How did you get into leather work?

[Randy Cornelius]

I had an art teacher who did a 6 week class on leather work, I was hooked. Got a Tandy kit for Christmas that year and as  they say the rest is history.

[Steve75]

On ‎4‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 4:25 PM, Rolandranch said:

I was just a little curious about how you all began as leather workers. 

I started 2 years ago when I made a cheesy knife and wanted to make a leather sheath for it (I was 14). My dad took me to Tandy to get some leather and tools. I thought I was just getting enough material to make a sheath... but dad said I should make a bunch of leather products and try to sell them. We walked out with $300 worth of materials.  I made the sheath and was hooked with leather ever since. I started doing custom leather projects for friends and made enough money to buy a cb4500 sewing machine so I could up the production... and here I am enjoying leather work and learning something new from every project I do.

Here is that knife sheath. 

What's your story and first leather project?

-Ryan

My adventure in leather began when I saw how much it was going to cost get a holster I wanted.  I told my Dad I was interested in trying to make a holster, so for my birthday back 2012 he bought me a Tandy Deluxe Leather Kit.  I invested in a copy of Stohlman's How to Make Holsters book, and never looked back.  I gave my Dad the first holster I made.  I used one of the patterns in Stohlman's book to make that holster.  I made the holster I wanted not long after that.  

 

[Bennyleather]

On 4/6/2018 at 7:25 PM, Rolandranch said:

I was just a little curious about how you all began as leather workers. 

I started 2 years ago when I made a cheesy knife and wanted to make a leather sheath for it (I was 14). My dad took me to Tandy to get some leather and tools. I thought I was just getting enough material to make a sheath... but dad said I should make a bunch of leather products and try to sell them. We walked out with $300 worth of materials.  I made the sheath and was hooked with leather ever since. I started doing custom leather projects for friends and made enough money to buy a cb4500 sewing machine so I could up the production... and here I am enjoying leather work and learning something new from every project I do.

Here is that knife sheath. 

What's your story and first leather project?

-Ryan

This is roughly a year old, but my story is simple. This was just under a year ago (or is it just under 2 years?) And I wanted a leather holster for my phone I could wear to work and not put it in my pocket due to much bending over, so I discovered a Tandy 45 minutes away and bought some oil tagged scraps and some Chicago-type screws; little did I know, leatherwork would be so fun. I knew it would be cheaper buying a phone holster premade, but I wanted something to do in the evenings after work and in on weekends other than video games. I ended up making the phone holster from trashy leather from Michael's, but I still have it so it may not have been too trashy... I'm graduating from Ashland University in 3 weeks, and an currently 21 so my experience is limited as are my resources, but God does provide. I came into college knowing it was the path I needed to take to grow in God, and here I am now about to enter a new chapter in my life with leatherwork in my arsenal.

Benny

[Rolandranch]

On 4/11/2019 at 8:20 PM, Bennyleather said:

This is roughly a year old, but my story is simple. This was just under a year ago (or is it just under 2 years?) And I wanted a leather holster for my phone I could wear to work and not put it in my pocket due to much bending over, so I discovered a Tandy 45 minutes away and bought some oil tagged scraps and some Chicago-type screws; little did I know, leatherwork would be so fun. I knew it would be cheaper buying a phone holster premade, but I wanted something to do in the evenings after work and in on weekends other than video games. I ended up making the phone holster from trashy leather from Michael's, but I still have it so it may not have been too trashy... I'm graduating from Ashland University in 3 weeks, and an currently 21 so my experience is limited as are my resources, but God does provide. I came into college knowing it was the path I needed to take to grow in God, and here I am now about to enter a new chapter in my life with leatherwork in my arsenal.

Benny

That's great that you enjoy leather work over video games. Most of my friends would rather play video games than making something. My family does not have a TV so everyone's usually busy making something. God certainly does provide. I'm very blessed to be able to do leather work! Congrats on graduating! I'm 17 so college is just around the corner. I'm probably going to get a degree in business and then go back to my many hobbies, including leather work, and be an entrepreneur. 

[Bennyleather]

14 hours ago, Rolandranch said:

That's great that you enjoy leather work over video games. Most of my friends would rather play video games than making something. My family does not have a TV so everyone's usually busy making something. God certainly does provide. I'm very blessed to be able to do leather work! Congrats on graduating! I'm 17 so college is just around the corner. I'm probably going to get a degree in business and then go back to my many hobbies, including leather work, and be an entrepreneur. 

Thank you! Good luck in college, and don't let it drag you down!

[coma44]

I got interested in leather work while looking for a magazine carrier for my 1911. Of the designed I liked none were available in a timely fashion,  like 18 to 20 weeks wait. so I said time to learn how to do it my self and if I like it time to get to work doing more for extra cash since there is so much business. still a complete newbe and have been making simple practice pieces like coasters and a tool pouch.

[wizard of tragacanth]

I am one of those who said to himself... "I am not going to pay $60 for a holster, when it is only a few dollars worth of leather and so easy to make!"

Now, eight years later, having invested hundreds of dollars and many hours of studying and making, I can make a holster that is worth $60 (maybe).

Well, it has been fun and interesting all along the way.

The most amazing surprise to me, was when I discovered how willingly people gave up their secrets of the craft, helping others reach their level.  

I don't think that I have ever seen that in any other arena.

Many thanks to all of these giving artisans on LW and YT.

[SilverForgeStudio]

On 4/16/2019 at 7:36 PM, Rolandranch said:

That's great that you enjoy leather work over video games. Most of my friends would rather play video games than making something. My family does not have a TV so everyone's usually busy making something. God certainly does provide. I'm very blessed to be able to do leather work! Congrats on graduating! I'm 17 so college is just around the corner. I'm probably going to get a degree in business and then go back to my many hobbies, including leather work, and be an entrepreneur. 

Bravo Roland!

From the middle side of the age spectrum-  at 47 with 10 plus years of marriage under our belts my wife and I still don't have a TV either! My daughter loves tinkering and playing while her cousins all hunker down on the couch with their iPads and Devices.  Its kind of a sad narrative really.

Get the degree and never stop crafting! The down time at my job allows me to do a few things- as a career paramedic (like the other fire guys here) radio straps and harness items are a big seller... and crafted items for the wives and nurses... almost a fulltime-pastime!  HA!

I will let you in on a little secret that you probably already know... If you examine successful folks most of their "Hobbies" are either budget neutral (They take in as much as they cost) or they contribute to your growth financially either by direct income (selling to others) or by saving your money (you can make it for less than retail). I have no hobbies that cost me outside of setup/start expenses. They all have to be self funding and driving. Keeps the family budget on track too! (And honestly- it ROCKS to be able to use side income to take the family somewhere!) Others have different paths- this is only my path- and it works for my family. All the usual caveats apply: Your mileage may vary, some assembly required, batteries not included, only for ages 3 and up, yadda yadda yadda, call your mother... (you get the idea- this is just ONE way to think about it).

For example- The Warden... My wife completely freaked when I spent a LOT on a metal detector- until she found out I had used the crappy one I had for 3 years to find enough bits and bobs and rings and coins to pay for it... and that detector has paid for itself again in about a year (as of this writing).

Same with the leather- she was wary of a "whole hide" purchase- until I made workbelts for guys and a few things she wanted as well plus a knife sheath or two I needed. The belts paid for the hide- and she was happy to let me keep exploring this craft. Yes- she has me trained very well.

(FULL DISCLOSURE GUYS/GALS and FOLKS- I married an accountant... so I absolutely HAVE to answer for every penny!)

My path into leather was like a few others- I "couldn't afford" or did not want to "pay for something at retail" I could make for less and my metalworking was starting to need leather accent pieces and sheaths. Kydex is great for some things- but not things that need a tactile or "warm" feel to aesthetic value.

Love the thread- 

Edited May 21, 2019 by SilverForgeStudio
kant sphell... not enuff cofffeeee

[dmau]

We cleaned out my Dad's garage workshop a few years after his passing and I found a burned up knife and axe heads to work on. I also found my grandfather's awl and leather punch. I did a fine job on the axes and knife and they needed leather protection.

[dmau]

My first leather cut I made from my paper pattern of this EG Hughes WWII battle knife was not properly done to reflect my right handedness. I shelved that, re-cut for a RH, and it became my second project ever. The first project was an axe head cover that is rivet heavy. My 3rd project was the LH sheath.