BMH Report post Posted May 2, 2019 (edited) Hi all, I am completely new to leather working. I mean, kind of. I have a fair amount of knowledge when it comes to leather shoes. From construction to care, patina and so on. Btw, it's a shame to see that traditional cobblers are pretty much nonexistent in the US. It's a fine craft and it's really sad to see it disappear from a country that once was very active in the industry. at the same time the traditional shoe industry in the US is also pretty much dead, so I guess it's not really a surprise to see cobblers follow the same path. I attached a picture of my "small" collection. I always liked leather shoes and my interest for leather working comes from a frustration I've always had. I match my wrist watch strap and belt to the color of the shoes I wear. Just to give an example, no black shoes with a brown belt. In theory it's not too hard to do, but I have such a large variety of shoes that I struggle to find matching belts and accessories.That's how I got the idea of making those accessories myself. I purchased a few books regarding the topic, mostly from Al Stohlman, and I started lurking here and now that I have more time I am finally joining. I am mostly interested in small items, watch straps, wallets/billfolds, belts, maybe some purses/bags for my wife and briefcases for me but that's about as big as it will get. Beside that, I am French, been living in the US for something like 6 or 7 years now. Nothing much to add really. Edited May 2, 2019 by BMH Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted May 2, 2019 That is quite a collection. Do you make shoes or just collect them? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BMH Report post Posted May 2, 2019 Over the years it just kind of started to get more and more out of control. Despite the fact that I wear all the shoes I own, I still haven't managed to kill a pair yet. I mean, with the proper care a good leather quality shoe will last pretty much forever. Which is great, but doesn't help with my storage problems. And I worked as a cobbler for a while and for "fun" I did make a couple of pairs myself with the help of a friend who was much more skilled than me. Nowadays I am more interested in making patinas. First because I don't have all the equipment I used to anymore and it's a more "relaxing" activity. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zuludog Report post Posted May 2, 2019 Welcome to the forum I suspect you may know of them already, but Search Google & YouTube for 'John Lobb Shoes' Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BMH Report post Posted May 2, 2019 Thanks! I do have several pairs from Lobb, mostly older models though. A lot of people (including me) are complaining that Lobb has been taking a turn for the worse in term of styling. A little bit like JM Weston. At least both brands have kept more or less the same quality standards. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted May 2, 2019 Welcome to the forum BMH. How many feed DO you have? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kgg Report post Posted May 2, 2019 Welcome to the forum. You sir definitely have an addiction and now that you have been bitten you must labour at the feet of the leather beast. kgg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
