Thread: Playing with leather

Just have to add a belt loop on the back which will just be a square bolted at the corners with those Chicago screws so will be able to carry vertical or horizontal .
In my usual preferred patchy colour finish my daughter has named 'bark camo' , which suits...done using Black dye

Looks good mate.How do you do your "bark camo"?. Are you dabbing black dye over brown?

Sent from my SM-G525F using Tapatalk

Some nice work done here. Im looking of a sheath for the wifes bark river fox featherweight. The Barkriver sheaths are pretty average and it wont hold securely Any one interested in a job? drop me a PM
Cheers

nah ... all black dye . Just dab it on with a brush or rag in random splotches in camo-ish pattern , so a few random splatters first then leave a minute or two , then another bunch of random splatters and so on until covered whole surface area in what looks like an evenish coat. Then leave for half hr or so then hit with a rag and beeswax and rub the bejeezus out of it which removes a large amount of dye but ends up with a brown background colour and the patches that got hit with more random splotches than others come up a darker/black shade . Depending on how many layers of dye were dabbed on any particular part and how long it dried for gives a splotchier or darker finish . The belt loop I did last night on the back of that sheath I just painted the dye on and left several hours which gave an even almost black finish - not worried about camo finish as can't see it anyway . You can give it a slightly different camo look by applying the dye in brushstrokes rather than dabs but the same procedure , gives a more brushed look rather than camo splotches .
The earlier double sheaths were done the same way but only gave it 5 mins before waxing which gave a lot lighter colour finish and less splotchy but left black in the creases in the leather grain rather than camo like splotches . The sleeve was done with same dye but left a couple of hours before waxing so darker and more even in colour finish .
Does that make any sense @hunter Al.7mm08 ?

Yep makes perfect sense. I have had a few pieces of leather (mostly older stuff) that won't dye evenly so thinking your camo technique might solve that issue

Sent from my SM-G525F using Tapatalk

I just prefer a more , say , organic look rather than a perfect colour . Leather , in my opinion should look old or used or rustic .

Hey fellas, firstly let me say, wow. Your work is just stunning! True craftsman! Appreciate using what you have lying around. Specially the magic spoons! Thoroughly enjoyed reading it all!

Quick question. What thickness leather were you guys working with? I would love to start making some and wondering where to start!

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I used to use 3 to 3.5mm veggie tanned russet.

Sent from my SM-G996B using Tapatalk

Same as HNTMAD 3.5mm vegtan for knife sheaths. Although I find thinner leather easier to mold for pocket knife pouches etc. Tried some Buffalo but not the easiest to work with, can't wet mold or carve it but seems very durable.

Sent from my SM-G525F using Tapatalk

Just like the huntmad and Hunter I also use the same . I believe if you want to wet mold that needs to be the leather used .

I just wanted to share a sheath I have finished off yesterday, made from 9oz 3.5mm vege tanned leather, finished with mink oil and tan-coat and looking forward to the natural leather developing a patina overtime.

Nice work @S.E.G ,looks like a good fit. What tool did you use to set the rivets on the belt loop?

Sent from my SM-G525F using Tapatalk

Very nice @S.E.G

Sent from my SM-G996B using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by hunter Al.7mm08

Nice work @S.E.G ,looks like a good fit. What tool did you use to set the rivets on the belt loop?

Sent from my SM-G525F using Tapatalk

I use a couple of punches I made, first one sets the washer on the rivet, once the rivet is trimmed to length and the second is used to expand the rivet and radius the end

Originally Posted by S.E.G

I use a couple of punches I made, first one sets the washer on the rivet, once the rivet is trimmed to length and the second is used to expand the rivet and radius the end

Ahh...I see. I have just been using a small ball peen hammer, it works but not the most professional finish. I will have to make myself a punch I think.
cheers

Sent from my SM-G525F using Tapatalk