Bags

[Keith]

Hello, new here. I do some leather work. I'm still pretty much a novice. I know there are some real good artisans here like Chuck Burrows and James Rogers to name just two.

So I would like to start a discussion about bag making with the artists here and hopefully I, and others can learn. So I'll start off with two questions.

I've made them from a couple of different leather weights. One seemed a little light the other was maybe too heavy. Though I have a commercial bag at lest as heavy. What leathers do you like, weight, cow elk etc./

Are there tools you can't live without or others that you hate?

Feel free to jump in.

Keith

[Jerry]

Keith, I use different weight leather for different parts of a bag. My favorite leather is bark tan. I usually keep different thicknesses of bark tan on hand. I use #2 harness needles and linen thread that I wax with bees wax. I use a Swiss army knife and scissors for cutting out patterns. I keep the Swiss army knife sharpened for skiving the edges of thick leather. I hope this helps. Welcome to the ALR. 

[J I]

Keith,
 I have only finished one bag and I am about half done with my second. I use 3-4 oz. vegetable tanned leather.
 T.C. Albert's Recreating the 18th Century Hunting Pouch was a huge help for me. This book will list the tools you will need. As you do more leather work you will find what works for you.

J I

[michaelB.]

depends on the hide, for the thickness.  I have some very nice buffalo that I've made several bags of different styles and sizes... about 5 oz.  I like 7-8 oz sides from cow.  A good grade of carving leather.  Not much on splits, although I just finished a give away bag from some 3-4 oz split.

When you have some sources lined up (and there are lots out there), don't be afraid to ask for a sample piece or pieces, especially if you are about to spend upwards of $150 for a cut.  The larger the piece, the more readily the seller might consider sending you a sample.  It is appropriate to pay shipping on a free sample