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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Athena 806: Black Bridle Leather Handbag with Finger Loop Handles
The Athena 806 is a round black English bridle leather handbag carried by four spiked finger loops, with a blue lining and a Marcellino latch.
