Paul Long: The Master teaching masters

Most of us will recall the recent threads on suggesting moderators for this particular subforum. Seems to me whenever some "moderating" looks like it needs to be done, Mr Long seems to step up with a comment or two that every side in an argument usually can respect, lessening the need for a moderator. That says alot for the man, and the respect he is given by virtually all of us.

Oh, and his leather ain't too shabby, neither.:D

Bob
 
Great thread and Great opportunity! I was lucky enough to make a quick stop at Paul's shop a few years ago. Not a nicer guy out there, and his sheaths are pretty good too! ;)

Thanks for sharing the photos!
 
I think Paul knows all the tricks to sheath making, if he doesn't he sure fooled me...:rolleyes::D

And I'll be picking up the CD's just to learn a few of those tricks....:thumbup::cool:

cool thread. :cool:
 
Great post, thanks for sharing!
I always wanted to learn how to make my own leather sheaths for my knives.
And Paul Long's DVDs should be the perfect introduction! :)
 
I love this thread!

Ron Newton is recognized as one of the very best. Jimmy Chin, though a bit behind in public awareness maybe, is obviously producing absolutely beautiful work as well. And yet both of them are committed to learning more and getting better! For me, this is what it's all about.

Respect to both of you, and thank you for sharing.
 
Great thread guys. It's good seeing experts in their field still applying themselves to the craft.

Paul, that's one nice shop.
 
Ron,

When you told me while in Little Rock that the two of you would be visiting Paul for some instruction in leather working I knew that he would be an excellant instructor & host. I can't remember the last time that I saw him when he wasn't smiling and obviously a master at his craft.

Paul,

Is the line shaft in the one photo out of an old shoe repair shop? Maybe I'm showing my age but it reminds me of my youth when every neighborhood had such a shop for when you needed new soles & heels.

Very enjoyable. Thanks for letting us share in the trip.

Gary
 
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Gary Mulkey said:
Ron,


Paul,

Is the line shaft in the one photo out of an old shoe repair shop? Maybe I'm showing my age but it reminds me of my youth when every neighborhood had such a shop for when you needed new soles & heels.
Gary
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Gary it is an old USMC brand machine which by coincidence was used by the United State Marine Corp. for shoe repair circa WW II or shortly thereafter.

I picked up the line unit about 15 years ago for $50 and add a used Clothes Dryer motor for another $30 and it has been serving me very well for edge finishing etc. since. I call it a "3 holer" as it has three stations usable on that short shaft. 50 grit for initial hogging off material, then 100 grit for a finer finish and then a leather burnisher. I also have a smaller rotary wheel with 220 grit, then I finish with 320 and 400 by hand.

Paul
 
RonNewton said:
8533582277_0aaa464b52_b.jpg
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Mr. Long, can you explain what you are doing in this picture with the hair dryer? Looks like I need to buy some DVD's in the future.
 
Jason Wilder: I am drying the rolled top of the lining prior to running a stitch line across the sheath just below it. The dryer can accomplish in just a few minutes what would otherwise take from 1/2 to one hour. In later steps of assembly it also stiffens the leather just the right amount so the sheath is not soft and floppy. This is covered in one or more of the DVDs.

Paul
 
Ron, great thread and i am also born and raised in Dallas, TX. Even though I live in California now I still drive to Tomball, TX to visit my sister. I would like to know if it was a special request to visit Paul's shop or is by appointment. Paul does amazing work! Great pictures also.:thumbup:
 
J&G Designs, I will answer your question to Ron. It was both by special request, several times AND by appointment with two failed attempts (my fault) before it finally became a reality. Ron and Jimmy made their first request prior to Blade 2012. I do not regularly consider one on one sessions and when I rarely do it is generally for no more than one day.

Paul
 
sheathmaker said:
J&G Designs, I will answer your question to Ron. It was both by special request, several times AND by appointment with two failed attempts (my fault) before it finally became a reality. Ron and Jimmy made their first request prior to Blade 2012. I do not regularly consider one on one sessions and when I rarely do it is generally for no more than one day.

Paul
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Paul, that's really great of you to take the time to show people in person your work. :thumbup: Maybe one day when I'm driving through i can steal an hour;) can't wait to see what you have coming up next.
 
Ron and Jim, You are really lucky! Well'done. Paul: your DVD are really great and clear.
Thanks a lot for your kindness learning us how to do a good leather job.
 
Paul, good to see you still doing hands-on training.....I know my time spent with you (and your CDs!) was PRICELESS!
I'll swing by with some cookies next time I'm in your neck of the woods.
later dude,
Mark
 
Looks like an interesting day at the shop!

I have all of Mr. Longs DVD's. I am not articulate enough for a good review, but I must say they all are very well done.

I was a full time instructor for nearly a decade and have sat in on my fair share of instruction. Mr. Long is on top of his craft and conveys the information very well. The DVD's are a great resource and a must have to learn sheath craft. Bravo & thanks very good stuff!

Steve
------------
W.F. Moran Jr. Museum & Foundation
 
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