Are these tools ok to start with?

B

Brian.Evans

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I'm finally ordering my first equipment to start making sheaths for some of my knives. Anything else I need other than the following? I'm looking at getting a single shoulder of 7-8 oz from a reputable online dealer (not sure if they are a sponsor here.) I want to make sure I have all my bases covered.

Linen Waxed Thread Black 50yd
EZ Thread Needle 10pk
Overstitcher Set Size 5,6,7
Adjustable Stitching Groover
Craftool Edge Beveler #2
8 inch Round Bone Creaser

I guess I need to add a dye and an edge treatment. Opinions on that?

Hopefully you guys can straighten a new guy out. I've looked for used leather gear to save money, but it seems there's not a lot out there.
 
Here's a couple of thoughts for you:
Leather-RJF Leather, Roger Folmar 607-742-8969 Top quality, very consistant, very good price, fast shipping. I average 3-5 double shoulders a month from Roger and have never been disappointed. I do order the #2 grade for a little price savings.

Thread-Might suggest using a waxed nylon rather than linen, unless you're looking for a "period correct" product. The linen is fine, but it will break much easier when pulling tight.

Dye-Fiebings in the colors of your choice. I use Tan-Kote as a finish, but Bag-Kote, Atom Wax, etc. do a fine job. If you want high shine, Super Sheen will work. I finish the edges with a darker dye and then Tan-Kote to seal and rub out while still damp for a smooth finished look.

Cutting tool-Utility knife with extra razor blades

Contact cement-I use Dap's Weldwood in both the regular and the low VAC (green can), Barge's Contact Cement
 
Thanks Rick. So everything else looks ok? I hate to buy something I don't need, but if hate to need something and not have it. I'd just like to smooth the learning curve add much as possible.
 
Looks pretty good. Here's a couple more things to pick up:
Skiver-Use it to thin the leather on belt loop ends, on the edge of the throat, welt end, etc. DO NOT get the Tandy Easy Skiver (looks like a potato peeler) it does not work! Tandy carries one that uses a small single edge razor blade and costs about $3 with some extra blades.

Band-Aids- Use on your little fingers when pulling thread.:D I bought golf gloves several years ago and found them to be super in protecting your fingers when sewing. Just get the least expensive in right and left hand.
 
Rick Lowe said:
Looks pretty good. Here's a couple more things to pick up:
Skiver-Use it to thin the leather on belt loop ends, on the edge of the throat, welt end, etc. DO NOT get the Tandy Easy Skiver (looks like a potato peeler) it does not work! Tandy carries one that uses a small single edge razor blade and costs about $3 with some extra blades.

Band-Aids- Use on your little fingers when pulling thread.:D I bought golf gloves several years ago and found them to be super in protecting your fingers when sewing. Just get the least expensive in right and left hand.
Click to expand...
I second that! lol
 
How hard are we to pull on the threads? Bandaids got me thining that I'm not making my stiches tight enough.
 
I pull them pretty hard, hard enough that they tend to slip in the fingers. That's the reason for needing some kind of protection. Pulling hard sets the stitch and makes it look good, too.
 
Yeah I tried bandaids today. What a difference they make in comfort and "pull power". I feel that I don't pull as hard but the stitch is seated much better..
 
Years back I took some light garment leather and made sleeves to just fit over the knuckle of my little fingers. Sewed them so they would slip on and off easily. Worked even better than the bandaids and lasted to this day through a great number of hand sewing. Still like the golf gloves better.
 
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