Visalia style saddle

[Spencer G]

Bravo! Masterfully done. Are you planning to sell it, if so, how much would you ask?

[Jim M]

I see I didn't comment when this was first posted - must've been too busy drooling! Appreciate the additional pics.

[llasso]

Your work is outstanding. I really like the saddle and I know a tremendious amout of work went into it's compleation.

Larry Lasso

[D.A. Kabatoff]

Thought I'd post a few photos of a roughout saddle I just finished for anyone who prefers them to carved saddles. This one's built on a Warren Wright tree... really like his horn and fork shape.

Darc

[mudman]

Darc;

On the latest roughout. Just a really nice clean rig, again your work is simply that of a master. Thanks for sharing.

[Don]

That roughout is absolutely fantastic! I am not a huge roughout fan but a roughout that catches a person eye(as this one definitely does) is an example of master craftsmenship. Great job...I can't say enough. Do you sand your roughout at all? I sometimes do to get a smoother look when my roughout is a bit shaggy. I ask because your roughout looks smooth without any shaggy spots.

What kind of leather do you use when you make a roughout like this one?

Very nice.

[D.A. Kabatoff]

Hi Don,

I use Hermann Oak leather in all my saddles. When I order it from the tannery, I always specify that the flesh side be "buffed"; it costs a little extra, but saves me having to sand the fuzz, a job I really hate. On areas that are skived, like the lip of the fork cover, I take a piece of sandpaper and try to blend it in with the unskived areas. After you oil the saddle you can hardly notice it was ever skived.

Darc

[Hidemechanic]

D.A., I don't know any other excalamations other than expletives without sounding repetetive.

I like that you were able to capture the feel of the early toolers while using a somewhat contemporary design. That's something I have been looking for as in recent years, I have come to feel that many designs have become alomst redundant to me,that's just me. It's been a source of frustration for me while attempting to come up with a fresh twist on things. You pulled it off!!

If you are still answering questions about this saddle, did you do a hidden stitch on the back of the cantle binding or a stitch and roll over?

Way to go good man. G.Hackett

[D.A. Kabatoff]

Hidemechanic,

I usually don't do any kind of hidden stitch on the back of my bindings but thought I'd give it a try on that saddle. The leather was split in the thickness and the edge rolled up for sewing. Not really sure what people call that method, but that's how I did it.

Darc

[AndyKnight]

hi Darc,

I finally figured out DA Kabatoff is!!

Your saddles are sure looking good.! If your travelling through drop by for a visit.

Andy