Critique my latest bag please...

[mab7]

Bag that is in progress to go with the .54 Virginia rifle Michael Davis is building for me. THe main body is 3 1/2 ounce oak tanned cowhide and the front rolled edge is elk hide. Rolled welts on the gusset that extends the full length of the body. Overall size is about 9" tall x 9 1/2" wide a double pocket inside on the back. The main color is black with golden brown flap and back accent. Treated with a 50/50 mix of bees wax and neatsfoot oil. The strap goes from 1 1/2" to 1" wide, 5 ounce oak tanned cowhide with an aged brass buckle. All hand saddle-stitched with waxed linen thread.

[oldfireguy]

First, that is a really nice bag and the only thing I don't like about it is the brass buckle.  I think an iron forged one would look better but that is just my preference.

   

   

[mab7]

First, that is a really nice bag and the only thing I don't like about it is the brass buckle.  I think an iron forged one would look better but that is just my preference.

   

 

My preference was forged as well. The original plan was to use forged but the 1 1/2" strap looked over-sized for the bag so I trimmed it down to 1". Unfortunately I didn't realize all I had in that size was brass until after I trimmed it...

[thecapgunkid]

You can pull that buckle and replace it if you want, but, why bother?  You did a very good job.

Don't shoot yore eye out, kid

The Capgun Kid

[alyce-james]

htredneck; good morning Sir. Very nice looking bag, high quality workmanship. The brass buckle works for me. Have a great week. AJ.

[EricEwing]

Looks like a very fine bag. The brass buckle and the tan panels contrast well with the black. All stitching seems very straight and neat, as does the overall construction.  The only criticism I could offer as a viewer, and it may just be from looking at a picture vs. seeing in real life, is that any exposed edges would be better if they were rounded rather than left cut square.
Nice work, thanks for sharing.

[Robby]

Can't comment on the bag itself, but your stichery and overall craftsmanship are outstanding.
Robby

[KC]

I agree with everyone else, it's a great looking bag. The stitching looks really nice and even. I like the contrasting flap too. It kind of makes me want to toss the bag I'm working on now and start over (my first bag). I like the rolled edge for the bag opening, I'd like to know how to do that. I also like how you did the piping or welt at your gussets. It looks really finished and professional.

[EricEwing]

I agree with everyone else, it's a great looking bag. The stitching looks really nice and even. I like the contrasting flap too. It kind of makes me want to toss the bag I'm working on now and start over (my first bag). I like the rolled edge for the bag opening, I'd like to know how to do that. I also like how you did the piping or welt at your gussets. It looks really finished and professional.

Regarding the rolled welt, making that the same tan color as the other panels might have added a different look to it.

[Cory Joe Stewart]

You have done a fantastic job. 

[mab7]

I agree with everyone else, it's a great looking bag. The stitching looks really nice and even. I like the contrasting flap too. It kind of makes me want to toss the bag I'm working on now and start over (my first bag). I like the rolled edge for the bag opening, I'd like to know how to do that. I also like how you did the piping or welt at your gussets. It looks really finished and professional.

Regarding the rolled welt, making that the same tan color as the other panels might have added a different look to it.

I used the same dye on the rolled welt - which is elk skin - as I did on the cow hide. That elk just wasn't playing!

[mab7]

Thanks everyone!
I still need to come up with a small (3/4" or smaller) brass D-ring to use as an attachment point for the pick, pan wisk and powder measure plus decide which knife I want to go with it...

[draken]

Very nice, well designed bag and straight, well executed stitching and (imo) the brass buckle doesn't look out of place at all.

[JoeG]

Good looking bag.
 Nothing wrong with the brass buckle. One thing I do with them is replace the tounge with one made of iron ,gives it an 18th century look.

[grabenkater]

Your work is amazing and has the very distinct look of a professional leatherworker. I would leave the brass buckle, it fits the overall aspect of a professionally made product and not backwoods. Brass buckles have been used since the Bronze Age.

[RVAH-7]

JoeG is correct about iron tongues.  The brass buckle looks great, belongs there but I believe a iron/steel tongue is even better.  Kinda' like you only use iron/steel screws when attaching a brass patchbox.  Beautiful work, design, layout.........everything.  Thanks for sharing with us.  Keep it up!