Restoring Sun-Faded Leather
Sun-faded leather can often be brought back, though not always the way people hope. Why it fades, what conditioner can fix, and when the only answer is dye.
-
-
Groovers or Creasers
A groover cuts leather away and a creaser presses it down. What each tool does to a stitch line, where each one fails, and which one belongs on the bench first.
-
Choosing a Scratch Awl or a Stitching Awl
A scratch awl marks and a stitching awl cuts the hole. Buy the marker first, then learn where that advice breaks on thick bridle, curves and closed holes.
-
Is a Hand-Crank Leather Splitter Worth Owning
A hand-crank leather splitter earns its bench space only for some makers. When to buy one, when a pull-through tool does, and when to order leather to weight.
-
Which Cut of the Hide to Order
Sides, backs, bends, shoulders and bellies each suit different work. How to match the cut of the hide to the project, and where buying only bends goes wrong.
-
Buying Solid Brass Buckles That Last
A buckle sold as brass can be brass all the way through, a color, or a thin coat over zinc. Six questions to ask before buying one for a strap that has to last.
