Inspired by "Plate 70" of Grant's "Kentucky Rifle Hunting Pouch"

[Yazel.xring]

I was looking for a simple, small pouch that someone like myself could make to go with one of the "Hawken" kit guns that new muzzleloaders have been building. My family library delivered with a copy of Grant's "Kentucky Rifle Hunting Pouch".
Featured on Plate no. 70 in the book, this pouch is described as follows
   

“Circa 1845-1855. Well made commercial pouch of heavy black cowhide. The outstanding feature is the shaped flap which is bound on the edge and has coinciding patterns of impressed tool work. Above the brass button closure is a sunburst design topped by diagonal hash marks.
    The scabbard, being hand made, is probably a later addition by the owner. The knife is of the kitchen variety with a homemade wooden grip. A variable iron powder measure is suspended by a chain”

This is not a direct copy, I'm still working out how to best attach buttons, but it was a fun project.
Like much of this work that I do, I've made a tutorial and a free pattern is available to download, so if you know anyone that's wanting to try this out, please share with them.


https://www.nmlra.org/news/craftsmanscorner-hawkenpouch

[jbigley]

That is a nice looking pouch. Similar to one T.C. Albert made for an article in Muzzleloader magazine, about this time last year, IIRC. Simple, yet artistic in its own way. I have been planning to make one like that, so will watch your video. Thanks for posting. --JB

[Bob McBride]

Your thumbnails are really good of late Ethan. Thanks for sharing.

[Yazel.xring]

Your thumbnails are really good of late Ethan. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, Bob, definitely took inspiration from yours! I didn't think my ugly mug would help, but looking at the numbers I really think it does.

[Stillwater Dan]

Looks like a really nice bag , might just have to give it a try myself . I really enjoy your videos on youtube too . Just got your notification , I will be following you on Odysee channel for now on . Thanks Ethan .

[snapper]

Looks great, well done!  Learned a few things that I want to try next time for myself.

Have you ever tried contact cement instead of wood glue?   It sets up quickly and is very sticky.  Apply it to both parts, press together, pull apart and let air get to both sides for a couple of minutes and then they stick together very nicely.

Fleener

[SyLibby]

Nice looking bad.  Good work.
 
  Couple comments on period correctness. If you're reproducing a commercially made leather product of the early to late 19th century you should be stitching with kit waxed linen thread vs. artificial sinew.  I'd also suggest looking into minimum of 9spi pricking irons and learning to saddle stitch with an awl and needles held in the hand.  As much as I hate absolutes, I cannot honestly think of a single piece of original leatherwork I have owned or examined that has less than 9spi with waxed linen thread anywhere but in repairs.

  Not trying to come across as rude.  I personally think it's great that you made a commercial reproduction.  In my opinion there are far too many "poor man" bags reproduced today vs. the surviving originals that were obviously well made when new.

[Panzerschwein]

Very cool and looks great.

Coincidentally, T.C. Albert built a copy of this pouch for me and my Ohio caplock rifle and he used it as the subject of an article in Muzzleloader Magazine:

[Yazel.xring]

Looks great, well done!  Learned a few things that I want to try next time for myself.

Have you ever tried contact cement instead of wood glue?   It sets up quickly and is very sticky.  Apply it to both parts, press together, pull apart and let air get to both sides for a couple of minutes and then they stick together very nicely.

Fleener

I’ll have to try that, I bet it’s a bit cleaner too

[Yazel.xring]

Looks like a really nice bag , might just have to give it a try myself . I really enjoy your videos on youtube too . Just got your notification , I will be following you on Odysee channel for now on . Thanks Ethan .

Thanks for checking it out. I’m glad Odysee makes it easy to publish on their platform. So many make you jump through hoops for no gain.

[Yazel.xring]

Nice looking bad.  Good work.
 
  Couple comments on period correctness. If you're reproducing a commercially made leather product of the early to late 19th century you should be stitching with kit waxed linen thread vs. artificial sinew.  I'd also suggest looking into minimum of 9spi pricking irons and learning to saddle stitch with an awl and needles held in the hand.  As much as I hate absolutes, I cannot honestly think of a single piece of original leatherwork I have owned or examined that has less than 9spi with waxed linen thread anywhere but in repairs.

  Not trying to come across as rude.  I personally think it's great that you made a commercial reproduction.  In my opinion there are far too many "poor man" bags reproduced today vs. the surviving originals that were obviously well made when new.

Thanks for the great information, not rude at all. I’ve found that doing something and showing it like this can be the best way to get some great critique. I’ll be making a trip or order for more supplies soon and have added your notes to my notes for better work in the future!