Stamp tool substitute ideas

[schmittie]

I've made several sheaths but have not yet attempted any kind of stamping. Although I appreciate and admire a well done stamped project, like a basket weave for example, I find there is something appealing in a more random pattern. In my research, I've read of others that have used a ball pein hammer or even a 16p nail with the tip rounded to achieve a different kind of look. (Oeser's sheaths come to mind)


What would you recommend for a substitute?

 

[Omega Leather Works]

I've heard of some getting a nice texture from a very low grit paper. Just make sure that the abrasive doesn't shed into the leather.

Outside of that, if you have a belt grinder, or dremel and some needle files, you can do your own makers mark. A basket weave would be too time consuming for me, but you might be able to grind a cool geometric stamp.

As for materials to make them from, I had a stainless handle that I made my makers mark from, a lot of guys use a stainless carriage bolt. A nail would work for a very small and shallow stamp.

I also have a wood burning kit, but haven't been able to really use it yet and I guess that's not home made.

I'll post other ideas if they come to me.

Edit- oh, and remember that some steels can change the color of your leather (especially when wet) so practice before using your stamp on a nearly finished piece.

 

[schmittie]

Thanks for the response. I think I am using the wrong terminology though. I'm looking to add texture to the leather, not create a makers mark stamp. I guess I'm talking about tooling not stamping. Sorry.

Could I get this kind of texture to leather with a course grit sandpaper??

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Nah, you were fine, I was just sharing what I've done.

They do make stamps that feature random divots and crags for stamping texture. Bonafide uses a pear shader to do the texture on those arrow head neckers.

As for the textures on the pictured sheath, I'm not sure. I've thought about drilling divots into a small block of steel to see what that might look like (pebbles I'd guess) but haven't found the time.

I've also asked a couple of leather workers about their methods, but for understandable reasons, have wanted to keep that to themselves. Those makers weren't here at BF for the record.

If I come across anything I'll let you know.