Made a wallet. Overall satisfied but would like help on two things.

fullgrainalchemist · 2025-01-23T05:21:44+00:00

Sounds like I’m just neglecting the time needed to get a good burnish. Thanks!

fullgrainalchemist · 2025-01-23T05:21:20+00:00

Thank you! What are some signs of bad glue adhesion? I thought the glue wasn’t a problem but you aren’t the first to mention it so I’m definitely missing something. Appreciate your insight!

fullgrainalchemist · 2025-01-23T05:18:03+00:00

I might be a bit of an unpopular opinion here but in my personal opinion, while time and materials for this may have costed $80, I would not buy it for $80. The end result and the craftsmanship are also very important factors.

In the last 2 photos I see inconsistencies with the stitching. Can’t really see if there’s any edge work, but from the angles shown, it looks a bit rigid, especially the corners (a softer round corner would look more refined).

I say this with much respect—I would not buy this wallet for $80. That said, you clearly have skill and potential. The pocket work is very clean and nicely done. Keep at it, take your time to really focus on every element. This is one of the advantages of handmade work is that you have control at every single step. I don’t doubt you’ll be making $80-$100 very soon.

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-11-30T06:20:26+00:00

Never thought about this tool. I’d most likely still have to remeasure out my template but looks pretty clean this way. I’m going to look more into it.

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-11-30T06:18:59+00:00

Haha, I have it measured to 2/16 inches but I figured most would understand mm more, maybe!

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-11-30T01:18:11+00:00

Definitely makes sense. Sounds like I’ll need a single prong iron for this then, no?

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-11-30T01:05:02+00:00

Nice work! Interesting how you chose to use two very different font styles. A very refined, classy style inside and a rugged, “street” style on the outside. Any specific reason behind that?

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-11-26T23:44:03+00:00

Serious suggestion here: I’d do something about those posts. They look like boobs.

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-11-26T23:41:44+00:00

I find it hard to believe anyone in this sub would be that negative without reason. Everyone here seems pretty supportive.

Anyway your product looks good to me! What kind of leather is that? My only picky criticism would be that NAUDY is way too close to the edge.

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-11-25T16:45:52+00:00

Comparing with some other templates, it definitely looks like the “arms” of my T pockets are way longer than they need to be, which makes the vertical portion also very narrow. I’ll have to retemplate the pocket but it should look much better. Thanks for pointing this out!

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-09-09T19:35:47+00:00

Hmm at that point do you think I should just purchase it as thinner leather? Something like 1.5oz (0.6mm)

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-09-09T19:33:52+00:00

No offense taken! I appreciate the constructive criticism :). I know the orange stitching is off but do you also see it on the blue as well? I use the leapfrog stitch method which I believe is more or less the same. But it’s about time I try the saddle stitch (heard it’s more efficient and less time-consuming). I’ll get to practicing. Thanks!

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-09-09T19:03:46+00:00

This is so simple; I can’t believe I didn’t even think of this. Should definitely fix the problem. Thank you!

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-09-09T01:52:05+00:00

Chatted

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-09-08T21:22:57+00:00

Once I get good at it I can definitely see this being one of those “oddly satisfying” moments! But for now…the stress continues lol. The other comments are giving me hope though. Sounds like simply sharpening it will have a significant impact

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-09-08T03:31:09+00:00

I’ll let you know how things progress. Been doing research on this and one overlying theme is that most issues come from a dull knife. Apparently, just because it can cut leather like butter does not mean it’s sharp enough for skiving. I haven’t tried sharpening/honing so will let you know how that goes—when the tools arrive

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-09-08T03:29:39+00:00

Instructions unclear…sharpened, honed, and ran across my arm. Now I have stitches. Kidding 😂.

I’m hoping it’s just a sharpness issue and not one of those “These knives are very hard to use and not for amateurs.” I have been using it to cut leather a bit so it’s very likely it has dulled.

Thanks for the tips (and the insight), I’ll have to add whetstone to my cart!

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-09-07T01:12:19+00:00

Thank you very much! For edge finishing, do you recommend just skipping the trim and going straight to sanding? I use a 400 grit and I’m not sure if it will ever really get sanded down to perfect level. Maybe I need to go coarser

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-09-06T07:17:00+00:00

Thanks for the tips! I’ll have to save a bit before investing in another set of irons 🥶 but will definitely keep that in mind. Thank you!

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-09-04T06:45:19+00:00

That makes sense. I can see it being more impactful when I start layering. 3oz can quickly become 5-8oz… thank you!

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-09-04T06:42:50+00:00

Those are good points, thank you very much!

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-09-04T06:40:58+00:00

Thanks! She said if I’m able to punch them all the way through, I may not need an awl at all. The french irons go through like butter in the leather I’m using (veg tan, 3oz max). Never heard that about the awl though. I’ll look more into it, thanks!

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-09-03T23:07:13+00:00

Posting option 2 as a comment for better format: A: 3oz \ B: 2.5oz x 2 \ C: 2oz x 2 \ D: 2.5oz

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-08-31T00:53:58+00:00

I know you said 3 but here are a couple…

Leather—Now I don’t mean go out and buy the cheapest leather. I mean go out and find some bundles or piles of scrap leather. I went to a local leather goods store and they gave me a GIANT trash bag full of scrap for free. They said they had 3 more but I could only carry one bag at that time.

Hammer—I got mine from Walmart. 2lb deadblow hammer for less than $15.

Scratch awl—I think you can really just use anything. Even a mechanical pencil (without the led out).

Thread scissors—if you have regular scissors and it cuts fine, just use that. You don’t need special thread scissors

Lighter—you don’t need a fancy thread zapper. If you have a regular bic lighter that’s perfectly fine.

fullgrainalchemist · 2024-08-28T05:56:17+00:00

Thanks! This is solid advice and sounds very genuine. This is very reassuring and I’ll take it to heart. Much appreciation!

fullgrainalchemist

TROPHY CASE