The contemporary "Greats"...

[JazzBass]

Given all the consummate professionals that take time to post and respond in these forums---
Who are YOUR "heroes" that are living and working today? ...those whose work MUST be seen/emulated?

As a newcomer, I've been most influenced by  (in no particular order...couldn't "rank" them if I tried, as some have completely different specialties)--
Nigel Armitage,  Ian Atkinson, Harry Rogers, Don Gonzales,  Bruce Cheaney, Sam Andrews, and a few others.

I know the list will be long, but - Who are YOUR heroes??

 

Edited October 16, 2018 by JazzBass

[battlemunky]

You named a few. There are several posters on here I lump into this category. Not gonna go fanboy on them though but they range from prolific posters to relatively quiet in comparison but all add a good amount of things for me to think about and it all helps me get better.

 

[Rhale]

If you haven’t seen Bob Parks work you are missing true art,  same for Chuck Smith,  talked to both at Wishita Falls show last week.  Super nice people.

[JazzBass]

Thanks, @Rhale - that's what I'm looking for - true artists of whom I am not YET aware

 

[battlemunky]

Serge Volken?

[Stetson912]

No pro here but I've got a list. The people you mentioned. 

Bob park is probably my favorite for carving, but i like so many peoples work. Don Gonzalez, Chan Geer, Jim Linnell, Brit nantz, k Adam Tanner... Several members here inspire me a lot too. Rocky Aussie, sanch, particle, 9tpi, chief, Dwight, jls, c and b leather, 

And even more who are just good people that comment and offer good critique and advice and are included in the "inspire" list like battlemunky, bikermutt, mattsbagger, yintx, rockoboy, and a nice young lady at mendell leather

I find myself immediately drawn to these peoples posts (and more I'm sure I've forgotten) I may not always comment on things but I try to help and pass on encouragement when I can

Garypl and plinkercases are always good to me too haha

[LatigoAmigo]

From an early age, Bruce Grant has been my inspiration.

[JLSleather]

On 10/15/2018 at 8:37 PM, battlemunky said:

but all add a good amount of things for me to think about and it all helps me get better

I'm with ya --- since he asked about people who "post and respond in these forums".  I've seen some FANTASTIC work around here.  Beyond that, I don't want to buy your book, Im' not paying to see you "do a show" or make a video.  I figger when a guy thinks his opinion is so wonderful I should PAY him to hear it, he can KEEP it

But I did see some wedding albums on here by a guy named Thompson a while back that were STUNNING.  (or was it Thompsen with an "en"?).  

[plinkercases]

16 hours ago, Stetson912 said:

Garypl and plinkercases are always good to me too haha

.... and as long as you keep the checks coming I will keep being good to you!

Seriously - in as much as there isn't really the history or culture of leather work  - particularly in the east from where I can speak - I haven't been exposed to some of the ones mentioned other than briefly or by any reference on this site - but I do have to agree that I derive great inspiration from all the contributors here - even when I may have technical or stylistic differences - I was taught t that everyman is my teacher and some tech me what to do and some teach me what not to do! - I think I am a "not to do" teacher in most cases... even if just to myself. "oops wont to that again - if I remember not to".

I do have to say Stohlman is the only "name" from the past I have taken vast and  direct guidance from as far as the past masters go....  for present day ... whoever "Purdy Gear" is (not here I don't think but has a site - they don't put their makers mark front and centre so I have never been able to read it) and J Costanza from Boulder City have always been makers I have aspired after for the more historical work - modern personal carry almost any of you here!

[battlemunky]

There is a dude on YT named Johann Portgeiter that has a ton of useful stuff and doesn't charge a dime. I appreciate him quite often.