Thanks for a great instruction vid. I decided I wanted to make a holster. Bought an online leather kit and about 25 bucks worth of leather. Reverse engineered another holster for size, and sewed it up. Everything I did was wrong. Cost me more time and does not look very good. However, now I have some of the keys to making a great looking holster. Thanks to you.
You are a Skilled Craftsman. Close to the begining, every time you displayed the sheith, I was impressed with the quality. I made an air pistol holster a few years ago with no actual leather-working tools and it came out ... quite acceptable. Thanx for showing.
Thanks very much for posting this excellent tutorial. This is the most frustrating part of leather working for an amateur such as myself. Thank you again!
I too am a self taught shade tree, been working with leather for about 15 years only hobbiest small to medium projects . Always have been very very anti drill, your explanation has caused me to purchase a drummel with drill press holder. Going to try it does look very clean and professional. Thanks for the info Be Safe God Bless Theron
You are most deserving of some praise and a complement for your craftsmanship and your willingness to share your skill set. I often do the same with my talents and secrets , I’ve discovered over them years of doing things better and better. My hats off to you sir. And I enjoy the satisfaction of knowing I did my part to help people for nothing more than a smile on there face.
Thank you I appreciate the kind words Even though I’ve been doing this for years and I also didn’t realize how many steps it took until I started documenting my process in video just one year ago 😂 🙌
That is beautiful. I have wanted to sheth and holster a couple of my pieces for several years but time and life events have caused some interference. And now as you say. It sucks getting old. Thank you for allowing me into your shop and for your time. I learned a lot. ❤👍
Hi Victor, very nice sheath, and the video showed we mere mortals how a craftsman does it. And many thanks for the instruction, I will check out fishing line for sure. Atb Stuart, Uk.
Thanks Stuart for the kind words and your support Us mere mortals 😂 have made many mistakes trying to get it just right and I’m still working towards a flawless build Hiding mistakes is also part of this game 😂 I appreciate you my friend
Slightly moistened, to sink the stitches… once again, an amazingly simple and effective method that most of us probably hadn’t thought of!! THANK YOU👍🏻 Glue must fully cure… yep, I’ve mad that mistake, having to grab the gum eraser. Sheesh! Lots of good info, every time. Thanks for sharing the practical tips that all of us can use.
Thanks Chris I really appreciate your kind words and support I have learned so much from my mistakes that I think I’ll keep making more😂 My philosophy Thanks again my friend
That is a great idea! I never thought about using a drill press for leather. I have, however, used it for book binding repair. I had an old "joy of cooking' book that got me through my bachelor years making semi-palatable food, and one day, after it had been continuously falling apart, I pressed and re-glued the spine but it asn't enough so I drilled a series of small holes along the spine and sewed it together. It has held for over 30 years. one thing is that it will not lay open to your page, I had to make a holder for it.
Great instruction s very informative and through, and an excellent idea for a great look without the high cost of a leather sewing machine, very inventive process
I have been using a drill press for leather for 40 years. I had a dedicated bench top model just for it when I was in the business of knives and sheaths. Nice looking leatherwork, thanks!
@@vngas7 Thanks Jorge Have fun with your sheath build and I appreciate the kind words I have more sheath videos under my RU-vid channel called Knife Sheath School. Several volumes
Great tips and tricks. I put another piece of welt material on the inside of the stitch line to keep the workpiece level. Thanks for making this video.
Found some old leather & tools my dad had, plus a bench at yard sale, which turned out to be for leather-work (used to be Many saddle makers in this area, (lots of horses). Now we're kind of on our own, unfortunately. I had the old saddle maker build me the last team harness he ever made for my four horses. Dad had tons of fishing tackle/line. LOL. Made some sheaths. So much fun! Wish i known about your sewing jig, i have aluminum for that & Dremels. Etc. Thanks, very helpful video!
I think this is one of the best leather video's I've found yet. Learned a lot. Nice to know you don't have to use a traditional stiching clamp, whatever works best for you.
Appreciate the tutorial. Your style gave great clarity both I speech and content. Hop to use the knowledge some day. Perhaps next time I buy a knife I'll look at the case with a more discerning eye.
Thank You very much George Great video lots of little tips you probably didn't realize you were giving. Going to build a sheath now referring back to this as I go.
As always a great video George. I sometimes use a drill press when doing a really thick welted holster but I don’t use a drill bit, I use a thin round awl blade chucked into my drill. I start by using the stitching chisels like you as well then drill it. When I go to sew, I use my hand held diamond awl to restore the diamond shape to the hole and ensure the hole is the correct size for the needle and thread I’m using. (Usually 1 mm tiger for hand sewing)
@@agarfrance9272 I always appreciate hearing from you and I love the concept you described Makes perfect sense and obviously works Your creations are amazing
Great video great tips. I use black nitrile disposable gloves to grip the needles I only have to use the plier very little. Saves the hands too and then you can use them for dying.
I like the tubing on your sewing pliers. Nice. I have a favorite pair of side cutters that USED to have a spring, but it got messed up and fell out. I will do this. Thanks
The algorithm just recommended your channel, and I'm so glad. I love your method of instruction and simplified hand techniques. I'm an amateur who got into leather a few years back because I needed sheaths for my many axes, bushcraft knives, and spoon knives. I have been using the drill press method for the thick lay ups with fair results. I used a groover on both sides and sometimes found that the drillbit deflection would cause them to not line up (ughhh). I see that you only do two layers at a time and skip the grooving. Brilliant! (subb'd)
As you probably can tell I’m not too tech saavy, but I’m glad that the algorithms found you 😂 I really appreciate the fact that you took time from your day to leave such a kind comment Thank you for subscribing and keep making my friend
@@jimvanderlinden7249 Thanks Jim I appreciate the kind words My favorite look of rugged leather gear is when age and hard use become obvious in its patina 🙌
Ty for sharing this very informative and interesting video, 👍 it was great to see you explain very step as you went Also you made i very clear to see what you were going. Absolutely 💯 loved the video 🎉😮😊😊
Victor, Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I learned a lot watching this video. I have subscribed to your channel so I can pick your brain further. Thanks again!!!
Hey George, really enjoyed this video. I learned a few tricks from you. I initially learned to do a little leather working back in the 70's when I was attending the UofA in Tucson. My best friend from high school and I starting making leather western belts and carving rose patterns with our names on the back (we were both "aggies"). Then years later I started competing in cowboy action shooting competitions and decided to make my own holsters, gun belt with bullet loops and a few ammo pouches. My shooting partner (who had never done any leather working) and I made a couple holsters one Sat. sitting on the floor of his living room. Later I started making knife sheaths for some of my hunting/camp knives. I also dabbled a little making Kydex holsters and sheaths, but I love the feel of working with leather.
Hello LL! You are my people and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your comment Go Cats!! I lived in Tucson for many years and did similar leather goods in the Urban Cowboy daze of the 70’s Additionally, I enjoy making holsters and gun belts too Are you still in Tucson? I’m 2.5 hours southwest in Ajo Thank you
Thats a fantastic idea! I have a Pfaff machine but I like the manual process. It is good therapy. I just go out to the shop and drill usually but the portable rig is great! The high speed prolly helps to remove material better than a slower moving shop drill press. Thanks for the vid!
I found an older sewing machine for boots, I had to repair some bushings and cleaning of course some other repairs, and it took me quite a while to get used to how to run the machine operated properly and practice. I can stitch just about anything on that thing and it comes out beautiful.
@@JustinMiales Thanks Justin Sounds like a great find and having the knowledge to bring it back to life is a plus Most leathercraft newbie’s and hobbyists dream of that day What machine are you referencing?
1969, Wheelus Air Base, Tripoli, Libya, in the Leather Shop that I ran for a while. We had been using a small, old, drill press with a cut off carpenter's, headless, wire brad (nail) in it for years. An over stitch wheel was used to mark the stitching holes on thick edge projects and the holes were bored with the brad tip. Perfect outcome. TSGT Joe S, USAF Ret.
Viktor, it looks really nice even with a minor blunder. Great points to help in the future. I will be sure to try your method for creasing, maybe even heating one blade of the dividers. Back in the eighties when I made a few custom hand stitched halters I prepunched the holes using the awl on the Campbell Bosworth Sewing Machine after removing the open eye needle. Seeing your fingers close to the drill bit reminded me of the time I put the awl through the tip of my index finger. Luckily I was able to stop the machine before the needle came up from the bottom. Method does not require critique when the finished product comes out looking so good. Thanks for sharing! Cheers...Freddie
@@freddiemoretti8456 Thanks Freddie and I love the idea of heating one end of my wing dividers to crease with I’m going to try that I can also visualize your near impalement with that classic old machine Thanks for your kind words my friend
@@viktorgeorge9144 I did heat the dividers and it worked well. I may round off the one end to widen the crease wee bit. Much easier to use than regular creasing irons. The awl did actually go through my finger.Lesson learned.
As always Georgie, terrific tutorial. Luv the side-by-side start and finish stitches, yet another tip for me to utilize. BTW, the north of the border mail ain't too swift.....LOL
@@TonyNicholls-gi9le Thanks Tony Sometimes the devil is in the details 😂 I can’t believe our individual mail systems don’t play well together. Cheers my friend
Thanks Theron! You made my day with this comment I started using this setup long before I knew it shouldn’t be done this way Allegedly 😂 Anyway, I appreciate your honest feedback and just remember to take the bite off of the new bits with sandpaper and it’ll work just as well for you, especially with your experience 🙌
Enjoyed your work today, I’m 63 and agree it sucks having daily pain with no relief. I’ve been a rancher my entire life to date and have had both elbows and both shoulders injected to relieve some pain as well as increased motion. Docs have told B Me that sitting or relaxing with arms elevated on an armchair is very bad for motion and increased pain. I see your arms are resting on your beautiful green chair. Just a note that may be of some interest to you. Beautiful craftsmanship. N B Canada
Love the video and wisdom! A question: Why not glue the sheath front/back/welt together first, then lay-out the stitch line/spacing and pre-drill the holes on the drill press prior to stitching? I may have missed an important detail in your video - forgive me. I have restored Vibram-soled hiking boots by gluing the the sole/welt/uppers together with Barge cement, then drilling with a 1/16” bit in a hand drill, followed by sewing with a “Speedy Stitcher” with waxed nylon thread. The only problem I encountered (one time) was a narrowing of the toe box, which was remedied by soaking and stretching my boots by slogging though a swamp while wearing extra-thick wool socks. After a few blisters and wrinkled toes, I got another hundred miles of enjoyable hiking in those heavy boots!
Hello Joseph Thanks for the kind words Your thought provoking question made me seriously ponder I think it’s just a process that I’ve become accustomed to which gives me the results I’m looking for I’m guessing now, but I don’t think I could drill a straight 90 degree hole without what I call the pilot holes Also this method helps me establish the more complicated stitch lines for the cam-loc welts and stop welts I use for some sheaths I enjoyed the banter about your experiences and for making me stop to ponder 🤝
Makes sense! Also, I love your sheath design and craftsmanship. I was given a Speedy Stitcher when I was 10 years old and used up the 150 yard spool of thread in about two years - repairing camping gear, shoes, etc. and making sheaths, belt pouches… I’ve collected more tools and learned many techniques, even tanned a few hides. Your work is beautiful! Thanks!
I am also a self-taught leather worker . I have learned most construction techniques from the AL Stolhman books . One thing that I have learned to do is to place a copper river at the throat of the knife sheath made from 12 or 14 gouge copper wire in the hole before the first stitching hole to prevent the knife from cutting the end of the stitching And another at the toe of the sheath. Good tip with the block of wax to lube the hole punch . A cobblers trimming knife works nice to trim welts . I have never heard of micron fishing line. I am a fisherman . A micron is a metric measurement of fibers . Are you using Dacron fishing line ? Or a Kevlar line like Spiderwire ? I use linen soling or harness thread , prewaxed, but keep a cake of beeswax near Although Barge has been around for years Elephand brand contact cement is better . Do you ever do hand lock stitches ? If you haven't consulted with an Orthopedic surgeon. Look into having a minimal invasive microscopis shoulder surgery if you have arthritis on the tips of collar bones impinging on the rotator cuff nerves . It worked for me
Thanks Gary I enjoyed this comment especially from a self taught peer perspective I too started with Al’s books as an early teacher I’ve never used rivets at the throat/toe but understand the benefits Yes I use the Cortland braided micron trolling line a lot Dacron too Do you have Instagram? I did a post years ago where I zoomed in close and photographed the braided micron and Ritza thread together No visual difference I’ve seen Kevlar thread but never found any thick enough to try Also never heard of Spiderwire, harness thread or Elephand glue I repaired team harness for years for the rodeo parade community in Tucson Thx for the microscopic surgery info will definitely look into that Again I appreciate the discussion and if you’re ever in SW Arizona look me up and we’ll talk shop as I enjoyed this greatly
You're a true craftsman Viktor.. I'm really impressed. Hope you'll be able to make me A few of your beautiful pieces for my ESSE IZULA,ESSE IZULA 2,ESSE 3,ESSE 5,AND my MORA bushcraft.. Thanks for the videos.. New subscriber and I'll be watching 🇺🇸👍✌️🙏
Thanks David! Sounds like you have a great collection of Essee knives I only have their PR-4 but sounds like a good excuse for me to get more I appreciate the nod
I'd be using my stitching horse on both the belt loop and welt stitch....I know you have a couple, saw them on your "shop tour" vid. Yet I've not seen you use one, that I recall! 😂
Great Scott! This is fantastic work! I would like to make a gun strap but haven't ever worked on leather before. Can you advise on any small starting kit I might buy or the key items I should buy to start? I have a drill press and Dremel type tool. You should be proud of yourself, great work but also an amazing video tutorial. I wish I was taught this skill at school.
Probably just an over abundance of caution The welt leather is very firm and I’m afraid the bit might wander aliitle It doesn’t take a lot of extra time to pre drill and I try to make the final stitch line look the best I can make it Thanks for your question I’m somewhat OCD 😂 that too could explain a lot!
Will done Nice and clean and at 82 now I have a few screw up . Unfortunately have not been able to do much the wife has dementia now for about 5 years now. Just know time for anything other than my kitty. Stay safe good looks .
Thanks Mike I’m sorry you’re having a tough moment Hopefully you can take a few minutes for yourself in your shop Leatherwork is, as you know, very therapeutic
I really like the showing at the end of the video. That completed one dyed with the carved pebble finish is quite unique. I hope you don’t mind if I try to copy that pattern.
@@scotthaddad563 Absolutely Scott Thanks, it’s what I call a Gila Monster pattern comprised of 3 different sized seeder stamps It’s tedious but the outcome is worthwhile Go for it
Question not really related to this vid but still relevant. When using a dark brown or black dyed leather with white stitching how do you keep the thread white. I use a waxed thread but it always end up looking dirty.
Dark brown / black dyes are notorious for rub off so you have two choices 1. Buy pre dyed leather or 2. Surface burnish the now dry leather after you’ve dyed it until no dye residue rubs off onto a cotton white tee shirt Lots of elbow grease If you have Instagram I show some power burnishing there Then sew and finish with choice of wax based or Resolene
I've been doing this for a few years now using a Dremel attatched to a drill guide, which works pretty well for me. Artharitus called for a different way of stitching and that is what I came up with. Doesn't matrer how you get the holes in or even how you get the stitching done, as long as it looks good and holds nice and tight. People that have a provlem with nontraditional methods are just mad because they didn't think of it and they ned to justify their closed mindedness and lack of confidence in themselves
By the way, when you’re looking at the screen, the first one the really dark one with them nipples that is my favorite one. I’ve never seen a press or a stamp tooling that way I mean, I’m sure I probably have but I like that that’s really nice.
@@MikeMiguelPimentel Thanks Mike! That’s what I call my Gila Monster pattern Made with three different sized seeder stamps. On one of my tips/tricks videos I show a quick description of that process Thanks again
New subscriber. When I make axe masks or knife sheaths, I use a drill press because I don't have stiching irons that will punch all the way through 30+ oz of leather. Keeping the hols completely vertical has been a problem sometimes.
New sub for ya! I noticed a coffee cup you have, I’m a Blackout coffee fan..invested in the company as well. Love most of the flavors too! Take care and stay safe! God bless!✝️🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸