for you. 

If you want to order some, i may want some other colours too... could be good to combine forces and cut down shipping costs. It was about $35 shipping from memory!

I have Black, white, and red.

[craftsman827]

Well I just received my Tiger Thread.

I ordered just one spool , white 1.2mm  from

Egyptian Leather as someone here recommend, to see how is is.

They sent me a sample card with all the colors they carry & sizes.

Well it is better than any hand stitching thread I have used, & I have used many different types over the last 40 years.

Thank you for all the input !  I will be using Tiger Thread from now on.

[craftsman827]

On 11/2/2016 at 6:12 PM, Wedgetail said:

I got it through Lekoza in the USA.

http://lekoza.com/

Let me know if you want to try some and I'll pop a few metres in the post for you. 

If you want to order some, i may want some other colours too... could be good to combine forces and cut down shipping costs. It was about $35 shipping from memory!

I have Black, white, and red.

Thanks for the offer !  I already ordered from " Egyptian Leather". 

I let you know for my next order.

                             Thanks Again !