Leather Newbie needs advice!
- former173rd
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2017 9:11 pm
Leather Newbie needs advice!
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.
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.
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
You don’t have to advertise. Post your work on forums and people will be in touch.
Let’s see some pictures.
Let’s see some pictures.
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
If you have something to sell, Ebay will give you access to a bigger range of customers than will any other venue.
Mel
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
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?
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?
Dale
AAPK Administrator
Please visit my AAPK store: www.allaboutpocketknives.com/orvet
Job 13:15
"Buy more ammo!" - Johnnie Fain
“Evil is Powerless If The Good are Unafraid.” – Ronald Reagan
AAPK Administrator
Please visit my AAPK store: www.allaboutpocketknives.com/orvet
Job 13:15
"Buy more ammo!" - Johnnie Fain
“Evil is Powerless If The Good are Unafraid.” – Ronald Reagan
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
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.orvet wrote: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?
Heretical Refurb / Mods of cheap old folders, since late 2018
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
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.Dinadan wrote:If you have something to sell, Ebay will give you access to a bigger range of customers than will any other venue.
Heretical Refurb / Mods of cheap old folders, since late 2018
- Steve Warden
- Posts: 6322
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Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
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.
I'm sure I'd find myself doing the same on a leather "how-to" forum.
Take care and God bless,
Steve
TSgt USAF, Retired
1980-2000
But any knife is better than no knife! ~ Mumbleypeg (aka Ken)
Steve
TSgt USAF, Retired
1980-2000
But any knife is better than no knife! ~ Mumbleypeg (aka Ken)
- former173rd
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2017 9:11 pm
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
Here's a couple sheaths, etc....only been at this for 4 months, so I'm definitely no expert!
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
I think you work looks a lot better than just "passable". I'm impressed with what I see.
Phil
AAPK Administrator
Jesus died for you. Are you living for Him?
"Buy More Ammo!"
Johnnie Fain 1949-2009
AAPK Administrator
Jesus died for you. Are you living for Him?
"Buy More Ammo!"
Johnnie Fain 1949-2009
- former173rd
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2017 9:11 pm
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
Thank you, sir. Thats encouraging to hear!
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
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.
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
- Bronze Tier
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Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
I am definitely siding up with Phil on this. They look very nice to me.philco wrote:I think you work looks a lot better than just "passable". I'm impressed with what I see.
Ray
Paladin
God Bless the USA
Please visit my store SWEETWATER KNIVES
"Buy more ammo" - Johnnie Fain
"I'm glad I ain't scared to be lazy." Augustus McCrae
God Bless the USA
Please visit my store SWEETWATER KNIVES
"Buy more ammo" - Johnnie Fain
"I'm glad I ain't scared to be lazy." Augustus McCrae
- former173rd
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2017 9:11 pm
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
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
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2017 9:11 pm
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
I'm enroute to your store PALADIN....Thanks!
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
I like the leather forum idea.
- XX Case XX
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Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
Those sure look good to me. Way better than a lot of other stuff I've seen.former173rd wrote: I've been told that my work is "passable...pretty good....etc".
_____________
Mike
"If there are no Dogs in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went". Will Rogers
I work hard so my Dog can have a better life...
I work hard so my Dog can have a better life...
- former173rd
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Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
Thanks Mike.....all this praise, I may have trouble sleeping tonite.
"I think Congressmen should wear uniforms,
you know, like NASCAR drivers, so we could
identify their corporate sponsors."
"I think Congressmen should wear uniforms,
you know, like NASCAR drivers, so we could
identify their corporate sponsors."
- Steve Warden
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Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
Looks like fine work to me
Take care and God bless,
Steve
TSgt USAF, Retired
1980-2000
But any knife is better than no knife! ~ Mumbleypeg (aka Ken)
Steve
TSgt USAF, Retired
1980-2000
But any knife is better than no knife! ~ Mumbleypeg (aka Ken)
- former173rd
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2017 9:11 pm
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
If someone does start a Leather Craft Forum, would it be a place to discuss stuff or like a classified venue?
I'd be on board to "peddle my wares" there!
I'd be on board to "peddle my wares" there!
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
I sent the idea to Bryan, I don't think he will have a problem with it.
We just need to wait until he gets time to make the new forum.
We just need to wait until he gets time to make the new forum.
Dale
AAPK Administrator
Please visit my AAPK store: www.allaboutpocketknives.com/orvet
Job 13:15
"Buy more ammo!" - Johnnie Fain
“Evil is Powerless If The Good are Unafraid.” – Ronald Reagan
AAPK Administrator
Please visit my AAPK store: www.allaboutpocketknives.com/orvet
Job 13:15
"Buy more ammo!" - Johnnie Fain
“Evil is Powerless If The Good are Unafraid.” – Ronald Reagan
- former173rd
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2017 9:11 pm
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
Thank you both!
- 1967redrider
- Gold Tier
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Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
Excellent work!
That throwing knife sheath is spectacular.
That throwing knife sheath is spectacular.
Pocket, fixed, machete, axe, it's all good!
You're going to look awfully silly with that knife sticking out of your @#$. -Clint Eastwood, High Plains Drifter
You're going to look awfully silly with that knife sticking out of your @#$. -Clint Eastwood, High Plains Drifter
- former173rd
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2017 9:11 pm
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
1967redrider...Thank you sir..a friend wants to take it to a Rendezvous next weekend! hate to see it go as its my first Randall knife.
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
"Great idea". I love leather work and would love a leather forum.orvet wrote: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?
Re: Leather Newbie needs advice!
That is great work, for someone who has only been into it for 4 months, well done.former173rd wrote:Here's a couple sheaths, etc....only been at this for 4 months, so I'm definitely no expert!