Most likelly my last one

[katsass]

Thanks to all of you for the kind words. I may have given some a wrong impression, I'm not about to kick off --- just that my hands and eyes will not allow me to do the work I feel I should be able to accomplish.  For example, I made two 'false starts' on the damned holster and tossed three partially finished but totally screwed up knife sheaths in order to get to the finished product you see. I have however, seen the inside of the ER room and a patient's room at the local hospital more than I like, BUT I'm still kicking and I don't get the impression that the medical community wishes me to visit again soon.

[immiketoo]

Well THAT'S a huge relief.  Still, if you can make stuff even after a couple of tries, its better than not making stuff!

[chiefjason]

Great work as usually.  Glad to hear from you.  

[YinTx]

11 hours ago, katsass said:

For example, I made two 'false starts' on the damned holster and tossed three partially finished but totally screwed up knife sheaths in order to get to the finished product you see.

Sheeeoooot.  I thought that was the way it was supposed to be!  Why just this last month, I've scrapped two ladies long wallets made from Barenia and Chevre Chagrin leather because I wasn't happy with some part of it, and I haven't finished the third one yet to decide if it is good or not!  Used up the entire side of Chevre Chagrin to get there, and I've been doing this for a few years at least!

Always have loved seeing your work, look forward to seeing your comments on other's works and general inputs in the near future, make a thing or two that you have always wanted to but haven't taken the time or had a request for!  Then it won't matter when it is done, or how great it looks... but that you enjoyed doing it!

and yeah, hospital stays suck, I try to avoid em at all costs... even left at 3am once just cuz I couldn't take it no more!

YinTx

[Riem]

Hi katsass, I'm a real newbie here, having 'unlurked' only a few weeks ago. I've however sat in the shadows and observed for quite some time, and have grown to admire your work and your style of interacting here. Although I'm not into holsters I can admire a well made piece, and you have posted plenty.

If this is your last one, would you mind sharing with us how you did your first? And any memorable items between the first and the last? How did the art and craft evolve in the years you worked with leather?

Again, thank you for your wonderful contribution to keep the craftsmanship in the craft.

[Josh Ashman]

Hey Mike, great looking work! Thanks for sharing it!

All the best!

Josh

[Lobo]

I have been wondering what happened to Katsass. Good to see that you are still getting after it!

I retired in 2015 and sold Lobo Gun Leather to a great family of leather crafters. I'm happy to report that they continue to do very well with the brand and my designs and production methods. At the time I was dealing with the effects of osteoarthritis, old spinal fracture, neuropathy, and just general "getting old" stuff. I knew it was time to stop working 7 days per week, especially doing work that can be very tough on the hands and forearms. I very happily gave the new business owners a ten-year non-compete agreement as part of the sale agreement! Now I am a 'consultant', always ready to lend my 'expert opinion and advice' on every aspect of the business. As a consultant I have had to start dressing better than I did while working in the leather shop, and I shave at least every week or so, so I can still feel important and useful!

New owners recently moved the business from Iowa to northern Minnesota. I took the opportunity to travel there as they were getting all set up, rented a houseboat on a 22 mile long lake, did some fishing, ate like a hog, and enjoyed fermented malt adult beverages to my heart's content (doesn't take nearly as much to make me content anymore, I just tend to doze off for a couple of hours before checking my fishing line and throwing a little more meat on the grill). Read several excellent books, too.

Stay active! Stay involved! Stay healthy! Enjoy life!

Best regards.

Edited August 22, 2018 by Lobo

[Eddie Q]

You've always been an inspiration as well as many others in this forum. I'm not very active here or any other forums but sure love looking at all this beautiful art people like you create and inspire others to do so. I'm still an amateur compared to a lot of others here but sure studied and try to get better every time a make something. Best regards and keep the inspiration going Sir .

[plinkercases]

Beautiful work from a M&G convert!

And I always enjoy seeing the holster and the weapon but especially when the weapon is stripped down!!! nice twist.

Take care and stay around.

[dikman]

I don't know you, although I have seen your name mentioned in dispatches, so to speak . Even though you may not be able to make stuff like you used to I'm sure that many here would appreciate your continued input as you obviously have a wealth of knowledge and experience that it would be a shame to waste.