sheath crafting fun

I use a saddle stiching machine, I'm lazy. I also like to use a just about worn out belt on the sander to get the edges nice and even, don't push it though you can burn the edge. For finishing i use a piece of denim and saliva and polish by hand the old saddle maker that taught me leather work insisted that it gave a better finish.
 
I also keep a worn out and packed belt for edge finishing. When I learned that trick, my edges immediately jumped 500% in looks and finish quality. And more often than not, I just use a heavy belt to do semi-final edge shaping after glue up. That way I have the actual edge to run my lines off for stitching grooves and drill marks.

Most everything I have learned that make my leather look anything beyond total beginner, was learned right here (and at 1911forums). Thank you for sharing your work.
 
Nice work guys! Keep it up.

The saddle stitcher Tandy sells is a Tippmann Boos IIRC and I had one for a while about 10 years ago after I got tired of manual stitching. In my opinion that machine has probably been responsible for chasing just as many people away from leatherworking as it has helped. They can be dialed in to do decent work for sure but also can be cranky getting to that point and when you need to make changes. Many times when I just needed to get something done I would use it to punch spaced holes then hand stitch.

I went with a Cowboy stitcher from Neel's Saddlery and have never looked back. They are pricey but mine has been running like a champ for 9 years now. The presser foot will take almost a full inch stack of leather which is handy since most of my larger sheaths are made from 3-4 layers of 12-14 oz leather.

Stitcher.JPG
 
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