Best products from r/Leatherworking
We found 17 comments on r/Leatherworking discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 17 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Leather Honey Leather Conditioner, Best Leather Conditioner Since 1968. for use on Leather Apparel, Furniture, Auto Interiors, Shoes, Bags and Accessories. Non-Toxic and Made in The USA!
- POWERFUL LEATHER CONDITIONER: Leather Honey penetrates deep to protect new leather and rejuvenate dry leather and old leather. This non-toxic leather conditioner has no silicone, solvents or animal products. Not sticky and completely odorless. Protect leather all year long from snow & rain with our water-repellant formula!
- RESTORE ALL TYPES/COLORS OF LEATHER: Soften leather furniture, moisturize leather car interiors & promote flexibility in your favorite leather belt or leather shoes. Great for upholstery, truck seats, motorcycle leather, boots, gloves, purses, jackets, saddles & tack! Not for use on suede, faux leather or vinyl.
- FAMILY-OWNED, AMERICAN-MADE, SPECIALLY FORMULATED: For over 50 years, we have been making the best leather care products, including Leather Honey Leather Conditioner, the #1 best-selling leather care product on Amazon. Use our leather conditioner with Leather Honey Leather Cleaner, also an Amazon best-seller!
- A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY: To apply, put a quarter-size drop of Leather Honey Conditioner on a Leather Honey Lint-Free Applicator Cloth. Spot test in a discreet area and allow test area to dry. Then completely coat your leather in a thin, even layer of conditioner. Use product at room temperature or warm slightly before use.
- UNLIMITED 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Our small family business has millions of happy customers. If you're not satisfied with any of our leather care products, simply return them for a full refund of your purchase price!
Features:
2. Yujiro Thread Cutter / Thread Snips
- Made of high carbon steel in Japan
- Length of 105 mm or 4.134 in
- Adjusted by hand to ensure perfect alignment
- Smooth cutting motion and ideal for seam ripping
- Resistant to rust and lightweight
Features:
3. Stanley 45-300 Aluminum Carpenters Square
- Mpn: 45-300
- Country of manufacture: United States
- Manufacturer: Stanley
- Aluminum carpenter's square offers wide range of easy-to-read measurements, tables, and conversions
- Helpful reference conversion including new lumber, decimal equivalent, and metric conversion tables; 45-, 60- and 30-degree angle markings
- High tempered aluminum for maximum durability; protective lacquered coating; buffed finish
- Deep, embossed, 1/8-inch graduations for long-term visibility
- Body: 24- by 2-inches; tongue: 16- by 1-1/2-inches; backed by lifetime limited warranty
Features:
4. X-ACTO X-Life #11 Classic Fine Point Blades, Bulk Pack, 100 Blades per Box (X611),Silver
- Change blades frequently for safer and more accurate cutting
- Assorted steel blades are ground to a surgical edge for precision cutting.
Features:
5. Alvin, Stainless Steel Ruler, Metal, 36 Inches
- Top Grade Stainless Steel - Made of the finest quality stainless steel and has rounded corners more more comfortable use; stainless steel, metallic in color.
- Cork Backing - The back of the ruler is lined with cork for easy and comfortable use, as well as to help prevent slipping or moving during projects.
- Built durable and flexible, this ruler naturally bends enough to even measure curved surfaces. The cork backing is water resistant and the stainless steel prevents rust and tarnishing.
- Smudgeless Lines - The cork backing also provides extra elevation to keep the ruler edges off of paper, helping you create fine lines without smudging.
- Precision Design - Comes with an attractive brushed surface to minimize glare, and a straight edge that will not deviate for its entire length.
Features:
6. Dahle Vantage 10671 Self-Healing Cutting Mat, 12"x18", 1/2" Grid, 5 Layers for Max Healing, Perfect for Crafts & Sewing, Black
Self-healing 5-layer design for maximum durability1/8" PVC construction protects work surface22” x 34” screened measurement grid for easy sizingScreened inch, metric, and angled guides (top surface)Surface material protects blades from becoming dull
7. Dahle Vantage 10674 Self-Healing Cutting Mat, 36"x48", 1/2" Grid, 5 Layers for Max Healing, Perfect for Crafts & Sewing, Black
- [SELF-HEALING] -- 5-layer design for maximum durability
- [1/8" PVC] -- Thick Construction protects work surface
- [SCREENED MEASUREMENT GRID] -- For easy trimming and sizing- 34” x 46”
- [SCREENED GUIDES] -- Contains inch, metric, and angled trimming guides
- [SURFACE PROTECTION] -- Protects surfaces and keeps blades from becoming dull
Features:
8. Dremel 8220-1/28 12-Volt Max Cordless Rotary Tool Kit- Engraver, Sander, and Polisher- Perfect for Cutting, Wood Carving, Engraving, Polishing, and Detail Sanding- 1 Attachment & 28 Accessories
- Compact, portable, & powerful: 12V Lithium-Ion battery provides maximum performance and run time at all speeds (5,000-30,000 RPM).
- Versatile rotary tool kit: Includes 8220 cordless rotary tool, 1 attachment, 28 high-quality Dremel accessories, charger, plastic storage case, and accessory case.
- Quick accessory changes – Patented EZ twist nose cap makes accessory changes fast and easy without the need of a wrench
- Removable Li-ion battery: Always ready with no memory effects. Charges in one-hour.
- Slim & ergonomic body – 360-degree grip zone & lightweight design allows you to work comfortable in tight spaces.
- Accessory & attachment compatible: Accommodates all Dremel rotary accessories & attachments for thousands of applications. Kit includes multipurpose cutting guide attachment.
- 2 year warranty & USA-based customer service
- Can be used with all Dremel accessories and attachments
- Quick collet lock for fast accessory changes
- 1-hour charger for minimal downtime
- High-performance motor designed for demanding applications
- Kit contains 28 accessories, carrying case, 1-hour charger, and one 12V max lithium-ion battery
Features:
9. 3M Sanding Sponge, Fine/Medium, 3.75-Inch by 2.625-Inch by 1-Inch, 3-Pack - 908NA-3P-CC, Black/White
- Fine/Medium Grit
- All purpose sanding sponge
- Rinse and Reuse
- Use wet or dry
Features:
10. Banjo Brothers Grocery Pannier
1100 Cubic Inch Capacity or One Brown Paper Grocery BagRipstop Front and Sides with Ballistic Fabric in High-Wear AreasAdjustable Quick-Attach Elastic AttachmentPlated-Steel Frame and Rigid Polymer Liner Prevent SaggingIncludes Shoulder Strap and Handles
12. White Male Torso Form
- Male Torso form: Height: 23.5"; Width at Shoulders: 18.5"; Width at Hip: 12.75"; Depth: 5"
- Color: White
- front molded only, hollow back, stackable form
Features:
13. Leatherique Leather Rejuvenator/ Prestine Clean Pair 16 Oz
16 OZ OF REJUVINATOR OIL & 16 OZ OF PRESTINE CLEAN with spray head and Tampico leather scrub brush. GET THE SET AND SAVE
14. Garland 31002 Rawhide Split-Head Hammer, Size-2
- Country Of Origin: United States
- Model Number: 31002
- Item Package Dimension: 11.25" L x 4.0" W x 2.0" H
- Item Package Weight: 2.0 lb
Features:
15. We R Memory Keepers Designer Book Board, 12 by 12-Inch Sheets, Chipboard (61241-4)
- Available in Chipboard (Grey), Blackboard and Whiteboard Styles in 12x12 inch and Chipboard in 8.5x11, 8x8 and 6x6
- Strong, Thick, Durable and Long Lasting for all of your Many Projects
- Each Package comes with 2 Designer Book boards-Perfect for Front and Back Covers
- Available in Chipboard (Grey), Blackboard and Whiteboard Styles in 12x12 inch and Chipboard in 8.5x11, 8x8 and 6x6
- Strong, Thick, Durable and Long Lasting for all of your Many Projects
- Each Package comes with 2 Designer Book boards-Perfect for Front and Back Covers
- Look for all of our other We R Memory Keepers and We R at Home High Quality Products and Tools!
Features:
There is also an
all naturalnon-toxic product called Leather Honey. It's been around for a long time.I've found it to be very useful on all types of leather, from my cowhide backpack, my SO's new winter boots, and my deerskin moccasins. It does tend to darken the leather you apply it to significantly. I've applied it to several of my things several times each and have not yet used a quarter of the bottle. However, I keep a small rag about 2x2 inches in a zipped bag and it's well saturated. I think this helps with not wasting the product.
I think you need to be careful with what you use to condition and recondition leather, especially old leather. Sometimes you might apply something and it works great, but you discover in a couple of years that the leather has begun to rot.
Do what you wish, but be aware that the tanning process (a preservative) can break down over time. When you try to restore your leather, you want to penetrate it with leather-friendly moisture that will not chemically undo the tanning.
Finally, whatever method you decide to do, test an inconspicuous area and wait a few hours. If you like what you see, gently apply your conditioning product (boughten or home made) and let it sit overnight. Sometimes I'll set the item a few feet in front of a space heater to gently warm the leather for a few hours.
I've also been known to use a hair blow dryer on seams to make sure it's penetrating well. Too close will just make it dry and crack. Reapply the next day, and let it soak in. Keep doing this slowly and patiently, until you see that your leather is not absorbing any more. Let it sit another day, then heat it a bit and begin to gently buff away any excess reconditioning material.
You should be left with something pretty amazing.
Best of luck!
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Section 1: Tools
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Note: Just because it is more expensive doesn't mean it is better. You could get by just fine with the "cheaper" options.
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| Tool | Required vs. Optional | Use | Notes | Price & Link |
|:---|:---:|:---|:---|:---:|:---:|
| Tandy Wholesale Membership | O | Allows you to get better pricing at Tandy. | This is definitely optional. Items will cost slightly more without it OR if you have a tax ID you can get the membership with better pricing for free. | $35 / Free|
| Awl Haft | R | The handle which will hold your blade. | This particular haft allows for different blades to be added or removed with ease. | $16 / $35|
| Diamond Awl Blade| R | This is the blade used for piercing the holes in your projects.| This goes in the awl haft.| $4.80 / $28
| Channel Groover | R | Used to measure and gouge channels where your thread will lay. | Some say gouging a channel is optional however I find it to be required. It further protects your thread from damage. | $16 / $80 |
| Overstitch Wheel | R | Marks where you will punch your holes. | This particular overstitch wheel is a few dollars more than the versions that only offer one wheel. | $24 / $225 |
| Edge Beveler | R | Used to bevel and round off the edges of your project prior to burnishing. | Sizes vary. The smaller the number, the smaller the round edge. | $12 / $55 |
| Adhesive Glue | O | Used to hold your pieces of leather together prior to piercing the holes. | Some people prefer binder clips instead of glue. I've found that the clips end up making marks on my projects so I've always stuck with glue. | $6 / $30 |
| Gum Tragacanth | R | Used as a burnishing agent for your edges.| Some people use saddle soap. I prefer gum trag.| $6.40 / $21|
| Harness Needles | R | Used in combination with the thread for your projects. | Avoid the stitching needles. They break very easily.| $5.99 / $7.50 |
| Xacto Blade | R | Used for cutting projects. | You may have one of these at home already. Be ready to have replacement blades handy ($21.95) | $2.49 / $50 |
| Self-Healing Cutting Mat | R | Used for cutting your leather projects.| You may have one of these at home already. If so, you can obviously use that.| $14.73 / $50.80 |
| Cork-backed Ruler| R | Used for cutting straight lines.| I highly recommend the cork-backed version. It will save from accidental cuts/slips.| $4.80 / $14 |
| Burnishing Tool | R | Used in combination with the gum tragacanth to get a good burnish.| A good piece of canvas can be used as well. | $8.99 / $80 + $99|
| Sanding Tool| O | Used to sand down the edges prior to burnishing.| You might have sandpaper at home. Feel free to use that too.| $7.30 / $0 with dremel|
| Steel Square | O | Used for creating nice, even squares/rectangles for projects. | Learn to use this correctly!| $8 / $14|
| Thread Cutters | O | Use these for cutting your thread in the hard to reach places without running the risk of damaging your project. | Scissors work for cutting thread and the xacto blade can work for cutting thread inside your projects -- just be careful! | $3.95 / $39 |
| Maul | O | Used for end punches, rivets, snaps, chisels, or irons. | You really only need one of these if you are planning on doing any of the activities mentioned previously. | $20 / $55 |
| Pricking Iron/Chisel | O | Use these to mark or punch your holes instead of an overstitch wheel and awl. I prefer using the overstitch wheel and awl but others like the irons/chisels. | There is a big difference between irons vs. chisels, diamond vs. lacing. They all produce different results. Definitely ask before purchasing! The ones I linked are very different.| $12 / $259|
| Creaser | O | Used for decorative creases on things like card slots. | Definitely optional and definitely personal preference. | $14.40 / $72 |
| Wax | O | Used for burnishing. Gives the edges a nice seal. | The $10 is my top secret wax I use. I bought a bunch on sale for $5 and it is fantastic. | $4 / $10|
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> That's one of the reasons I'm looking for a bag that's open on top.
you could simply cut the top off. if the bag ends up too floppy, you could take pieces of plastic laminate and use short bolts to affix them to the inside, creating a rigid lining.
or look into panniers, which will often have rigid structural elements in them, and be designed to hook onto a bicycle rear rack (basically tubing between 1/4" and 1/2")
really, the plus side to getting a solution like this is you can do it for under $30, and then have plenty of time to find a better solution.
The Art of Hand Sewing Leather by Al Stohlman is a superb guide from beginner to expert. Depending on the projects you are looking into starting, you won't need any other reference for a long time.
In case you didn't know, you can get a torso form for really cheap on amazon. Makes it a lot easier to take good pictures of torso armor.
Budget?
under $20 - Books - I highly recommend the Stohlman hand sewing book and his leather cases series, it should be required reading for beginners.
$25 - strap cutter
Garland Rawhide mallets - American made, will last damn near forever, and deliver hard hits to tools without damaging the end of the tool. I mostly use a #2 split head for driving punches and setting rivets, and a #3 unweighted for tooling and smaller work.
Knives - A good utility or rotary is always a good idea, but one thing most beginners won't have is a round knife. Unfortunately, most new ones are crap and don't hold an edge very well. I haven't used a newer Osborne's but I'd trust them over most other brands available today unless you go to a custom knife maker. The other option is a vintage Gomph or Rose brand knife. Unfortunately, they're no longer in business, but Bruce Johnson specializes in selling vintage tools. He is also very helpful if you have any other questions.
Could be Chip Board or Book Binding Board.
http://www.amazon.com/We-Memory-Keepers-Designer-Chipboard/dp/B004HJ67X4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1449900751&sr=8-4&keywords=book+board+binding
For anyone in the future looking for the chopsticks.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0965867242/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1