Leather Newbie needs advice!

[former173rd]

Hello, I'm just getting into making leather items such as knife sheaths, axe covers, belts, etc. Very small time, as I'm working out of my basement. I've been told that my work is "passable...pretty good....etc". I'v got most of my needed tools for hand work, and a sewing machine is on tap.
My question is..how does one break into the leather craft world? I'm almost 70, so I don't have much time for "word of mouth" ...
Should I invest in advertising..look for a store to consign with, or what? I just don't want to screw up out the door!
Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.

[eveled]

You don’t have to advertise. Post your work on forums and people will be in touch.

Let’s see some pictures.

[Dinadan]

If you have something to sell, Ebay will give you access to a bigger range of customers than will any other venue.

[orvet]

I think it's advice is good, post some of your work in the forums and see what the response is that you get to it. You might even a few things for sale and post them in the knife trading forum.

I'm going to run an idea up the flagpole here and see if anybody salutes ...
How would you and anyone else reading this feel about a leather craft forum? For guys who make sheaths and want to show off how they do it so that other people could learn how to make their own, exactly like we have done in the knife repair forum.
New line
Would anyone be interested in a DIY sheath forum?

[Doc B]

I think it's advice is good, post some of your work in the forums and see what the response is that you get to it. You might even a few things for sale and post them in the knife trading forum.

I'm going to run an idea up the flagpole here and see if anybody salutes ...
How would you and anyone else reading this feel about a leather craft forum? For guys who make sheaths and want to show off how they do it so that other people could learn how to make their own, exactly like we have done in the knife repair forum.
New line
Would anyone be interested in a DIY sheath forum?

Good idea, Dale! I've seen a lot of nice sheaths, here, in the past...but trying to go and find them now, would be difficult. Searching "sheaths" will probably get you half of the posts, on AAPK...and most of those will be factory made.

[Doc B]

If you have something to sell, Ebay will give you access to a bigger range of customers than will any other venue.

I just bought my last one, searching leather sheaths, on Ebay. Found a guy out of Austin, that makes them. I think Ebay, can be a good way. With the "Buy it Now" feature...you don't have to worry about getting low bids, for your work.

[Steve Warden]

Heck, I don't make knives, but I do enjoy following those who do.
I'm sure I'd find myself doing the same on a leather "how-to" forum.

[former173rd]

Here's a couple sheaths, etc....only been at this for 4 months, so I'm definitely no expert!

[philco]

I think you work looks a lot better than just "passable". I'm impressed with what I see.

[former173rd]

Thank you, sir. Thats encouraging to hear!

[claywall]

Former173rd, go online to tandyleather.com and see if they still offer the following books:

ABC's of Leatherwork (by Tandycrafts, Inc.)
The Art of Making Leather Cases (by Al Stohlman)
Leatherwork Manual (by Al Stohlman, A. D. Patten and J. A. Wilson)

This will give you great information you can keep right at hand while progressing through sheath making, etc. Looks like you've already mastered the basics. Good luck.

[Paladin]

I think you work looks a lot better than just "passable". I'm impressed with what I see.

I am definitely siding up with Phil on this. They look very nice to me.

Ray

[former173rd]

thanks Claywall...I have the 2 you mentioned by Stohlman, and sevaral others I've found. There is absolutely no better learning experience than a screw up!

[former173rd]

I'm enroute to your store PALADIN....Thanks!

[eveled]

I like the leather forum idea.