(Part 3) Best leathercraft supplies according to redditors

Great video technique ;) Nice job on your first wallet.

It might be time for you to get a proper leather chisel to make your holes. Something like this one. Note that is a 3mm. I would recommend 3.25 to 3.30 mm for your first set. Use a mallet or a very light hammer on your chisels. Chisel your work piece on top of another piece of leather or two so your chisel penetrates all the way through your workpiece. You want to see the chisel tines all the way through your leather, not just the tip.

Google “burnishing leather” and watch a couple of videos. That will improve your edges.

Definitely not an expert on this. I would get some heavy duty epoxy, and leather cord.
Something like this.
http://www.amazon.com/LolliBeads-Genuine-Leather-Braiding-Espresso/dp/B00BJ8Z5HK

For tools (for example, to make a wallet), you would need... anything missing?

Wooden slicker for burnishing (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0048FM2OU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_27&smid=A3NY6IRPSQ8J63)

self-healing mat (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006SDOFO?keywords=self%20healing%20mat&qid=1449180954&ref_=sr_1_8&sr=8-8)

Cement (http://www.amazon.com/Barge-Cement-Rubber-Leather-Glass/dp/B002JL2ZHE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449180993&sr=8-2&keywords=leather+contact+cement)

Edge dye (http://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Eco-flo-Professional-Dressing/dp/B00LKMAJQW/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1449181034&sr=8-13&keywords=leather+edge+dye)

Sand paper

grover for making stitch grooves (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OHAHICM?keywords=leather%20edge%20beveler&psc=1&qid=1449180851&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1-spons)

beveler (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00430GAS4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_30&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

awl/chisel for making stitch holes (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CBRVKOK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_31&smid=A1EX7LU0M6LM21 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036LNXEA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_29&smid=A2UDNPGKURPVSY)

needles for stitching and thread (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00114RBSI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_26&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

Anything else?

I bought this baby and it's gotten the job done on several belts over the past few years. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QS9R9W4/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00QS9R9W4&pd_rd_w=6SA1M&pf_rd_p=8a8f3917-7900-4ce8-ad90-adf0d53c0985&pd_rd_wg=8Oq63&pf_rd_r=7S926WJH4JJFTG53BYJ5&pd_rd_r=cb1745e2-d0f1-48ae-8d7c-500e98d5bc01

Someone once made muffins for Pluto,

At tea drinking this woman was pro.

She loved cats, jeeps, and leather

But no matter the weather,

What she loved most of all was to... you know

I started with just a bit of cord. I got injured in the military and had a lot of time to sit around. I have been doing things with cord for about 4 or 5 years at this point and have collected supplies as I need/wanted them.

If you are just starting with bracelets and key chains you really don't need anything but cord unless you want it. The little buckles can be cool but they are not totally necessary. I would start with a loop and rip a button off of my cammies somewhere to make a closure for a bracelet. Then I learned a few different kinds of button knots and used them instead.

If you are going to make Monkeys Fists it is nice to have something inside to work around(wooden or metal ball). And if you get into things like Turks head knots it is really nice to have a fid(needle with threaded end to seat the cord).

TYIAT has awesome tutorials. and Stormdrain is one of the most well known. He doesn't always have tutorials but the stuff that he makes is gorgeous and there are a lot of good resources on his page.

Printed in Orange PLA. Uses a Tandy 1240-24 belt clip for gun holsters. Really sturdy. Super happy with the results. I use this to clip my keys to the inside of my pocket which keeps them from bunching up and leave room for other items.

Edit: Sorry for the delay, files are up on grabcad.

Fob: https://grabcad.com/library/nissan-keyfob-belt-clip-1

Belt Clip: https://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Spring-Holster-1240-24/dp/B0035QW56S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512148499&sr=8-1&keywords=tandy+belt+clip

Chicago Screws: https://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Screw-Black-1296-04/dp/B004KFBLV8/ref=sr_1_4?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1512148549&sr=1-4&keywords=1%2F8+chicago+screws

Here is the tool kit I got recently. It makes things a whole lot easier.

Sure.

Here it is: Leather Scrapes Usable Holster &... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NS14TSB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Here is the desktop version of your link

This is some pretty decent quality leather, thin enough to do binding like that and it's pretty cheap. Definitely enough there to do a few spellbooks, and not faux leather, which makes it better imo.

https://www.amazon.com/LEATHER-HIDES-VARIOUS-COLORS-Burgundy/dp/B00MVJ3D34/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487777476&sr=8-1&keywords=leather+material


i saw someone else in this sub used this hide

http://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Small-1238-24-Black/dp/B0035R3N1I/ref=pd_sim_ac_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=07NBN7D8N45CMX7AXTSG

I got it originally to put on an IWB leather sheathe, but it's too thin for that. Works great for a pocket clip though!

Ah, good point! I guess having to paint the back of the glass isn't ideal, if the glass itself is not great quality. Well, I'm not giving up yet.

What about these studs, or badge blanks? Shine them up with a jewellery polishing cloth and they could work.

You can buy quite decent mirror chrome paint that goes on top of the glass instead of underneath. Your best bet would be car paint, probably. Honourable mention to the mirror nail polish option, but they tend to be a bit glittery instead of perfectly mirror-like.

I use a leather strap cutter. Inexpensive, and easy to use to get consistent straps.

You can find an example on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Leather-Cutter-Adjustable-Cutting-Screwdriver/dp/B07Q8JHNWY

I got mine fairly inexpensive at a local Tandy shop.

I had a really cheap diamond punching iron that I got in a kit I believe it was 4mm , but I just bought a 3mm Kevin Lee French style iron.
They were about 100 bucks for 8+2 prong
I went with 3mm because I want to practice making watch straps.

I personally prefer the look of the French style irons over the diamond style, but personally to me I think the spacing is even more important then diamond vs French style .

I have heard good things about the craft tool diamond chisels , they are supposed to be really good for the money they are 25 bucks a peice . So you can get an 8 prong and a 2 prong for around fifty bucks ... you want the two prong for when you need to go around corners . crafttool

I have also heard the wuta brand on amazon is pretty good , those are a little more expensive they will run you about 85 bucks for two . wuta-amazon

If your looking for budget but still good quality , I hear people recommending Seiwa which go for about 15-18 bucks a pop . But leathercraft has these which apparently are just rebranded Seiwas and they’re like 8- 12 bucks ! So you can get a 6 prong and a 2 prong for Under 30 bucks!! The only down side that I’ve read is that the holes are a little bit bigger .

I know them as a pounce wheel, we always used the really sharp ones for gels: https://www.amazon.com/TIHOOD-Tracing-Leather-ClothSewing-Overstitch/dp/B07TGBYS8S/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=pounce+wheel&qid=1570652323&sr=8-2

If you have never done leather work before I would recommend a kit to start with (belt, wallet, sheath, moccasins etc) You get the leather, lace, sometimes a couple stamps, maybe a swivel knife plus full instructions. If you like doing the work then I would start with some from scratch projects. Here in the States we have Tandy Leather etc but I have also seen kits at places like Michael's Hobby Lobby etc. so check around. You can also order them on line from Amazon ebay etc... Here's a couple examples:

https://www.amazon.com/Real-Leather-Basic-Craft-Starter/dp/B00UPPGB7Q/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1502980511&sr=8-6&keywords=leather+kit

https://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Basic-Leathercraft-55501-00/dp/B00G1M8EJU/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1502980730&sr=8-11&keywords=leather+kit

I have a few options for you that I hope will help. One, you could try a slimfold wallet from here: http://www.slimfoldwallet.com/
They are incredibly slim and still have really decent capacity. And, being soft and slim, you can carry in the same pocket as your iphone (I do, and I was practically obsessive about giving the phone a dedicated pocket for protection before).

For keys, try a true utility key shackle, it's the part actually attached to the keys in the image: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007IOHPRW?pc_redir=1395983890&robot_redir=1. I have one and I love it. Add to that a keychain clip for the top of the pocket (think like a pocket knife style clip, and you free up some serious pocket space: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0035R3N1I/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1396236800&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40

Combine some of these options with a pocket holster that gives your gun a wallet like imprint and stop worrying about the imprint at all! I do all three. I carry an LCP in my front right pocket in a wallet style holster, and people really think it's just a wallet.

Sorry for the links not being hyperlinked, I'm on a mobile app. I hope these options help you or inspire you to think of something that will work for you!

Oh! I know what that is!

:insert annoying workplace poster here:

Work smarter, not harder.

Ok, do you have an awl? because pre-punching holes through those layers will help a LOT.

Jewelers pliers with rubber coated tips will also help for places where you have several seams and therefore a huge amount of layers.

I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Craftool-Scratch-3217-00/dp/B0036LNXEA/ref=asc_df_B0036LNXEA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198099762925&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2786973083684937433&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028092&hvtargid=pla-321289193715&psc=1

It's nice because the handle fits in the palm of my hand nicely and I can use upper arm strength to punch holes.

These are little, and really excellent for assisting tough sewing: https://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/H202083TL?engine=google&campaign=[ADL]+[Non-Brand]+[PLA]+[Shopping]+{Bad}&gclid=CjwKCAjwq-TmBRBdEiwAaO1en1oO1JBatA4srSiSvDxVlN1nvCcBOSL6VRCVyl5UFl6N70ckziWfdhoCbZ0QAvD_BwE

(that's a great company too if you ever need sparklies)

I have only used these :https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004IALJK8/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1465771236&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=tandy+stain&dpPl=1&dpID=51vmy2R1HvL&ref=plSrch

But I have not tried many other types

https://www.amazon.com/Leather-Skilled-Crafter-Punches-Professional/dp/B00QS9R9W4/ref=pd_sbs_469_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=AZE4MFS2PJKHS8R65XJ5

Where does the community stand on chinese tool sets like this?

http://www.amazon.com/CYD-Basic-Stiching-Leathercraft-Items/dp/B00UKZAWCG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453472747&sr=8-1&keywords=leather+tool+set

Or

http://www.amazon.com/Leather-Sewing-Stitch-Groover-Fasteners/dp/B015LLVBLO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453472747&sr=8-2&keywords=leather+tool+set

I've read the guide, but if these cheap tools were passable it would be very convenient to get them all together and for such a small price.

This might work. Better superglue the threads though, or it might come unscrewed.

Yeah. It's a pretty common tool for working with cord. Sometimes it's called a lacing needle.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BCNGVWU?pc_redir=1396284092&robot_redir=1

Eco Flo Hi Lighter produces similar results.

Here is a video of the stuff in action.

It's an E294 stamping tool from Tandy.

http://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-E294-03-Stamping-66294-03/dp/B0045SKPVC

Any craft store is likely to carry leather cord. If you don't have anything local, it's available online from pretty much anywhere you'd buy beading or jewelry-making supplies. I'll bet the flat suede type (or something like this) would look great! There are a lot of different styles, textures, and colors available (braided, flat, round, etc).

Thanks again, I appreciate your time.

I'm assuming something like this should square me away then.

https://www.amazon.com/LEATHER-HIDES-VARIOUS-COLORS-Burgundy/dp/B00MVJ3D34/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487777476&sr=8-1&keywords=leather+material

That's a good idea. I'm thinking about something like this. Would make it super easy to replace them
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SJXKGBH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TF1sDbXJXB3WZ

Found them!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07SXV8MR2/ref=sspa_mw_detail_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1

these links right?

Ian Atkinson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke7QKV3QzxY

Amazon leather kit?

https://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Factory-Basic-55501-00/dp/B00G1M8EJU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1478752047&sr=8-3&keywords=leather+working+kit