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BaldingEagle

BaldingEagle

Joined
Feb 16, 2010
Messages
810
Ok....BK2 pass-around project done and off to Thrillbilly. Got 2 new high end leather stamps in the mail today and am needing a project to try them out on. Not sure what it will be though.
Cheers
Balding
 
What are the stamps? I really wanna see a Potbelly in moo pants. I'm sure C_tanner would too....
 
So, I take it you took our sage advice, and are going to start the sheath making business?
 
Can we see an example of the patterns? Also, given that quote, you must certainly know where your towel is. ;)
 
Kabarcamper
One is a small rope weave border stamp and a really nice basket weave stamp using double rope. They are nice!!!!!
Balding
 
Here are the new stamps. These are on a piece of scrap leather and the first time I have used them. It takes me a good deal of practice to get the spacing correct on new stamps.
The rope border stamp
DSC_00033.jpg
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The double rope basket weave
DSC_00024.jpg
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These are hand ground stamps are way nicer than my photo skills. Hope you can at least a good view of the patterns.
Balding
 
Warrior,
Yes, I am going to take on a few select custom orders. I'm just one guy with a full time job, so can only work on one piece at a time (when time allows)
Thanks for asking........and your sage advice!
Balding
 
Well, judging by the looks of that sheath you posted, you aren't going to have any trouble selling them.
 
Thanks Warrior,
I am struggling with a lot of "business" decisions. Not the least of which is determining a fair price. If I charged a nominal $5.00 an hour, the price would still be outragous given the amount of time I put into my work (not even including the planning and pattern drawing). And I can make way more than that mashing burgers at Micky D's.
Deeply confused
Balding
 
I hear ya. When I do something, I'm a picky bastard. Usually takes me too much time to do some things. Wouldn't be worth my time.
 
DerekH
I have been called dumb and stupid (almost daily by my wife) but I don't get the towel thing.
Balding
 
I hear ya as well. I'm thinking about taking the plunge to help fund my hobby, and I already know for a fact I'll be charging under standard market price for similar blades. If you're just starting out in the hobbyist realm, you may consider that you're not really in it for a profit, and that really you're just doing it to have fun and help your fellow 'Heads out, and if you can get someone to help fund what you'd be doing anyways, then that's all you really need at this point.

However, if you're thinking it should be a viable side business for you, then begin as you mean to continue. You might browse around the exchange and see what moo pants are going for. Bear in mind that as you get more done, the speed will probably increase. It used to take me days to get the rough grind done on a knife. Now I can do it in an afternoon. Finishing still takes a long time, but you may end up finding faster ways to get them done.

-edit-

By the towel thing, he was referring to "taking the plunge."
 
Crimsonfalcon
More sage advice..I was thinking along those exact same lines regarding keeping it as a hobby. I'm thinking that if I can just recover my material cost plus a little, then I can at least make enough to support the hobby. So far, it's all been out of pocket. Plus, I really like the quality of the hand ground stamps and they are pretty pricy! Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it! And even when you explained the towel thing it took me a few seconds to get it. Maybe my wife has been right all these years! But I would never let her know that.
Thanks
Balding
 
I'm not sure I could figure out a way to do one here and there and have it be profitable considering the inventory you need to keep on hand. Your not really working by the hour but by the job. Best thing would be to shop around a bit and see what others charge for similar work. Feel free to pm me if you want to chat about it :thumbup:
 
Balding your Sig line is Douglas Adams, he was assuming that you had read Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, and that you understood that you should ALWAYS have a good towel with you especially if your a hitchhiker.
 
Skystorm
Thanks for reaching out to me. I admire your work and I'm sure that I can learn a lot from you. And, I will take you up on your offer and will be in contact.
Thanks so much!
Balding
 
Re: those stamps. How do they compare to the similarly patterned ones from Tandy? Do you notice crisper detail, etc? I'm always on the lookout for more stamps myself. Not that my leatherwork comes close to yours. I'm too hasty, I think.
 
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