CHRISTINA bag, recently finished.

[Sheilajeanne]

So, looking at the photo of the strap and its attachment....

And I really can't tell if you put an edge binding on the purse, or whether that's just a super nice edge finishing job! 

If the latter, I'd like to know your secret! 

[bikermutt07]

It's Great.

[Simeon54]

On 1/26/2018 at 2:27 PM, Sheilajeanne said:

Lovely bag, and your stitching is superb. 

As a woman, though, I'd prefer a fancier (bigger) clasp. That little button closure just doesn't do it for me!

Otherwise, very nice! And I like the pointed ends on the straps.

 

Personally, I like the one on this bag: https://www.tandyleather.ca/en/product/revival-handbag-kit

Hi SheilaJeanne, thanks for the comment. I have had some comments about using a little Sam Browne stud for the closure. It may well have to change, but I love the simplicity of it. But yes, perhaps not super practical.

And these edges were bevelled, then dyed with oil dye, then burnished with gum trag and finished with an edge coat I got in NL. It's like an ink of sorts and I must say, I'm stopping using it now, as it flakes off over time. I think the trick with edges is to experiment. I have a hand slicker that I've mounted into a drill and then in a vice, but I also use a cloth now and then. And if it's not smooth enough, sand back the first burnish with a high grit sand paper and give it a second round.
 

I have also stopped using gum trag and just use water. However, I think the burnished edge is often dependant on the quality of leather one uses: better leather, better edge. Hope that helps and sorry for the delay guys!

 

Edited September 9, 2018 by Simeon54

[Simeon54]

On 1/27/2018 at 7:03 PM, bikermutt07 said:

It's Great.

Many thanks!

 

On 1/27/2018 at 5:44 PM, YinTx said:

Is this also from the Tarnsjo Gaveri tannery?

YinTx

Sorry for such late reply and yes, it is from them.

I have to say, in the end, this hide was a bit too 'wet' for my liking and it marked incredibly easily, so I have looked elsewhere for other products. I really wanted to use their leather, but can't afford to order a hide and send it back if it's not good quality.

Edited September 9, 2018 by Simeon54

[Sheilajeanne]

17 minutes ago, Simeon54 said:

Hi SheilaJeanne, thanks for the comment. I have had some comments about using a little Sam Browne stud for the closure. It may well have to change, but I love the simplicity of it. But yes, perhaps not super practical.

And these edges were bevelled, then dyed with oil dye, then burnished with gum trag and finished with an edge coat I got in NL. It's like an ink of sorts and I must say, I'm stopping using it now, as it flakes off over time. I think the trick with edges is to experiment. I have a hand slicker that I've mounted into a drill and then in a vice, but I also use a cloth now and then. And if it's not smooth enough, sand back the first burnish with a high grit sand paper and give it a second round.
 

I have also stopped using gum trag and just use water. However, I think the burnished edge is often dependant on the quality of leather one uses: better leather, better edge. Hope that helps and sorry for the delay guys!

 

Hidepounder says gum trag prevents dye and edge coat from penetrating the edge, so he uses glycerine saddle soap instead and follows with a final coat of paraffin after dyeing. The gum trag could be what's causing the problem. And yeah, I am finding the same thing about the leather quality. Now working on my second bag, which is a much better quality leather than the first, and the edges burnish super easily with just a little rubbing!

[Simeon54]

1 minute ago, Sheilajeanne said:

Hidepounder says gum trag prevents dye and edge coat from penetrating the edge, so he uses glycerine saddle soap instead and follows with a final coat of paraffin after dyeing. The gum trag could be what's causing the problem. And yeah, I am finding the same thing about the leather quality. Now working on my second bag, which is a much better quality leather than the first, and the edges burnish super easily with just a little rubbing!

If you do use gum trag, it should be after you have dyed the edge.
But to be honest, I now only use water to burnish an edge. I'm about to experiment with a professional edge paint from Italy, a brand called Giardini. This will look much more like the edges you see on top end hand bags I think and I'm aiming for that as I'm selling pieces in the range of €800 to €1200 each, so got to look super finished.

[Sheilajeanne]

Doesn't hurt to experiment! But here is Hidepounder's method (Bob Parks). He makes some VERRRY nice stuff!

 

[Simeon54]

1 hour ago, Sheilajeanne said:

Doesn't hurt to experiment! But here is Hidepounder's method (Bob Parks). He makes some VERRRY nice stuff!

Thanks, I'll check it out!

 

[chrisash]

Very nice work, and at least one Norfolk person is proud of your work

[Simeon54]

15 hours ago, chrisash said:

Very nice work, and at least one Norfolk person is proud of your work

Many thanks. Can I ask how you know I'm from Norfolk? My location is set to Arnhem. Curious.