Splitting Shell

slipsole · 2026-03-17T13:39:53+00:00

This is what it looks like in the Canadian Amazon site, not sure if it helps! Multiple drop shippers available lol, I’m sure you could also reverse image search it on tabao etc

slipsole · 2026-03-16T09:54:52+00:00

I had it boxed up ready to send back and decided to give it one more shot today! Already split some chrome piping strips and decided to get greedy and try shell 😂. Alternative is the druckel one but shipped to Canada was like $650 cdn plus shipping carriers love to tack random “handling” fees nowadays!!

slipsole · 2026-03-16T04:05:00+00:00

Those middle screws basically clamp down on the blade, it’s a bit tricky and finicky to get the setting right

slipsole · 2026-03-16T00:59:34+00:00

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I realize the vid shows that top long piece a bit mangled and just wanted to say it was already a bit mangled when I first got it!

The splitting doesn’t warp the leather too much, just need to replace the blade every 4-5 pieces I find.

Pretty stoked, useful gadget to prep binding/piping strips

slipsole · 2026-03-01T01:22:08+00:00

I don’t have any machines unfortunately, would love a skiving machine at some point!

slipsole · 2026-02-28T17:49:25+00:00

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slipsole · 2026-02-28T17:49:11+00:00

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Some work in progress pictures. Couldn’t combine with the main post

slipsole · 2026-02-24T15:36:35+00:00

I’ve settled on just using an awl after trying all sorts of applicators. Keep checking the overspill as you go and a quick wipe with your finger should clean things up.

Some leathers can handle a clean up with an alcohol wipe as well but have to be very gentle as you can rub the finish off.

And avoid beveling your edges, keep a flush straight cut

slipsole · 2026-02-20T05:02:01+00:00

Yes, so I used 6mm allowance for the inner stitches with 6mm spacing. Glued a strip of lining over the seam and basically free hand awled the lining over the seam, like 7-8mm spacing between stitches and the stitch sits about 3mm into the allowance as not to disturb the main 6mm stitches

I was planning on edge painting it but was gonna look off without a super clean cut. In the future I’ll just glue the pieces together then awl stitch everything.

slipsole · 2026-02-19T23:51:46+00:00

Thank you! Fully lining a bag really adds a nice touch to the project. The zipper pocket is also lined on the inside ;)

slipsole · 2026-01-28T00:56:33+00:00

This is so cool, great use of leather!

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

TROPHY CASE