Gonna place an order to get started making some basic things as another hobby.

Just have a few questions I would like to propose to someone more knowledgeable than myself.

What do you need to know? I did a lot of leather work many years ago.

Looking for suggestions on where to purchase supplies and tools from.

Better quality brand recommendations, etc.

Hi OttoSig,
I have been researching this and collecting tools, supplies and knowledge for leather working myself.

I have found a couple of places to start with the research and am still in the finding stuff over time phase.

For a broad look at the topic, tool reviews and techniques that have helped me to start collecting what I need, I have used Nigel Armitage's site for tool recommendations and his monthly Vimeo subscription for insights into the process and picking up supplies. Nigel also has a new book releasing October 28, 2020 called "Leathercraft: Traditional Handcrafted Leatherwork Skills and Projects".

For high-end on-line training, Peter Nitz has an annual course of tutorials that can be subscribed to monthly or annually. Peter also has a forum on his site with some beginner tool recommendations.

Derrick at Chartermade has fabulous skiving and pattern knives.
Meisi Threads has amazing thread.
Doldokki Pricking Irons and edge bevelers are where I landed.
KS Blade Punch has wonderful punches.
Crimson Hides has great quality tools.
Palosanto Tools for French Edgers and cutting tools.

I will be interested in the responses you get to this thread.

Thanks,
Kevin

This message has been edited. Last edited by: klstclair,

Watching also....I just place several orders for a couple grand worth of tools and materials for a startup I'm in the process of standing up.

I made purchases on amazon, Springfield leatherworks, and in the process with buckeye engraving. I've been finding good info on leatherworker.net

I was just in the finishing stages of logo design...

Sorry, not up on current suppliers. Thought your questions might have to do with leather work. I will say, though, C.S. Osborne was the go-to brand when I was working in leather. They still make quality tools. S-T Leather in St. Louis was one of our suppliers. They are still in business. You'd have to compare prices, though.

You could also check

Sinabroks
Rocky Mountain Leather Sy
The Buckle Guy
Japan leather working tools

I'll add Weaver Leather Link to the list.

Youtube has a lot of really good leather videos.

On YouTube, search for Weaver Leather, Springfield Leather, Bruce Cheaney, Don Gonzalez Saddlery, Makers Leather Supply. There are more but that's all I can recall right this moment. Tandy Leather has good videos on Youtube as well as on their own website.

CS Osborne makes a lot of tools that other companies sell. IF you see a CS Osborne tool it's good to go.

If you are near a Tandy Leather, they have closed their classroom, but go in and ask them anyway to show you how to do something.

EDIT to add: Order a free paper catalog from Springfield Leather. It has a lot of good info that will be beneficial to you, not just the items for sale. Call them or order one on their website.

Tandy does not do a paper catalog anymore, you have to go online.

SD Trading CO dot com

Steck Store dot com

LeatherWorker dot net

Rocky Mountain Leather Supply Link
.

Thanks You for the info OKCGene. Binge watching weaver leather videos at the moment.

Additional US suppliers [unless noted otherwise]:

Terry Knipschield - leatherwork knives.

Maun Industries - [UK Supplier] Straight Edges.

The Tannery Row - Horween Cordovan and Bison hides.

District Leather Supply - Zipper Guides, Reina Aquilim adhesives, Palosanto tools, MPG Graffiti leather.

Rocky Mountain Leather Supply - great selection of high quality leathers split to your desired thickness, high quality tools, thick punch pads, fantastic customer service.

Okada tools - [Japanese supplier] Beautiful hammers, weights and scissors.

Packer Direct Leather [Australian supplier] - Kangaroo leather.

Jeremiah Watt handmade tools and hardware.

Holland Felt (Netherlands supplier] - high quality felt.

Laederiet [Danish supplier]- interesting unique supplies and tools.

Eprose French leather tools [French supplier] - high quality (expensive) and unique tools.

As far as in the united states the ones I use the most are
Rocky Mountain Leather
Buckle Guy
Weaver Leather
Springfield Leather
And I still grab an occasional item from Tandy Leather though it is mostly strap and skiving blades.

For non-USA
Abbey England (their Sam Browne studs are the best I've found)
Linton Leather
Goods Japan

When I started out 5 years ago I used a set of Tandy Leather punches for about 6 months before getting 2 sets of Kyoshin Elle Diamond prickling Irons in 3mm and 4mm. I used those for over 2 years before getting a set of KS Blade Punch prickling irons and inverse irons in 3.85mm.

I use the 3.85mm irons 95% of the time with either .8mm Poly thread or .77mm Linen.

If your in Seoul they have a Leather District. I remember reading about it on reddit a few years ago and wishing I could go there.

As far a recommendations, if you can swing the price of the KS blade punches I can't recommend them enough. Although I will say that I wish the diamond punch version was available when I got my prickling irons. The prickling irons will go all the way through up to about 10oz but the diamond punches leave a bit bigger whole making it easier to pull the needles through plus I like the look it gives the stitching a little better.

For the most part I'll put an expensive version of a tool like a 1-1/2" strap punch because i use it all the time for belts but I also have a $20 set from amazon that has everything from 3/8" up to 1-1/2".

A set of corner punches is also one of the best investments I made, I feel like it make a huge difference in the overall quality/appearance of my work.

And this is just my preference but I don't use an edge groover to mark my stitch lines. I know that it is supposed to help protect the thread from abrasion by it laying below the surface of the leather but I just don't like them. I use a set of C.S. Osbourne wing dividers to mark all of my stitch lines.

I could use some leather work................

I’m sure you can guess what my first two projects will be Sybo!!!

If I ever get good enough at it I’d love to give you a hand with what you need.

Time will tell.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: OttoSig,

Ian Atkinson and Weaver Leather have excellent videos on YouTube.

https://tandyleather.com/

the go to resource for leatherworking. I couldnt find it but they used to have a first responder program wich included military I believe. worth looking into