I'm confused about the purpose of some of these products

[Chris623]

Oh, I didn't make the knife..................it's just a Buck 119.  Had mentioned that in the thread and figured everyone had seen one.

[slipangle]

Just wanted to say Chris, I just visited your site.  Your furniture is amazing. Outstanding.

I only dabble in leatherwork and saddle stitching, but also have trouble with the stitches laying down in that consistent "diagonal slash" look. Especially on the back side. lots of people here are top notch at it. Just takes lots of practice and a consistent movement and technique with the needle placement and thread management as you go back and forth.  Your sheath looks excellent to me. I remember the old Buck knife well.

[battlemunky]

@Chris623, that is some wonderful woodwork Sir. All the curly and tiger maple! Super beautiful. I made a few nightstands and thought I was Bob Villa for a few days but man, your stuff is next level. I love handmade stuff whether its leather or wood or cloth.

[Chris623]

Thanks for the accolades, battlemunky.  I've been an artist all my life in one venue or another.  I can't live if I don't create.  Just who I am.

[Chris623]

I have a question:  I just put "slick job" on the edges of the sheath.  I dyed the edges the same color I did the sheath.  Then I applied water and slicked to a shine.  I didn't have any saddle soap, so when I lightly Mink Oiled the sheath, I did the same to the edges.  I originally wanted to dye the edges Black...............and would still like to if I've not gone too far to do that.  I saw a fellow on Youtube actually coat the edges of a holster with Black, permanent Sharpie.  Would that work now that I've oiled the sheath, or would it not stick?

[battlemunky]

It should if you give it a few days to soak in.

[Chris623]

"it" being the oil, or "it" being the Black Sharpie?

[slipangle]

I'll add 2 cents if I may,  Chris. If it's the video I'm thinking of, he may have only used a Sharpie as the initial darkening agent for the edges. Then sanded, then applied a more suitable product. Sharpie alone won't last, in my view, and the black ink in Sharpies tends to go blueish over time. You could certainly try it over the oil but in my opinion the application of Mink oil is a no-no. Mink oil softens and degrades leather. What you don't want on a sheath or a holster, in my view.  Since you've already oiled, I would obtain a bottle of Fiebing's black leather dye, the alcohol or oil dye, and go over it with that.  Followed by wax and burnishing.

[Chris623]

Well, if it makes any difference, I used very little Mink Oil.  But thanks for the Fiebing's dye recommendation.

[battlemunky]

15 hours ago, Chris623 said:

"it" being the oil, or "it" being the Black Sharpie?

The oil, sorry. The Sharpie will soak in immediately but the oil takes a little bit, at least a few hours or so. I've used Sharpie several times, especially for touch up. I believe it mighta been @YinTx, but I usually use Fiebings dye as edge dressing and then just slick as usual. I've recently started using glycerine saddle soap on a damp edge as well with pretty good effect, whether rubbing with canvas or a slicker.

I don't even own mink oil...

Edited October 26, 2020 by battlemunky