In 2009 I bought two toolboxes full of leatherworking tools, at an estate auction. Just yesterday, 11/24/2021, I pulled them out of my dry storage shop. There are 197 different punches, thirty different wooden handle tools, 12 hole punches, needles, plus many many more tools like I see in your video. This is going to be a LOT of fun ! Thank You
Here's a big new video for you, this one is designed for beginners as I often get people asking me what they should buy in terms of tools so I've created a video and website about tools that I recommend to get started. People can use whichever bits are useful and if you already have stuff it may help if you're wondering what I use! This has taken a long time to make so I hope it's useful, details in the description as usual. Ian.
Ian Atkinson I really enjoyed watching it. It's interesting to see that some of the best things are common household items ... or at least things I already have.
Ian Atkinson you have no idea how helpful is your work! you're a wonderful teacher and artist and if you ever run a workshop or seminar ill be first one to sign up. thanks to you i have compeleted my first few projects and counting :)
Ian, I noticed you didn't touch on workholding in this video. Is that something you could comment on? I'm an utter novice and that's something I think would help me. Thanks!
It's true, however I've found that buying twice is actually a good strategy in some cases. If I think the tool might be usefull but I don't know how much, or how often, I'll generally buy the cheapest usable version. If I end up using it all the time, then when it breaks I buy a solid version. If I find I use it once a month or once a year, then I've just saved myself tons of money by buying adequate tool vs expensive one. This of course assumes that the cheap tool is adequate - and not jsut ocmplete piece of crap
Ian I have to hand it to you, I have learned a lot from you and want to thank you for all the time and energy you put into your videos as well as the quality of your work, I appreciate it and thank you! I was curious if you might do a quick video on how you organize your shop, how you keep your tools organized and so on. Thanks again, Bruce
Awesome video. Really helpful, I've been toying with the idea of giving leather work a go for a while but had no idea where to start or what I'd need, now at least I can moe research. Thank you very much for taking the time to make and share this video. Be safe and be lucky, Wol.
I actually bought an eBay kit with alot of the same tools in the one you showed. Some things were crap, but alot were useful, the stitching punch, flat blade, burnisher, edge trimmer, all useable. Im sure theyre not the best, but for someone like me who wasn't sure if id like it, its a great deal, and a cheap enough starting point, that if you dont like it, your not out alot of money.
Regarding the eBay listing for a giant lot of tools you may never need, there is a mathematical formula which tells you precisely how many tools you need. It also works with guitars, and any other strictly unnecessary items the missus typically prohibits her hubby from spending money on. Plus, it's math, and math is irrefutable science! This handy formula is: Where n = the proper number of tools (or guitars, cars, etc.,) you need, and: - x is the total number of tools you have, then: n = x + 1 You're welcome. Hey, don't laugh, sometimes it gets right past 'em! :-D
I'm looking to get back into leatherworking, and sadly, I'm on about a fifty dollar budget. I know what my final result is, of what I want to make, but I'm thinking of going in stages. First, I want to practice leather carving. So I'm going to choose what I need to start in leather carving. Once I get that down, and start getting good at it, then I'll move on to cutting straps, sewing, buckles, and rivets. Yes this is an expensive hobby, and I can't afford to buy it all at once, but thanks to this video, I'm going to be able to pick and choose what tools I need for each step of the way. Thank you. This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for.
Excelent, I’m a viginner I follow you program of Leather for people are learning, thank you 👍🏻. I need to pot in names of the tools, to take notes 📝 on my note book 📖 thanks again 👍🏻
I love this! I started working with leather in 2011 for a project in my AP English class, I made a belt based on my life (like in the book Into the Wild) Two years ago I finished a belt that I designed myself. I wear it almost everyday, and love it! Last May I opened up a shop on Etsy selling handmade Paracord and Leather gear for dogs (collars, harness, leashes) I I went back to my first leash I made (about 5-6 months ago) and compared it to one I had just finished. I have improved so much, and love doing it! I have picked tools based on necessity, and there are some things that I have on my list that you have listed. My pounding board is actually a cutting board from IKEA! I recently bought a draw gauge in order to cut my own straps off a Side instead of buying pre-cut strips. This video is really good. I cant wait until my next paycheck to take a trip to Tandy for some punches and if possibly another side :)
I bought one of the cheap eBay sets, I knew what I was buying, I take on a lot of hobbies and didn't know if I was going to stick with leathercraft. If I do stick with it I will replace bits one by one. It was so cheap it got me started.
Quite a bit of info - I`m just getting into leathers - I`ve sew`n for 30+ years but I thought I`d broadin my efforts , I lost my knees for walking so I need to use my hands / Hand starting to loss one of them too cramping up ; Good thing I`ve got Will to keep going LOL . Ya I have alot of these items on the walls already of my dads era, old school right -- Jus so happens we have a surplus store that sells a good majority of these items at cheap or get by prices to make some money at - Thanks I subbed you do good work .
Thank you for the video! Found it really helpful when starting out. I have a question tho, how do you sharpen your clicker knife (29:34)? I normally use whetstone for my Japanese cutting knife, but it doesn't work on the curve of the clicker knife. Thanks again!
interesting set up sir! Leather work is indeed very expensive, I make shoes and I've spent roughly $5,000 for all my tools. Luckily I have everything I would ever need now.
Great job with the videos Ian. They've got me started with leather work! Bought an eBay kit just to get started, and I am say the quality of the products are fairly good! Don't have any benchmark to go of though. The only tool that didn't work was the skiver, blades were terrible. Keep up the good work!
This video was uploaded at the perfect time for me. I have been window shopping online for the past 2 weeks for leather working tools or kits and this has help me tremendously. Thank You so much.
Thanks for putting the time and effort into making this video. As always it was very well made, informative and a pleasure to watch. I have just received my first two Japan goods pricking irons to make my first knife sheath all inspired by watching nearly every video you have made. Thanks again Ian
Hi Ian, can this list be purchased as a kit or is it best to buy them individually, I was going to buy an ebay kit but not sure what to do for the best.
Awesome. Thank u. I'm starting so I don't have any tools yet, n not sure so thank u for all your advice n the time u spent to explain. GOD BLESS YOU.. 🙌
Hi Ian, Is a stitching pony absolutely essential when stitching on small items? Or... is there a hack/workaround? If not, what would you recommend purchasing? Kind regards, Your fellow Yorkshire bloke
Ah crap. You know when I pulled out all the tools to make the list I looked round the workshop and in every drawer twice to make sure I wasn't missing some essential item that I really should be including! What lives under the bench where I can't see it? The stitching pony! Yes a stitching pony is absolutely essential for neat stitching and should have definitely been in there. I will add it to the web page it's too late for the video though :(
Top video regardless pal. It comes with impeccable timing too. After spending the last fortnight burning through all your videos with a fascination, I decided to take the leap into leatherworking. It was evident that your tools had changed quite a bit since your previous video on tools, and I knew it would be daft to ask you to list your recommendations in a private message. This video is the exact answer I needed. It's great how you share what tools and consumables work best for you. I hope you continue to do that in your videos.
For US folks, Harbor Freight has nice Orange dead blow hammers with several weights to choose from. I think mine was under $10 and I can buy several of these for much cheaper than good mauls
I hate the lack of distinction between vintage and retro, being into motorcycles I deal with this a lot. I enjoy looking for old jackets but when I search for vintage I get Chinese made retro garbage usually more expensive than a real vintage Sears or non designer leather jacket.
thanks for the video, remember the song " aint no stopping us now.we are on the move" sure you get the gist.a followup on my conversation n your etsy conv. shalom
I can see why you would reccomend Japanese tools, most of them are really decent quality. I was in a Japanese hardware store once and what I saw blew me away: each and every shelf was stacked with tools of fair to high quality. A bit pricey, but built to last and most importantly to perform; ready to go out of the box, too. If you browse the aisles of hardware stores here in Germany you can hardly find one decent tool per shelf, mostly cheap junk. When I need a tool for regular use, there's pretty much only the internet.
what I like about the Japanese tools is they provide a good middle ground between the cheaper Tandy type stuff and the more expensive companies so if people want to improve the quality of their tools without spending a fortune then they provide that opportunity. I don't have any Japanese tools that I'm not happy with they all get used a lot :)
There are high quality German tools, no doubt, but as I stated: 1) they cost a pretty penny. 2) you can't find them in your run-of-the-mill hardware store. Case in point: a German company by the name of Knipex makes some of the very best pliers, but there is only one brick&mortar store in a 100km radius that I know has them in stock for around €40 a piece. All the big chains don't even carry them. The Japanese hardware store I mentioned had pliers of similar quality for around €10 less, so there.
Die Handwerkerläden sind meist klein, aber dafür bis unter die Decke mit bestem Werkzeug ausgestattet. Die findet man bloß schlecht übers Internet. Frage mal bei den Handwerker-Firmen in der Umgebung rum, wenn du grad auf wen triffst. Die können dir sicher einen Tipp geben. Bauhaus hat auch oft Markenwerkzeug, falls einer bei der in der Umgebung ist.
Danke für den Tipp, ich hab glücklicherweise Westfalia bei mir in der Stadt, da gibt es schon ganz anständiges Zeug, aber wie gesagt, wesentlich teurer als im Internet.
It's awesome to see another Leather Worker making these kinds of videos. They are essential for getting started. My only recommendation would be to add in a granite/marble slab. To me it is invaluable. Especially if the person plans on doing any kind of tooling. But I even use mine when setting rivets as it makes a great hard surface/anvil. Great stuff as always, Ian.
I didn't include the marble because they're expensive and not essential for beginners which is who this video is for, I didn't get one for years. Tooling is a whole other thing, this is about tools really and that's decoration.
something that will also work for tooling in a pinch is that nifty little plastic cutting board that ian has. as for setting rivets and other hardware one should never attempt to do this work on your expensive granite/marble slab, it might not break on the first few times that ya do it but it could and i for one wouldn't want to replace it. a better solution would be to get yourself a small piece of 1/4 to 1/2 inch steel plate and mabey even polish it up a bit with a sander... you'll never hurt that setting rivets or other hardware.
Ian Atkinson Fair enough. My interest in leather working lead me to tooling straight away so, for me, a piece of granite became a staple of my workflow. As for expense, you can get a piece of granite for less than a good maul. Check any place that cuts granite countertops and ask to see their remnants, or a place that makes headstones and look through their miscuts. I was able to snag a 12x24 piece of granite for $25. Something to consider if you ever need a second one or to replace the one you have :)
clint wilmoth I mentioned this to Ian, but you can hit up a place that cuts granite countertops or a headstone maker and ask to see their remnants. I got a 12x24 piece of granite for $25. It's lasted me for well over a year and should it break, I can easily replace it since it's not more expensive than some of the tools I've bought! :D
Great video! Thank you for taking the time to do this! Wish I had this before I started spending but still had a few great ideas in it for me going forward. Thanks again!
This was really good. I've been at this for quite a few years and remember when you first put up vids that helped way back. Sometimes it's nice to be reminded of the basics. Also the joy of collecting tools. I does become a bit of a habit and you can never have enough. Keep up the good work 👍
Thanks for sharing your insights and experience Ian! I have a lot of tools that I have collected or been gifted over the years and your picks were spot on! Keep up the great work!
great stuff Ian, I am just starting out on leatherwork, and have acquired lots of things, cheapest first then proper quality once I find I really "need" something.
Thanks for the video, are your pricking irons from (GOODSJAPAN.com) if not would you please let me know how to purchase them? No one seems to have much good to say about the ones from Tandy and I don't want to spend a fortune on my first ones.
I don't understand the love for Tandy they are so expensive a strap cutter basic price is £40 + VAT however I brought mine from a leather merchants for £16 + VAT there selection of fittings expensive too and the selection isn't great either. I'd understand if they where selling the best quality tools but from what I can tell it's the same things everyone else is selling.
Firstly the basic Tandy price you've quoted is including VAT not excluding VAT. Secondly as I've pointed out on the web page for anyone buying a load of stuff to get started it's beneficial to get the wholesale club for at least a year which halves most of the prices, strap cutter is £22 for example. Thirdly I've used a lot of Tandy links because they're easily accessible to people in lots of countries around the world, I used Amazon and Goods Japan links for the same reason also they ship anywhere. You might find the stuff cheaper at 'a leather merchants' but depending on who and where that is it's not necessarily any use to my viewers from all corners of the World if that makes sense. There are some compromises when making these sorts of videos and I have to make them with the broadest appeal and usefulness in mind.
There is another blade for "Box cutter - Carpet Knives " Only the blades are used primarily in roofing . On the sides of said razor blade there is what I would describe as a hook on each side . These blades tend to be a little thicker guage as well .
@ Billy Hoyle -- Most leather workers will recommend Barge Cement. It's a very strong bonding contact cement and you can find it at any leather supplies store (Springfieldleather.com et al) It's also VERY expensive which is why I switched to Weldwood Contact Cement since it's 1/3 the cost of Barge plus it's readily available at Home Depot and Walmart. The trick with any contact cement is you have to let it dry before attaching the pieces. Not bone dry but dry to the touch...surface dry. So you're looking at a dry time of 10-30 minutes or so. Once attached, tap down the leather pieces with a cobblers hammer. If you don't have a cobblers hammer, lay a piece of wood over the leather and then tap it down with a regular hammer. Edit: Just finished gluing a liner to a suitcase project and I reflected on the hammer comment since I was using a roller instead and the more I thought about it I realized I use a roller more often than a hammer to set glue joints. Tapping the glue joint is feasible on small items like holsters, knife sheaths, and wallets,but for larger projects, like a suitcase, it would take forever to tap down all the glue joints. That's where a roller comes in really handy.
Translations: Jet = Peopane Winged = Caliper Rough ..(??) Clicker's Knife = Exacto (comes in curve..(-d) X-act0 {N0T} surgical (close-ish..) not as thin as= )} Surgical = surgical TY for taking the time to share! ( much appreciated!!) Your work is Amazingly Beautiful & Well-Crafted
Great vid. Thorough introduction to the most important tools. I bought a cheapie eBay set for a one-two-off project. Some items were adequate quality (stamps, punches). Anything to do with cutting was dicey, since the steel is low quality and they really aren't sharp. Thankfully my hobby is knives so I know how to get a good edge fast. Should I decide to keep on with this I will replace the lower quality items with higher quality.
it doesn't really - the clicker's knife blade is far more sturdy than a scalpel blade and is suitable for cutting much thicker leather. Scalpel blades are for skins only otherwise the pressure you need to apply to the blade makes them unsafe, they have their place but so does the bigger knife
I did purchase one of the "kits" from ebay or amazon (can't remember). The best thing it provided was a lesson in what I DON'T need and how quickly cheap tools (particularly anything that cuts) dull and break. Don't waste your money... good advice, Ian!
I just came across your channel. I thought it was a great video. I am trying out my hand at this craft. I still need more tools. I will check out your list. I'm guilty of buying a starter stitching set from the exact sets you pointed out in your video. lol Yep, cheaply made stuff from China. I have been into my local Tandy shop and noticed alot of their products are from Taiwan. I will be looking for more of your videos. I subscribed! Thank you for taking the time to make this video.
Hi Ian. Thanks for another very useful video. You don't mention glues or contact cement in this one. Do you have a current favourite? (Preferably one with a built in brush /applicator)
Nice vid! One thing I’d say for a scalpel/xacto is maybe to wear goggles/safety glasses because wear the blade clips in is a large hole which is a weak spot in the metal and I have had them snap in half before. Just something to watch out for!
I made my first cuff while watching this. No it's not Picasso and yess rediculasly fast. But I still enjoyed my time. And I am looking fwd to playing with it more. Thank you for the vedio
Thank you very much for this. I bought a fair size set from eBay for making my first project (not yet complete) to compliment something else I have made and the only things I will be keeping are the stitch markers. The rest is poor quality or not suitable. This gives me a great starting point. Thank you again.
Hi Ian, I'm new to leather work and come across your vids and I must say they have provided me with invaluable information. One thing my mind is mashed with though is what glue to use when stitching, I'm hoping to be doing wallets, card holders etc. Hope you can help a fellow Yorkshireman
In 2009 I bought two toolboxes full of leatherworking tools, at an estate auction. Just yesterday, 11/24/2021, I pulled them out of my dry storage shop. There are 197 different punches, thirty different wooden handle tools, 12 hole punches, needles, plus many many more tools like I see in your video. This is going to be a LOT of fun ! Thank You
Here's a big new video for you, this one is designed for beginners as I often get people asking me what they should buy in terms of tools so I've created a video and website about tools that I recommend to get started. People can use whichever bits are useful and if you already have stuff it may help if you're wondering what I use! This has taken a long time to make so I hope it's useful, details in the description as usual. Ian.
Thank you for your hard work and effort! You give me inspiration.
Ian Atkinson I really enjoyed watching it. It's interesting to see that some of the best things are common household items ... or at least things I already have.
Ian Atkinson you have no idea how helpful is your work! you're a wonderful teacher and artist and if you ever run a workshop or seminar ill be first one to sign up. thanks to you i have compeleted my first few projects and counting :)
Ian, I noticed you didn't touch on workholding in this video. Is that something you could comment on? I'm an utter novice and that's something I think would help me. Thanks!
you need a pony I forgot it in the video, it's on the website.
My mum has a saying "You buy cheap, you buy twice"
hahaha that's right...
That is so true and very funny! buy cheap crap buy twice.
Sort of a same saying here in the States, "Buy once, cry once".
buy nice or buy twice
It's true, however I've found that buying twice is actually a good strategy in some cases. If I think the tool might be usefull but I don't know how much, or how often, I'll generally buy the cheapest usable version. If I end up using it all the time, then when it breaks I buy a solid version. If I find I use it once a month or once a year, then I've just saved myself tons of money by buying adequate tool vs expensive one. This of course assumes that the cheap tool is adequate - and not jsut ocmplete piece of crap
Good explanation of all the tools needed.
I started out with just a needle, a nail, and a pair of scissors.
Ian I have to hand it to you, I have learned a lot from you and want to thank you for all the time and energy you put into your videos as well as the quality of your work, I appreciate it and thank you!
I was curious if you might do a quick video on how you organize your shop, how you keep your tools organized and so on.
Thanks again,
Bruce
Awesome video. Really helpful, I've been toying with the idea of giving leather work a go for a while but had no idea where to start or what I'd need, now at least I can moe research. Thank you very much for taking the time to make and share this video.
Be safe and be lucky, Wol.
I actually bought an eBay kit with alot of the same tools in the one you showed. Some things were crap, but alot were useful, the stitching punch, flat blade, burnisher, edge trimmer, all useable. Im sure theyre not the best, but for someone like me who wasn't sure if id like it, its a great deal, and a cheap enough starting point, that if you dont like it, your not out alot of money.
@Ripper 657 I'm just wondering if you're still crafting leather two years after this comment, and if you've collected much better tools. Thank you.
Me also
Regarding the eBay listing for a giant lot of tools you may never need, there is a mathematical formula which tells you precisely how many tools you need. It also works with guitars, and any other strictly unnecessary items the missus typically prohibits her hubby from spending money on. Plus, it's math, and math is irrefutable science! This handy formula is:
Where n = the proper number of tools (or guitars, cars, etc.,) you need, and:
- x is the total number of tools you have, then:
n = x + 1
You're welcome. Hey, don't laugh, sometimes it gets right past 'em! :-D
always need that one more XD
I'm looking to get back into leatherworking, and sadly, I'm on about a fifty dollar budget. I know what my final result is, of what I want to make, but I'm thinking of going in stages.
First, I want to practice leather carving. So I'm going to choose what I need to start in leather carving. Once I get that down, and start getting good at it, then I'll move on to cutting straps, sewing, buckles, and rivets.
Yes this is an expensive hobby, and I can't afford to buy it all at once, but thanks to this video, I'm going to be able to pick and choose what tools I need for each step of the way.
Thank you. This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for.
Thank you for your hard work and recommendations, and the video.
Fantastic video 👍🏻 saves a lot of trail and error. Thanks.
Fantastic video, and perfect timing for me too, thanks very much ;^>
I found this very helpful. It had just enough detail to answer my questions as a beginner. Thank you
Extremely helpful video, thank you. I want to get into leather working and you have helped me immensely, and I haven't seen all of your videos yet!
thank you, I am going to buy the tools for my boyfriend, I think he is going to love leatherwork!
This was immensely helpful, thank you!
Thank you much. Best collection of useful info I've found to get started and well edited.
Great video! Exactly what I was looking for.
Did you make the ipad cover?
Excelent, I’m a viginner I follow you program of Leather for people are learning, thank you 👍🏻. I need to pot in names of the tools, to take notes 📝 on my note book 📖 thanks again 👍🏻
I love this! I started working with leather in 2011 for a project in my AP English class, I made a belt based on my life (like in the book Into the Wild) Two years ago I finished a belt that I designed myself. I wear it almost everyday, and love it! Last May I opened up a shop on Etsy selling handmade Paracord and Leather gear for dogs (collars, harness, leashes) I I went back to my first leash I made (about 5-6 months ago) and compared it to one I had just finished. I have improved so much, and love doing it! I have picked tools based on necessity, and there are some things that I have on my list that you have listed. My pounding board is actually a cutting board from IKEA! I recently bought a draw gauge in order to cut my own straps off a Side instead of buying pre-cut strips. This video is really good. I cant wait until my next paycheck to take a trip to Tandy for some punches and if possibly another side :)
Good job👌👌👌
감사합니다 잘보고 갑니다
Hmmm… to me, your voice has a strong accent so without CLOSED CAPTIONING I don’t get the full benefit of your teaching. Just sayin…
Thank you for all the effort you have put into this video fella.!! Extremely informative and very clearly explained. Well done and thank you again :-)
I always appreciate your hard work Ian, great video. (:
Great video brother! This is amazing! Thanks for your time and effort! Big thumbs up regarding your content!
I found this video very interesting! Thank you
I bought one of the cheap eBay sets, I knew what I was buying, I take on a lot of hobbies and didn't know if I was going to stick with leathercraft. If I do stick with it I will replace bits one by one. It was so cheap it got me started.
Excellent video, thanks for an insightful view of the tools you use. I am just starting in leather work and found this very useful.
Quite a bit of info - I`m just getting into leathers - I`ve sew`n for 30+ years but I thought I`d broadin my efforts , I lost my knees for walking so I need to use my hands / Hand starting to loss one of them too cramping up ; Good thing I`ve got Will to keep going LOL . Ya I have alot of these items on the walls already of my dads era, old school right -- Jus so happens we have a surplus store that sells a good majority of these items at cheap or get by prices to make some money at - Thanks I subbed you do good work .
Thank you for the video! Found it really helpful when starting out. I have a question tho, how do you sharpen your clicker knife (29:34)? I normally use whetstone for my Japanese cutting knife, but it doesn't work on the curve of the clicker knife. Thanks again!
Great video, thank you very much time to go shopping lol!!
Thank you, Ian, excellent and very informative video. I'm shopping Amazon for the tools you listed here. Brum
interesting set up sir!
Leather work is indeed very expensive, I make shoes and I've spent roughly $5,000 for all my tools. Luckily I have everything I would ever need now.
Thank you for such a complete and clear guide! And for your channel. Great job!
Great job with the videos Ian. They've got me started with leather work! Bought an eBay kit just to get started, and I am say the quality of the products are fairly good! Don't have any benchmark to go of though. The only tool that didn't work was the skiver, blades were terrible. Keep up the good work!
Sir, good advise overall. Thank you Sir, for your time in producing this video.
Oscar
This video was uploaded at the perfect time for me. I have been window shopping online for the past 2 weeks for leather working tools or kits and this has help me tremendously. Thank You so much.
Hi Ian,
Thank you for another great video!
What size pricking iron do you recommed for wallets, phone holsters etc? 3mm or 4mm?
Thanks
Thanks for putting the time and effort into making this video. As always it was very well made, informative and a pleasure to watch. I have just received my first two Japan goods pricking irons to make my first knife sheath all inspired by watching nearly every video you have made.
Thanks again Ian
Hi Ian, can this list be purchased as a kit or is it best to buy them individually, I was going to buy an ebay kit but not sure what to do for the best.
As I said in the video I would avoid eBay kits, this is my list and you can use the page on my website
@@Leodis.Leather OK thanks
Awesome. Thank u. I'm starting so I don't have any tools yet, n not sure so thank u for all your advice n the time u spent to explain. GOD BLESS YOU.. 🙌
Hi Ian,
Is a stitching pony absolutely essential when stitching on small items?
Or... is there a hack/workaround? If not, what would you recommend purchasing?
Kind regards,
Your fellow Yorkshire bloke
Ah crap. You know when I pulled out all the tools to make the list I looked round the workshop and in every drawer twice to make sure I wasn't missing some essential item that I really should be including! What lives under the bench where I can't see it? The stitching pony! Yes a stitching pony is absolutely essential for neat stitching and should have definitely been in there. I will add it to the web page it's too late for the video though :(
Top video regardless pal. It comes with impeccable timing too. After spending the last fortnight burning through all your videos with a fascination, I decided to take the leap into leatherworking.
It was evident that your tools had changed quite a bit since your previous video on tools, and I knew it would be daft to ask you to list your recommendations in a private message. This video is the exact answer I needed.
It's great how you share what tools and consumables work best for you. I hope you continue to do that in your videos.
For US folks, Harbor Freight has nice Orange dead blow hammers with several weights to choose from. I think mine was under $10 and I can buy several of these for much cheaper than good mauls
Thanks for doing the hard work in the video, I appreciate it.
I hate the lack of distinction between vintage and retro, being into motorcycles I deal with this a lot. I enjoy looking for old jackets but when I search for vintage I get Chinese made retro garbage usually more expensive than a real vintage Sears or non designer leather jacket.
Thank you for the video Ian! I'm Rodrigo that send you the last message in Etsy!
Thank you for having the patience to make this! Exactly what I needed.
thanks for the video, remember the song " aint no stopping us now.we are on the move" sure you get the gist.a followup on my conversation n your etsy conv. shalom
I can see why you would reccomend Japanese tools, most of them are really decent quality. I was in a Japanese hardware store once and what I saw blew me away: each and every shelf was stacked with tools of fair to high quality. A bit pricey, but built to last and most importantly to perform; ready to go out of the box, too.
If you browse the aisles of hardware stores here in Germany you can hardly find one decent tool per shelf, mostly cheap junk. When I need a tool for regular use, there's pretty much only the internet.
what I like about the Japanese tools is they provide a good middle ground between the cheaper Tandy type stuff and the more expensive companies so if people want to improve the quality of their tools without spending a fortune then they provide that opportunity. I don't have any Japanese tools that I'm not happy with they all get used a lot :)
I guess you germans export all your nice tools :P
There are high quality German tools, no doubt, but as I stated:
1) they cost a pretty penny.
2) you can't find them in your run-of-the-mill hardware store.
Case in point: a German company by the name of Knipex makes some of the very best pliers, but there is only one brick&mortar store in a 100km radius that I know has them in stock for around €40 a piece. All the big chains don't even carry them.
The Japanese hardware store I mentioned had pliers of similar quality for around €10 less, so there.
Die Handwerkerläden sind meist klein, aber dafür bis unter die Decke mit bestem Werkzeug ausgestattet. Die findet man bloß schlecht übers Internet. Frage mal bei den Handwerker-Firmen in der Umgebung rum, wenn du grad auf wen triffst. Die können dir sicher einen Tipp geben. Bauhaus hat auch oft Markenwerkzeug, falls einer bei der in der Umgebung ist.
Danke für den Tipp, ich hab glücklicherweise Westfalia bei mir in der Stadt, da gibt es schon ganz anständiges Zeug, aber wie gesagt, wesentlich teurer als im Internet.
What brand do you recommend for the Japanese tools? Especially, the stitch and groover.
Those cheap eBay/Amazon tool kits are terribly cheap and will break the very first time you use them. You get what you pay for I guess.
This is the second time I watched your video.
I think your strap cutter is put together backwards.
Considering a try at bookbinding so no need for some of the tools but a very useful reference if I decide to expand my skills. Thanks for this :)
It's awesome to see another Leather Worker making these kinds of videos. They are essential for getting started. My only recommendation would be to add in a granite/marble slab. To me it is invaluable. Especially if the person plans on doing any kind of tooling. But I even use mine when setting rivets as it makes a great hard surface/anvil.
Great stuff as always, Ian.
I didn't include the marble because they're expensive and not essential for beginners which is who this video is for, I didn't get one for years. Tooling is a whole other thing, this is about tools really and that's decoration.
something that will also work for tooling in a pinch is that nifty little plastic cutting board that ian has. as for setting rivets and other hardware one should never attempt to do this work on your expensive granite/marble slab, it might not break on the first few times that ya do it but it could and i for one wouldn't want to replace it. a better solution would be to get yourself a small piece of 1/4 to 1/2 inch steel plate and mabey even polish it up a bit with a sander... you'll never hurt that setting rivets or other hardware.
Ian Atkinson Fair enough. My interest in leather working lead me to tooling straight away so, for me, a piece of granite became a staple of my workflow.
As for expense, you can get a piece of granite for less than a good maul. Check any place that cuts granite countertops and ask to see their remnants, or a place that makes headstones and look through their miscuts. I was able to snag a 12x24 piece of granite for $25.
Something to consider if you ever need a second one or to replace the one you have :)
clint wilmoth I mentioned this to Ian, but you can hit up a place that cuts granite countertops or a headstone maker and ask to see their remnants. I got a 12x24 piece of granite for $25. It's lasted me for well over a year and should it break, I can easily replace it since it's not more expensive than some of the tools I've bought! :D
Great video! Thank you for taking the time to do this! Wish I had this before I started spending but still had a few great ideas in it for me going forward. Thanks again!
Nice video Ian! Not that I've actually watched it yet, but I just know it will be really good!
lol, you are correct,
Thank you! This is very helpful. Now I know where to start ☺
Amazing video, thanks Ian!! This is just what I needed to get started without wasting time/ money. I appreciate all of your hard work!
This was really good.
I've been at this for quite a few years and remember when you first put up vids that helped way back. Sometimes it's nice to be reminded of the basics. Also the joy of collecting tools. I does become a bit of a habit and you can never have enough.
Keep up the good work 👍
I really liked the video, i'm interested in doing some leather work now.
Gauges lol I just verbally it. If it's toooo thic I put it on a diet either a splitter or a Ludacris amount of skiving
Great that you tell us where you get the tools. Some links to the suppliers of the "Japanese" tools would be useful if you could.
Cheers
+Learning Domain TV the accompanying webpage has full links to all items shown.
Thank you I have been given a tub of leather and bought cheap tools on Amazon so you are helping me finish my tool collection
Thanks for sharing your insights and experience Ian! I have a lot of tools that I have collected or been gifted over the years and your picks were spot on! Keep up the great work!
Great video, thanks for the info!
Awesome video.
Thanks for sharing. :)
Ian please tell wher can i buy asheape tooles carving stampes grover but in england?any one but tandy leather
great stuff Ian, I am just starting out on leatherwork, and have acquired lots of things, cheapest first then proper quality once I find I really "need" something.
That's how I'm doing it too :)
44 Thumbs down. Probably 43 of those are over the head knife haha.
Fantastic, thank you for the detail!
Really good video and much appreciated. Thx Mate
Thanks for the video, are your pricking irons from (GOODSJAPAN.com) if not would you please let me know how to purchase them? No one seems to have much good to say about the ones from Tandy and I don't want to spend a fortune on my first ones.
HighBrass 777 yes all info is on the accompanying web page
very useful information for a beginner....me. So helpful
Thank You so much ... very useful. Georgew.
Seiwa has several pricking irons. Specifically which ones do you use? The European ones. Diamond ones? Just thought I'd ask. Nice work.
I don't understand the love for Tandy they are so expensive a strap cutter basic price is £40 + VAT however I brought mine from a leather merchants for £16 + VAT there selection of fittings expensive too and the selection isn't great either. I'd understand if they where selling the best quality tools but from what I can tell it's the same things everyone else is selling.
Firstly the basic Tandy price you've quoted is including VAT not excluding VAT. Secondly as I've pointed out on the web page for anyone buying a load of stuff to get started it's beneficial to get the wholesale club for at least a year which halves most of the prices, strap cutter is £22 for example. Thirdly I've used a lot of Tandy links because they're easily accessible to people in lots of countries around the world, I used Amazon and Goods Japan links for the same reason also they ship anywhere. You might find the stuff cheaper at 'a leather merchants' but depending on who and where that is it's not necessarily any use to my viewers from all corners of the World if that makes sense. There are some compromises when making these sorts of videos and I have to make them with the broadest appeal and usefulness in mind.
Thank you for the video. It was very helpful.
There is another blade for "Box cutter - Carpet Knives " Only the blades are used primarily in roofing . On the sides of said razor blade there is what I would describe as a hook on each side . These blades tend to be a little thicker guage as well .
Those are called hawkbilled knives and maybe could be ground and honed for cutting leather.
The metal in the ebay kit "stitch hole punchers" break within several times using. Buyer beware.
Thanks for the info, i was thinking of purchasing some from the site. i will think twice.
Culinary Butane Torch
I've struggled to find a decent glue - is there any particular one you'd recommend?
@ Billy Hoyle -- Most leather workers will recommend Barge Cement. It's a very strong bonding contact cement and you can find it at any leather supplies store (Springfieldleather.com et al) It's also VERY expensive which is why I switched to Weldwood Contact Cement since it's 1/3 the cost of Barge plus it's readily available at Home Depot and Walmart.
The trick with any contact cement is you have to let it dry before attaching the pieces. Not bone dry but dry to the touch...surface dry. So you're looking at a dry time of 10-30 minutes or so. Once attached, tap down the leather pieces with a cobblers hammer. If you don't have a cobblers hammer, lay a piece of wood over the leather and then tap it down with a regular hammer.
Edit: Just finished gluing a liner to a suitcase project and I reflected on the hammer comment since I was using a roller instead and the more I thought about it I realized I use a roller more often than a hammer to set glue joints. Tapping the glue joint is feasible on small items like holsters, knife sheaths, and wallets,but for larger projects, like a suitcase, it would take forever to tap down all the glue joints. That's where a roller comes in really handy.
Translations:
Jet = Peopane
Winged = Caliper
Rough ..(??)
Clicker's Knife = Exacto (comes in curve..(-d)
X-act0 {N0T} surgical (close-ish..) not as thin as= )}
Surgical = surgical
TY for taking the time to share! ( much appreciated!!)
Your work is Amazingly Beautiful & Well-Crafted
Nice Clicking knife ..... my father used to use them - thee used blank hacksaw blades ..... continually buffing them for edge ;-)
Great vid. Thorough introduction to the most important tools. I bought a cheapie eBay set for a one-two-off project. Some items were adequate quality (stamps, punches). Anything to do with cutting was dicey, since the steel is low quality and they really aren't sharp. Thankfully my hobby is knives so I know how to get a good edge fast. Should I decide to keep on with this I will replace the lower quality items with higher quality.
That scalpel blade is a #11 blade. Google #12 blade for the same handle. It replaces your curved knife
it doesn't really - the clicker's knife blade is far more sturdy than a scalpel blade and is suitable for cutting much thicker leather. Scalpel blades are for skins only otherwise the pressure you need to apply to the blade makes them unsafe, they have their place but so does the bigger knife
I did purchase one of the "kits" from ebay or amazon (can't remember). The best thing it provided was a lesson in what I DON'T need and how quickly cheap tools (particularly anything that cuts) dull and break. Don't waste your money... good advice, Ian!
OH My!!.. Reliving that same "brush error"..(!)
*shudders
(Can't watch *sharp inhalation through teeth )
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Honest opinion and informative content. Very much appreciated. Cheers from Mauritius!
I've used British ComDent smooth jaw pliers as a cheaper alternative to jewellers pliers. I've used them a lot and they work fine.
I just came across your channel. I thought it was a great video. I am trying out my hand at this craft. I still need more tools. I will check out your list. I'm guilty of buying a starter stitching set from the exact sets you pointed out in your video. lol Yep, cheaply made stuff from China. I have been into my local Tandy shop and noticed alot of their products are from Taiwan.
I will be looking for more of your videos. I subscribed! Thank you for taking the time to make this video.
Hola soy de peru como puedo comprar las herramientas
I just spent all my beer money for the month and got everything I needed for leathercraft.....so anyone got an extra beer, Eh!
Here you go 🍺
Hi Ian. Thanks for another very useful video. You don't mention glues or contact cement in this one. Do you have a current favourite? (Preferably one with a built in brush /applicator)
Excellent video, very informative and some good tips to help beginners avoid buying (rubbish) things the don't actually need. Thank you!
Nice vid! One thing I’d say for a scalpel/xacto is maybe to wear goggles/safety glasses because wear the blade clips in is a large hole which is a weak spot in the metal and I have had them snap in half before. Just something to watch out for!
I made my first cuff while watching this. No it's not Picasso and yess rediculasly fast. But I still enjoyed my time. And I am looking fwd to playing with it more. Thank you for the vedio
Tell me, how to get this tools. from bangladesh ❤❤❤
Thank you very much for this. I bought a fair size set from eBay for making my first project (not yet complete) to compliment something else I have made and the only things I will be keeping are the stitch markers. The rest is poor quality or not suitable. This gives me a great starting point. Thank you again.
Hi Ian, I'm new to leather work and come across your vids and I must say they have provided me with invaluable information. One thing my mind is mashed with though is what glue to use when stitching, I'm hoping to be doing wallets, card holders etc. Hope you can help a fellow Yorkshireman