Exotics

M

mt_hangglider

Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
312
Figured I'd share a couple of photos with you guys. I've been doing some self taught leather work for a couple of months now. Got into it initially to be able to make my own knife sheaths without having to wait and pay someone else to do it. It has turned into a very enjoyable night and weekend hobby. Anyway, we had a big leather trade show where I live last week and I was able to pick up some exotic hides I'd been wanting. One of the more interesting is Cape Buffalo. I sat down and made myself a 1911 mag holster and a matching belt sheath for my Ferrum Forge Mini Radeon out of it this past weekend.

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Looks like you ran into Jerry VanAmburg. That sure looks like his stock of the Cape Buffalo;

Nice leather work, my friend.

Paul
 
Hey thanks Paul! I appreciate the kind words. Yep, the Gator, Shark and Cape Buffalo all came from Jerry :). This was the big leather show in Sheridan, Wyoming (my home town). I even saw Bob Dozier had a knife booth there which was surprising for such a big name in the custom knife world. I resisted the temptation to buy a Tippmann sewing machine too...I'll have to stick to hand stitching for now.

sheathmaker said:
Looks like you ran into Jerry VanAmburg. That sure looks like his stock of the Cape Buffalo;

Nice leather work, my friend.

Paul
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I find Jerry's web presence difficult to navigate. Does he carry a large supply? Maybe the phone is better?

Nice work btw. I love me some exotics and that's some good lookin stuff. :)
 
Omega Leather Works said:
I find Jerry's web presence difficult to navigate. Does he carry a large supply? Maybe the phone is better?

Nice work btw. I love me some exotics and that's some good lookin stuff. :)
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Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, I don't think Jerry keeps his website up to date. At the show, he had just about every exotic you can imagine in just about every color you would want. I would definitely suggest talking to him via phone. He's a great guy to deal with and very fair on his prices.
 
mt_hangglider said:
Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, I don't think Jerry keeps his website up to date. At the show, he had just about every exotic you can imagine in just about every color you would want. I would definitely suggest talking to him via phone. He's a great guy to deal with and very fair on his prices.
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Thanks for the suggestion and recommendation. I believe I first started looking at Jerry's website because Paul mentioned him a while back. Always nice to get supplies from vendors that we can suggest to each other based on positive experiences. [emoji106]
 
Yep! VanAmburg, we found him many years ago from my mentors Sandy Morissey and Dave Cole. We finally met him at Blade 08 and ended up talking for over and hour. He is a hoot!!

And yes, its best to talk with them via phone. I just received two more ray skins a few days ago and as usual I am not disappointed. He only carries the best and has some of the best pricing out there. Ask about remnants and seconds if your interested in something small. He sometimes has it, sometimes not, its best to check with them often.
 
I like your cape buffalo, and appreciate the lead on another source for exotics at the same time! Get orders for a lot of elephant gear but shark is by far my favorite both in look and working with.
 
If you have trouble getting elephant, the cape buffalo is a fantastic alternative. Pretty much the same look and feel and no issues with import and export.

I agree on shark, I love that stuff! It varies so much in look and feel. Very cool stuff.
 
What kind of thread and needle should I use for hand stitching the buf or elephant?
I spoke with Alice today about the buf and elephant. Nice to talk with, she let me know that prices vary that's why they are not posted on the website. Croc and gator are expensive! wow.
 
leatherman said:
If you have trouble getting elephant, the cape buffalo is a fantastic alternative. Pretty much the same look and feel and no issues with import and export.

I agree on shark, I love that stuff! It varies so much in look and feel. Very cool stuff.
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No trouble here in MS - I do a fair amount of elephant gear in belts especially, hard to get shark hides big enough for a 1 pc belt but I wish I could. The elephant is spongy enough it is an art to get a good burnish on it. Much prefer the density & minimal bulk of the shark while still being tough as nails. Your right in that each hide has a totally different look and feel.

I've been impressed by the use of beaver tail from a few maker but none of the usual exotic suppliers seem to carry it when I call and ask. It has a very unique look and imagine the price isn't too bad either.
 
Eaglestroker, Sheridan Leather Supply has beavertail. Its not too expensive. Very nice work OP. Someday we go to the Sheridan show.
 
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