7 replies to this topic

[Chastangela]

Hey Guys,

My question is where would you recommend getting leather and leather tools? I know there are many medieval re-enactors among us, so I thought you would be the ones to ask.

I'm not looking for heavy armor weight leather but more in the way of leather heavy enough for constant use and to be embossed and tooled.

I am also looking for simple hand embossing tools, cutters and so forth, strap cutters and riveters....and also leather dye. I have only been able to track down a couple saddle shops and most dye stuff seems to be meant for changing the color of already dyed leathers.

If you guys have any ideas for me, it would be very appreciated.

Thanks!

[Starfire Phoenix]

I use stuff called 'raven oil' to dye my veg tanned leather and then use a sealer over the top. I've been able to get that dye from shoe repairers as well as the large bottles from the local saddlery supply store. That's where I also get all my leather, and all my tools. If there's anything you cant get locally, I would be happy to pick them up for you here.

Edited - I just found a picture! That was of my first jedi belt in progress. What tools are you after specifically and what are you going to make? I have some suggestions on things you can buy... oh and be warned, it all gets very expensive, very quickly.

Edited by Starfire Phoenix, 04 December 2007 - 09:04 PM.

[laliibeans]

I get all my leather, studs, eyelets, and tools from a saddlery store in Adelaide. Maybe see if there's one of those near you and check out what they have.

[MistressFey]

D'oh, I'm going to have to find new suppliers now! I had 3 or 4 great leather and saddlery shops up in Bris, plus Lyall Deer Farm had a tannery on-site *sulks*

As for tools, as with everything eBay is your friend (and luck helps too). Scrapbooking sometimes includes leatherwork so scrapbooking and craft stores will have basic tools such as eyelets, awls and possibly embossing stamps. Tin snips/ aviation shears also work really well for cutting light to medium weight leather.

I'm sure there are other things, but my brain is broken at the moment so I'll leave it there for now...

[wenz]

NSW Supplier web page

Birdsall Leather have all sorts of tools & findings & leathers, AND they're open Saturday (mornings if not the whole day). I keep meaning to go out there one Saturday to get something for my viking leather belt. First of all I need to have a clear Saturday.

There's also a leather wholesalers, NSW Leather that sells to TAFE students (not that they asked for proof), sadly not open on Saturdays.

[salem13]

I have picked up most of my leather working tools from second hand shops and markets,

[Phil]

Hey Guys,

My question is where would you recommend getting leather and leather tools? I know there are many medieval re-enactors among us, so I thought you would be the ones to ask.

I'm not looking for heavy armor weight leather but more in the way of leather heavy enough for constant use and to be embossed and tooled.

I am also looking for simple hand embossing tools, cutters and so forth, strap cutters and riveters....and also leather dye. I have only been able to track down a couple saddle shops and most dye stuff seems to be meant for changing the color of already dyed leathers.

If you guys have any ideas for me, it would be very appreciated.

Thanks!

Though not in your Area, they may yet still be Useful to you, as they do Mail-Order

I get my Supplies from here:

http://www.leffler.com.au/

But there's also this American one that might be Useful as well:

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/

[Clancy]

Here is a local one in Sydney. I know a guy who teaches there, he is one our our cowboy action shooters. He does nice work and they carry all the tandy stuff.

http://www.birdsall-leather.com.au/