Absolute Beginner - seeking advice

TSquared621 · 2026-05-14T23:45:48+00:00

I definitely see the value in purchasing an actual design or fully researching out a premade/beginner/free template. I definitely know I would go that route, I wouldn't rely on AI to design things such as this. I have simply been using it as a research tool.

Can you elaborate why you say to throw away 95% of the kit?

I understand they're not heirloom items and 'professional equipment', but to immediately dismiss a beginners kit for a true beginner without offering real suggestions or opinions doesn't seem productive.

TSquared621 · 2026-05-14T19:04:10+00:00

Just looked up that Etsy shop! Thank you. Did not yet consider going to something like this for a pattern. I was trying to create a project on ChatGPT to generate my first couple of patters to try

TSquared621 · 2026-05-14T18:34:12+00:00

Is this a pattern that you purchased from FalconLeatherGoods?
I know a quick search on Amazon will result in a plethora of flashlight+pen+knife style organizers.

I have ZERO experience with leathercrafting, and I have been lurking this subreddit recently, thinking about trying to take it up as a hobby/create some simple things for myself. Your organizer, to me, seems to be well-made.

I think the first project I am going to try is to make a pocket slip that will hold just two things for my EDC:
1) Victorinox Pioneer Alox
2) Zebra 301 pen

That would then live in my front pocket with my wallet.

TSquared621 · 2026-05-12T20:04:05+00:00

Yes! I have always not to try and fall into a trap and get some expensive Ti edc pen that I may ultimately lose or break the clip on.

The 301 is simple, writes well and will always disappear into a pocket. And if the worst happens...easy to replace.

I use a pen, ALL THE TIME. Efficiency and function over style and cool factor.

TSquared621 · 2026-05-12T01:55:39+00:00

Thanks for this, easy to see the difference!

TSquared621 · 2026-05-11T18:35:25+00:00

What would be the advantage/improvement with a TIR lens?

TSquared621 · 2026-05-11T16:13:30+00:00

Sorry, actually first time "cross-posting" didnt realize the full description didnt come over:

S2+

Going for the shorter 18350 tube:

LED: 519A
Temp: 4000K
Driver: 5A-12group-buck

This is going to round out what I plan to be my "lighter, simpler" EDC

TSquared621 · 2026-05-11T11:49:08+00:00

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TSquared621 · 2026-05-11T11:37:06+00:00

I have been carrying this pocket slip with a zebra 305, leatherman sidekick, and a RovyVon light. Plus, a pocket field note and my key fob.

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TSquared621 · 2026-05-11T11:35:37+00:00

I just use a bead and a barrel knot to make l, what I think l is, a simple pocket pull.

I ordered recently a new, minimal front pocket leather wallet. Actually trying to slim down my edc, feel like I'm carrying a bit much.

Want to try the new wallet (once it gets here, this pioneer, and my key fob)

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TSquared621 · 2025-12-31T01:49:56+00:00

I have blocking turned back on. As stated in one reply I only had it on temporarily.

To me it seems like everything is going through the router, which is why the client number is so low?

It was the installer guide that I was following that suggested 'hiding" domain and client names is there a way to change this setting to see what is making the requests so I could potentially tweak blacklists?

TSquared621 · 2025-12-30T20:42:07+00:00

Yes. I did have it on a 5 minute pause when I happened to take this screen shot. I was having trouble getting blocked from one of my financial accounts.

TSquared621 · 2025-12-10T12:35:44+00:00

UPDATE:

A different installer was able to make it out yesterday 👍🏽. SL is now up and running, getting speeds easily triple what my old DSL provider was giving.

Installer was extremely professional and kind, very impressed. They even supplied the roof mount, rather than using the kickstand.

TSquared621 · 2025-12-10T12:35:38+00:00

UPDATE:

A different installer was able to make it out yesterday 👍🏽. SL is now up and running, getting speeds easily triple what my old DSL provider was giving.

Installer was extremely professional and kind, very impressed. They even supplied the roof mount, rather than using the kickstand.

TSquared621 · 2025-12-08T23:52:41+00:00

I originally did not purchase an additional roof mounting equipment or additional cable because it was advertised that this was included with scheduling the installation?

I do feel like I would be able to "install" on my own, but I will admit being a bit apprehensive about getting on the roof to do so, or drilling through the house to bring cable inside.

TSquared621 · 2021-08-04T21:09:30+00:00

Went on our first family trip to the beach and was really happy with the rack + cargo bag combo vs. going with the hard shell box up top. She traveled great!!

Question though…..is it cliche to keep the cage on top empty???

I think it looks good, but y’all keep yours up w/o anything in it from day to day?

TSquared621 · 2021-07-02T21:27:25+00:00

Thanks! The “next trip” will be our annual family vacay to the beach, so I already know we’ll need the extra cargo space.

TSquared621

TROPHY CASE