(Part 2) Top products from r/Leathercraft

I started out with dog collars so a few specific things you will want. If you don't want to buy a leather strap cutter, you can make due with a framing square, adjustable T square, or just a long ruler, its a measure 10x scenario but its not too bad. You will want a really sharp knife for cutting, I use my skiving knife because I can sharpen it, but I have used exacto knives and a rotary cutter and done a decent job with them.

You will want punches! Hole punches are obvious for the holes the buckle will use, but even the ends of the strap a punch can save you a lot of time and effort. Doing curved cuts is trickier than it seems and when there is a matching side to emphasize imperfections and stitching to further complicate things, being able to just use a punch and have it right the first time is fantastic.

As for hardware, get Welded D rings. They are a little more expensive but I'd rather not have a Dring bend and a dog get loose. Like $14 on amazon for 50 of them. I used these buckles was the cheapest I could find that style.

Pricking irons/Diamond Chisels are a must have, they just make the long runs on collars so much easier. That and a good thread and needles. I tried crap thread and tiger thread...I now buy only tiger thread. Its just so much easier to work with and looks a lot better.

here is one of the ones I did for my girlfriends dog
https://imgur.com/a/2y23Rdr


Post I made earlier for someone else, I would invest in:

• diamond awl like this
  
• diamond chisel(only really need the 2 prong and 5-6 prong) I use these
  
• good braided poly thread like this
  
• good needles John James
  
• Good skiving knife this ones a good starter
  
• Wing dividers I bought these
  
• Edge beveler Like this
  
• You'll also want a leather condition(neatsfoot oil is what I use) and a finisher(resolene, beeswax, snoseal, etc)
  
• Contact cement(Dap weldwood) helps keep things together before you sew them
  
• Dye if you want certain colors
  
  For ~$100 bucks investment and you've got most of the stuff you'll need to make good looking stuff, then you just need to buy leather. I highly recommend picking a project, watching some videos on it and then if you need a new tool for it thats when you buy it. My biggest mistake thus far is thinking I could bypass buying a hole punch, the quality using a punch is so much higher than trying to do it by hand.
  
  As for skills. Look up Saddle stitching, easy to learn and hard to master. With those chisels it makes it really easy to get a good looking product with saddle stitching. Wetforming leather, helps make those sheaths, holsters, etc pop out at you. I like watching Nigel Armitage and Ian Atkinson on youtube, informative and you pick up little tips here and there.
  
  You'll also need to learn to keep your knife sharp! So project 1 if you invest is make a strop and get some jewlers rouge to polish that edge to a razor! If you're REALLY in a pinch and have no leather you can use the rouge on cardboard but it does not hold up well.

I’ve been slowly chipping away at this bench all summer and trying to figure out exactly how I want it set up, but I finally feel like I’m where I want it to be. In a couple weeks I’ll put together a layout/cut out table next to it covered in HDPE. If anyone is interested, I used [2x4basics 90164 Custom Work Bench and Shelving Storage System, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030T1BRE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8vsoDbPMPZ0B9](this setup on Amazon) to put the bench together. I highly recommend it and I know a few people do as well on this sub. Makes it easy breezy.

I probably got $100 in lumber into it as well, but I opted for a nicely finished piece of plywood for the top. I can’t imagine I have more than $175 -$200 into the whole thing.

Anyway I’m super happy about it.

The Seiwa irons are very nice, I use them and I like them, great value for the price. Bear in mind too that certain tools can be found elsewhere for non-"leather" specific use. I have this divider and it works great. As far as awls go, i recently upgraded to a Bob Douglas diamond awl and the difference is absolutely night and day, highly recommend it.

I'd recommend an edge beveler. It's one of my most-used tools - http://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Factory-Edge-Beveler/dp/B001QT4XA2/

I'll also recommend the Tandy Safety Skiver like others have said. - http://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Safety-3001-00-Replacement-3002-00/dp/B00IVS667Y/

Edit: You might think about finishing supplies you will want as well. Dye, neatsfoot oil, and I also like the Aussie Leather Conditioner. If you will be dyeing, spend good money on lambswool applicators, they are worth the money. I recommend the standard Fiebing's alcohol based dye over all others.

Hey everyone, I just joined reddit to ask for some help and my last post got auto-modded.

I am going to my first Slipknot show in September and decided I would make a mask for the show. I bought a (very basic) tool kit from amazon (linked below) and some veg tan leather (2.0 mm). The photo shows my progress so far. I plan on gluing the same red material I used to make the logo on the cutouts around the eyes and was also considering doing a spiral stitch(?) around the entire edge of the mask.

I have absolutely zero experience with leather and am not really sure about what to do to really set it off. I am okay with it looking pretty rudimentary (it wouldnt be very "metal" if it was flawless), but any tips you guys might have would be greatly appreciated. Especially regarding finishing edges, any sort of carving or design tips, etc.

The most important part for me now is the strap system and how to put something somewhat comfortable onto it.

​

Here's the tool kit: https://www.amazon.com/Leather-SIMPZIA-Stitching-Groover-Beginner/dp/B06XDMB7H5/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=leather+tools&qid=1565699793&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I actually prefer the Heavy Duty ones from Ohiotravelbag.com They also come sized instead of one size fits all.

This is the Baby one:

https://ohiotravelbag.com/T-1384/Baby+Cap+Jiffy+Rivet+Tool

Go to website and search "jiffy rivet tool" to see all the sizes.

Also get a Rivet anvil too to do double sided caps.

https://ohiotravelbag.com/T-1607/Eyelet+%26+Rivet+Anvil

I don't like the kits where you can do different ones by buying one kit. The Ohio Travel Bag setters are pretty heavy and easy to hold makes setting rivets smooth. I wish I was at my office and could take a picture of the good ones along side a cheap Tandy one. The good one is the circumference of a finger where the others are the crcumference of a pencil.

Like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Factory-Rivet-Setter/dp/B00N7SSICO/ref=asc_df_B00N7SSICO/

I love to tool, but wow is it hard. Pick up some of the Al Stohlman books on tooling. They are great.

I like to draw, but I bought a few books when I started and did some direct tracing for practice. I feel like planning out a carving is different from drawing, and having some reference to trace helped me figure out some of the ins and outs.

I'd say $50 may be a little pricey- maybe get one or two books to start and go from there?

Maybe western style isn't what you're into, but I can speak for the Al Stohlman books. How to carve leather has lots of patterns (flora AND fauna), great advice, tools used for each carving, and it's only $12 on amazon.

Here's a few books on my wish list, a lot of good resources seem to be in other languages.

Fashionary.org - this one looks the most promising, but deciding whether or not to buy this one
https://fashionary.org/collections/book/products/bag-design#

In Chinese, but seems to have a lot of photos. Not sure that it's my style, though
https://www.etsy.com/listing/237921159/hand-sewing-leather-bags-leather-craft?ref=related-2

Art et techniques du cuir -- just ordered this, I don't read French but hoping I can manage... I will post a review if this is any good
https://www.amazon.com/art-techniques-m%C3%A9tiers-du-cuir/dp/2851011383

Looks really sharp!

For burnishing, I've gotten lazy and bought a dremel attachment and I think the big slot on here should fit a 3/8" slab of leather?

I use a mix of Bees Wax and Gum Trag and then run over the edges, back and forth a few times to moosh the fibers together and smooth the edge.

As others have said though - anything that can provide a little bit of friction will work. It's easier if you wet the edge with something, and I think water will even work in a pinch.

Linked product note: I'm not shilling for amazon, or any specific product - just linking items that I've bought as examples :)

Congrats on the leatherworking! I'm almost done with my last 7/8oz side. I didn't think it'd be this fun :)

I bought these and they are WELL worth the price. Great quality, and have stayed super sharp after hundreds of uses. I've found 4mm spacing is a good middle-of-the-road spacing - perfectly fine for most things, but a bit too wide for really small projects.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016C7RLJC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Nice work!

To piggy back on /u/Zhaust, I use this wing divider. Super cheap and strong -

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EMKLKZM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Good question, and it pains me a bit that I have a small box of unused tools that were purchased when I began. I'm sure I missed a few things, but here you go:

• Lamp I love this thing, and it's silly how much it improved my craft.
  
• Utility knife (Stanley) with many replacement blades. I flip then toss these frequently.
  
• Shovel knife
  
• Beveler
  
• Burnishers
  
• Microfiber clothes
  
• Granite block
  
• Stitching pony (handmade and based upon http://www.instructables.com/id/3rd-Hand-Leather-Stitching-Clamp/)
  
• Awl
  
• Diamond Awl
  
• Wing Divider
  
• Pliers
  
• Craft scissors
  
• Thread snips
  
• Bone folder
  
• Mallet
  
• Cobbler hammer
  
• Ruler
  
• Cutting mat
  
• Detail brushes
  
• Needles
  
• Tokonole
  
• Glue
  
• Glue brushes
  
• 50/50 neatsfoot oil and beeswax (double-boiled)
  
• Heat gun
  
• Ritza Tiger thread
  
• Chisels I use these as pricking irons because they leave a massive hole
  
• Dremel
  
• Bulldog clips
  
  If links weren't provided then I already had the item.

Thanks for the interest. I used 2-3oz economy leather from Tandy Leather. Here's the list of tools I used:

• Swivel Knife
  
• Nylon Mallet - I have the Al Strohman version, got on sale.
  
• Beveler Stamp - Perimeter edge
  
• Background Stamp
  
• Wing Divider - to mark stitching line
  
• Hole Punch
  
  Finished with:
  
• Saddle Tan Antique Gel
  
• Neatsfoot oil to soften
  
• Tan-Kote to seal/protect the leather
  
  Hope this helps

Just today I bought some materials, I bought a cheap cutting board, a small and large metal ruler, a leather sewing kit from amazon, a 12"x12" of 4oz, and 12"x12" of 2oz.

For my first attempt, I'm going to omit the ID window and add another two slots for cards. Once I somewhat know what I'm doing I'm going to go for the ID slot. I should get all the materials in about a week or so. I'll keep you updated. I've seen some videos on how to clean up the edges once finished, I'm ot quite sure what tools I'll need for that. Some videos looked like almost a soldering iron, some looked like they used some sort of wheel.

Awesome, thanks!

I have the same sort of grover, but I haven't used it yet (just used the beveling attachment). I should try that next time instead of the wing divider! I assume it just takes out a small little trough of leather for the stitches to go in. Would that also work with softer leather like horween CXL?

Also, the metal bar that slides inside of the groover on my doesn't seem fixed in place, it slides around. Can you tighten it down so that it stays in a fixed place and gives you a grove a set distance from the edge? I have this one.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OHAHICM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Sure, some of the general shops that comes to mind:

• schmedt24.de
  
  
• dictum.com
  
  
• lederhaus.de
  
  
• ds-leder.de
  
  
• Deco cuir
  
  
• Cuir textile crea
  
  
• Mando
  
  
• leatherhouse.eu
  
  For learning I would advise to look for Valerie Michael book and this one https://www.amazon.fr/Art-techniques-cuir-harnachement-maroquinerie/dp/2851011383
  
  Good luck!

I recently got into leatherworking too. I was kind of in the same boat as you looking at tools. I found this kit on Amazon it took about 3 weeks to reach me in the states. No guarantee that these are the best tools but so far they have worked well for me!

I recognize the value of good tools but I'm taking an introductory leatherwork course and although it's really interesting I don't know whether I'll be pursuing this craft anytime soon. The classroom has a skiving machine but only the teacher can use it. Would an inexpensive knife work or would it be uncomfortable or even dangerous? I saw these two on Amazon. Please bear in mind I'm one of the least dexterous people you'll ever meet.

​

https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Leathercraft-Cutting-Skiving-Accessories/dp/B01N9HDKEA/ref=sr_1_4?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1540603103&sr=1-4&keywords=skiving+knife

​

https://www.amazon.com/Safety-Skiver-3001-00-Replacement-3002-00/dp/B00IVS667Y/ref=sr_1_6?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1540603103&sr=1-6&keywords=skiving+knife

Gonna need a few more details and pictures if possible.

1. What's the brand of leather cleaner? Leathers are not made equal and cleaners are formulated for different types. Just because it worked on a leather couch doesn't mean it's going to be ideal or even suitable for a shoe.
   
   
2. What's the shoe made out of? Leather oxfords can be made with lots of different types and require different care. Upholstery leather is very different from belt leather.
   
   
3. What's the extent of the cracking and damage. Smell isn't as big of a concern right now, that'll dissipate. The smell might have been caused by a chemical reaction with oils in the leather and leather cleaner. My concern would be visual damage and internal breakdown of the leather.
   
   Any oil or product you add will darken the leather, but that's just how it is. What I recommend for most things is Saddle Soap and Skidmore's Leather cream, but there's a lot of products out there, and even those might not be ideal for you.

I store and sell wallets in their own kraft paper box. They are super cheap and look relatively professional.

https://www.amazon.com/Cotton-Filled-Kraft-Jewelry-Retail/dp/B005XR456K/ref=sxts_k2p_hero1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2668834182&pd_rd_wg=aGdkP&pf_rd_r=5JWE2JVFN1T1TSD6JA4Q&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B005XR456K&pd_rd_w=G7Y2w&pf_rd_i=kraft+box&pd_rd_r=1GM9SF71K8Q7TKPV7BW1&ie=UTF8&qid=1479217496&sr=1

Actually, it wasn't that bad. Unless you're painting HUGE sections of leather, the bottles will last a long time. I ordered this set from Amazon.

I agree about the proedgeburnishers. They come off centered a lot. I got them replaced, but they're still off, the groove isn't deep enough, widths are wider than they advertise, and the bit is just too big. It makes it unstable for a Dremel.

If you find an decent priced one, let me know!

I actually ended up buying this onethis one off Amazon. It's a bit off center too, but it's grooves and size are much nicer. I ended up being to fiddle with the placement and get it to be mostly centered.

Yeah the Tandy #2 takes off too much unless you are working on like 6oz or thicker. Worked fine on some 8oz

Here is an edge beveler like mine. Mine just came in one of those kits of basic (most of it was junk) kits of leather tools.

This one does the job, but will be upgrading it asap.

7 in 1 Adjustable Pro Stitching Groover and Creasing Edge Beveler Leathercraft Sets to Sew & Crease Leather https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OHAHICM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_grqACbWMTQX45





Here's a look at assembly and such

Foldover wallet https://imgur.com/gallery/OKTX59t

It is way better than any thing I’ve used so far!
Amazon link for Barge

Eh, but I haven’t really found anything else that will top it.

It looks like this is the same kit on amazon for a couple dollars more. The reviews appear to be mixed.

I'm still very much a beginner, but I have spent some time at my local Tandy store, and they have a lot of this type of equipment out and available to test.

So maybe buy the cheap one from amazon, test it out, go to your nearest Tandy store and test theirs and draw some conclusions? This may not give you a great idea of the relative durability of the two products but it's a start. And I've had a lot of luck with the return policies on Amazon. I know $120 is a big ask to spend on an experiment, but it's Prime eligible so if it sucks you should be able to get your money back.

Yes, this was hot foil embossed.

Hot Foil Stamping Machine:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B076DYGRSM?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Gold Foil:
https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/heat-imprint-foil-1-1-2-x-66-yds-37-mm-x-60-m-gold

Brass Stamp:
https://lwleathers.com/collections/leather-stamps-and-leather-stamping-tools/products/leather-stamp-with-heat-embosser-for-leather-stamping

I originally used the soldering iron that came with the brass stamp from LW Custom Works. The bolt that was used happened to work out perfectly for the Stamping Machine I purchased later. I believe it's a 4mm tapped hole but I'm not positive.

They're HD injection molded plastic legs that allow you to make your own bench any size you like-- best $70 I've ever spent on a bench.

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

Here is the mobile version of your link

In your opinion, would this product work?

​

https://www.amazon.ca/Fiebings-Acrylic-Resolene-Finish-Neutral/dp/B008ROOKIO/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=leather+finish+acrylic&psc=1&qid=1572368124&sr=8-1

If I am having issues with color bleeding or transfer, I will apply some Resolene to the products.

I will dilute it 1:1 with water and apply with a blue shop towel. Apply a coat, let it dry for about and hour and reapply a second coat.

I got you fam. Tandy won’t ship it due to the UPS ground cost. (Federal law barge cement can’t ship air) but amazon.com will ship it though!

The set you have is for snaps. This is what you need for the rivets.

Amazon.com: Tandy Leather Factory Rivet Setter Plus Anvil Set
https://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Factory-Rivet-Setter/dp/B00N7SSICO

Eco Flo Hi Lighter produces similar results.

Here is a video of the stuff in action.

Unfortunately, my Canadian counterpart isn't as great a deal. Individual 1oz bottles are $20 apiece, on Amazon at least.

Try some water and hard hard scrubbing with a rag first. If that doesn't work, use a little bit of dish soap diluted in water and more scrubbing. Lexol or some other leather cleaner would be the next option. Saddle Soap would be another step up.

If saddle soap doesn't get the stains out we will have to talk about going nuclear with something like renomat. Stuff this powerful really is harmful to the overall finish of the shoes.

If you aren't in the mood to damage your shoes, go with a dark polish to darken everything to the same color as the blemish.