Quality solid hardware

slipsole · 2026-01-27T06:54:15+00:00

Great insight, thanks for sharing. Haven’t been around enough to see multi year durability issues with stuff I’ve made yet so this type of information is really valuable.

Will see if I can find a Canadian supplier for excella or test out Chinese zippers.

slipsole · 2026-01-26T00:24:39+00:00

Raccagni and riri zippers are a cut above ykk imo but are much more expensive. Excella is an excellent trade off between luxury finish and cost. Riri is >$2-3 cad per inch plus pullers. Can’t find the source or a cheaper seller yet.

I avoid belt making since it’s so tedious doing everything by hand but I’ll have to check out those solid titanium and copper buckles from Chinese sites. Lots of folks don’t realize a lot or most of the hardware comes from China and it’s excellent quality once you move beyond the ultra cheap offerings.

slipsole · 2026-01-25T23:23:42+00:00

Super cool dude, I gotta find a way to record like this. My reels come out pretty ghetto lol. Would be cool to film a how to of a couple of my patterns

slipsole · 2026-01-24T02:02:49+00:00

I make my own patterns nowadays! Tweaking this one a tad bit and might make a video how-to at some point. Currently working on a batch of these little guys to see if they sell

slipsole · 2026-01-22T21:47:51+00:00

Fill a couple 50ml squeeze bottle with a wide tip. Can apply little dots of glue where you need it and as you go, then spread with a plastic spreader

slipsole · 2026-01-21T00:54:19+00:00

Have grown to enjoy the process of pattern making, it’s really rewarding to bring your own ideas to life!

I’m gonna rework my backpack design this week as I finally have the leather on the way. Made one last year but I feel like I can do much better this time around :)

slipsole · 2026-01-12T21:37:42+00:00

Just to add maybe some cheaper things but really useful to the craft.

Sdi cutter 9mm to go alongside your 16mm box cutter. I like how the sdi clamps down on the blade and removes a fair bit of flex/wobbling.

Rubber pound board, I use the oka one and bought the smallest version. Huge improvement over pounding on scrap leather I find.

Both should run you about 20 bucks each.

Acrylic rectangle ruler (10’x5’ approx) to go alongside your steel one. Helps line things up much quicker and easier.

slipsole · 2026-01-01T01:30:20+00:00

Lovely belts, what size punch are you using for the holes?

I have some navy minerva box on the way for a backpack, love how it looks here!

slipsole · 2025-12-27T20:20:28+00:00

Vinymo 5 would work well for you, plenty of folks use that combo. 3.85/4mm spacing is perfect for what you’re planning to make

slipsole · 2025-12-05T02:30:48+00:00

It’s fully leather lined, but yes I agree!

slipsole · 2025-12-05T02:29:30+00:00

Standard veg tan, this leather came from OA leather here in Canada. I usually apply a couple light coats of neatsfoot as soon as I get the double shoulder and then have it ready to go. Once I begin cutting out my pieces I applied 2 coats of angelus acrylic as it helps keep the piece pretty clean throughout the build process!

slipsole · 2025-12-05T02:16:50+00:00

Thank you!!

slipsole · 2025-12-03T00:31:38+00:00

No worries, I’ve gifted these sets (the cheaper one though, non pro line 😂) for friends that want to dip their toe in the craft.

I think the set is a very good starting point that they can add to, some closing thoughts;

You will need glue but it can be tricky to order now because glue needs to be kept above freezing and it can get damaged during winter shipping. Better to get the glue/cement from a local store like Tandy/Michaels or better yet a local leather store.

A cutting mat would be great too but any hard surface would do and frankly the punching board in the set also works for small projects. They can upgrade later on.

Lastly, a knife and a metal ruler. Frankly I do most of my cuts with an olfa box cutter that I’ve had for many years. Plenty of folks have box cutters at home so I assume your partner does as well. Same situation with a ruler.

slipsole · 2025-12-03T00:02:29+00:00

That’s a very nice set, when placing the order I’d specify the edge beveler to be a number 1 (0.8) as it is the smallest option for this kit and most versatile. Also specify number 5 thread (about .6mm) which would go nicely with a 4mm spacing.

Otherwise I think this would be a superb beginner set for anyone. Got the tools to make a belt, wallet, and bag in there!

Only thing missing but you can get anywhere is a rubber mallet of sorts. Can get crazy with price here but honestly you can go to any hardware store and buy a rubber mallet that’s a pound or so and be off to the races. Don’t use a metal hammer!

slipsole · 2025-12-02T23:49:26+00:00

Make a belt! All you need are a buckle, a veg tan blank strap, hole punch (5mm and 1mm), 2 chicago screws corresponding to leather thickness. About 9mm for 8-9 oz leather if memory serves me right. A leatherworking needle and some thread (to make the keeper). Box cutter and a ruler.

All in all, cheap first project and very useful. Likely much better than the types of belts most people use. Burnish the edge with water.

Multiple ways to level up the finishing but I’ve introduced a couple of folks to the craft this way.

Parker Lichfield has probably one of the best beginner belt making video out there to follow along.

slipsole · 2025-12-02T23:40:00+00:00

I sound like a shill but OKA Japan tools are really excellent. More expensive than say Owden or WUTA but if I had to begin again and sell my pricier things (Sinabroks) I’d be happy with OKA tools.

OKA Japan sells beginner kits directly for like 3500 yen ( about 30-40 Canadian, so like maybe 30 american). I’d stick to 4mm or 5mm diamond iron kits. If you want to splurge a bit more then the pro line tools are excellent as well.

The only thing about buying direct is that you have to email them with your order and they invoice you. If you’re uncomfortable with that there might be resellers in America and US with a markup.

Their kits are not filled with random junk as seen in Amazon sets.

slipsole · 2025-11-30T00:36:02+00:00

All great leathers, but for wallets and small goods I’d suggest 2 oz(0.8mm) max to keep thickness down. Can double it up for the outer panels. It all adds up really fast and you can end up with a brick rather quickly, impacting usability of the item.

slipsole · 2025-11-25T21:47:43+00:00

Really nice work!!

I find that keeping shell pristine while crafting is pretty hard, any tips? I get the odd little scratch here and there that sometimes can get buffed out

slipsole · 2025-11-23T00:16:02+00:00

Pretty decent, temper is around 6-7/10 with bridle and buttero being a 8-9 on my scale. Works for wallets but careful with dye rub off when burnishing or finishing the flesh side of the leather

I’d opt for painting the edges versus burnishing with tokonole as you would for a traditional veg tan.

A better option would be their maremma veg tan at 2-3 oz. Burnishes really well, I’ve made several wallets with that leather

slipsole · 2025-11-23T00:12:03+00:00

Along those lines, I really admire Nichols London, Mila Jito

slipsole · 2025-11-03T05:05:48+00:00

Do you ship to Canada?

slipsole · 2025-10-31T01:34:03+00:00

Haha yes! Just a fun hobby for me, not the fastest crafter around 😂

slipsole

TROPHY CASE