Innehållsförteckning för September 2024 från Illume

Asking the right question is half the solution to a problem. When a customer calls Maverick looking for a specific leather, I ask three things: what color, thickness, and temper is needed for the project. With those questions answered, I know right away if I am going to have the hides they are looking for. If you don’t ask questions, you can’t give (or get) the answers. Asking the right questions provides pinpoint solutions for your customers in less time. In my experience in the leather industry, I have found that most of us here are eager to answer questions. We are ready to solve problems and teach mastered techniques to those willing to learn. For most, it is a way to ensure that ideas and finesse acquired over the…

“A guy told me you have to find your ‘Playdough.’ When I got into historic leatherwork, I found my ‘Playdough.’ I could make things that I saw in my mind’s eye, and it would come out the way I wanted it to.”—Eric Van Alstine In an age of knives and gunpowder, of empire and westward expansion, an indispensable piece of the survival kit was the leather pouch, slung over the shoulder and tucked in around the ribcage. George Washington’s soldiers, mountain men and defenders of the Alamo all wore them. And in them, they kept everything needed to make a musket or rifle function, and to repair them in the event of a malfunction – lead balls and ball molds, extra flints and percussion caps, seating patches, ball pullers and…

B. CRAWFORD  B. Crawford has written, co-written or ghostwritten more than three dozen books over the last thirty years, including Border Radio: Quacks, Yodelers, Pitchmen, Psychics and Other Amazing Broadcasters of the American Airwaves (Univ. of Texas Press: 2002) which he co-wrote with fellow Illume writer Gene Fowler. Crawford is interested in all things authentic and mind-bending. He currently lives in a small town in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where he writes, swims, rides his bike, and drinks tequila. RICHARD MASSEY Richard Massey is a writer based in East Texas. GENE FOWLER A writer and performer based in Texas, Gene Fowler has written for Cowboys & Indians, Oxford American, San Francisco Chronicle, True West, and many other publications. His books include Maverick, Border Radio, Crazy Water, and Metro Music. TREVOR ALEXANDER…

VINTAGE LEATHERWORKING TOOLS: A Craftsman’s Treasure Vintage leatherworking tools hold a special place in the hearts of many craftsmen. These tools, often meticulously crafted and designed with longevity in mind, offer an unparalleled sense of history and tradition. There’s something inherently satisfying about using a tool that has passed through the hands of multiple generations of artisans. The superior craftsmanship, unique designs and high-quality materials used in vintage tools often surpass the offerings of today’s mass-produced counterparts. Craftsmen are drawn to vintage leatherworking tools not only for their functionality, but also for their aesthetic appeal. These tools are often beautifully made, featuring intricate engravings and wooden handles polished to a sheen by years of use. They carry the charm of a bygone era, making every project an homage to the…

Before we ride back into late 18th and early 19th century American history with Ken Hall and Hussar Saddlery, let’s have some fun and take a quiz. Read the following lines from a famous poem: “O! thus be it ever, when freemenshall stand Between their loved home and thewar’s desolation Blest with vict’ry and peace, may theheav’n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made andpreserved us a nation.” Here’s the quiz. What is the title of the poem and who wrote it? Now, on with the fascinating saga of Hussar Saddlery. Hussar Saddlery is a custom order leather business owned and operated by Ken and Janet (better known as Jan) Hall in Lordstown, Ohio. Hussar Saddlery is one of the few leathermaking operations that focuses on producing high-quality leather…

WANTED  NEW SUBSCRIBERS WANTED. Now is the time to renew and see what you have been missing! Give us a call at (435) 565-6052, e-mail: savannah@burns1876.com or visit www.illumeconnect.com. GREAT OPPORTUNITY. Burns 1876 is now hiring saddlemakers, bootmakers, silversmiths, hat makers, and leather craftsman/woman in their manufacturing facilities in Salina, Utah. In-house training provided. Please send your resume and a cover letter to careers@burns1876.com. FOR SALE TOOL FOR CHICAGO SCREWS Install and remove Chicago screws quickly and easily in the shop or on the trail. $24.95 + 7.50 in the U.S. S&H. Call for wholesale pricing. Contact: JP Tack Tool, LLC, Amy 309-253-7980. E-mail; jptacktool@yahoo.com. Web orders: www.jptacktool.com NEW 6" SPLITTER AND SKIVER BLADES, fits Landis, Champion, American & similar machines. Some misc. tools and equipment. Email sadlbagz@montanasaddles.com for list.…

Streamline your workflow and elevate your craftsmanship with Weaver Leather Supply’s new Polycarb Leather Cutting Dies. Crafted from lightweight polycarbonate and machine bent steel rule, each die is made to exacting standards by a skilled team of die makers to deliver precise, consistent leather cutting at an affordable price point. Get time consuming cutting tasks done in minutes rather than hours when you pair your Polycarb Leather Cutting Dies with the 4 Ton or 8 Ton Mighty Wonder Clicker Press. Choose from Weaver’s in-stock selection of popular die shapes, or send in a custom pattern for a free quote on a leather cutting die made to your exact specifications. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a business owner, a reliable leather cutting die is a worthwhile investment that will pay for…

World footwear production fell 6%  Global footwear production fell 6% in 2023 to 22.4 billion pairs, the lowest in the decade, if we exclude the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, according to the World Footwear Yearbook. The footwear industry remains strongly concentrated in Asia, where almost 9 out of 10 pairs of footwear are manufactured, resulting in a share of 87.1% of the world total (compared to 87.4% in the previous year). Still, in 2023 Europe retreated only 5%, compared to the 7% loss on the Asian continent. In practical terms, China continues to emerge as the world’s largest footwear producer, accounting for the manufacture of 12.3 billion pairs in 2023 and capturing 55% of the global market share. India has strengthened its share, now accounting for 11.6% of…

MATERIALS NEEDED: • Veg tan leather (8 oz)• Stylus• Head knife• ½" bag punch• Yardstick/ruler• Draw gauge set at ¾" (for cutting strips) or alternative method for cutting strips• Point knife• #1 hole punch• Wing dividers• ¾" half round punch• ¾" English point punch• ¾" bag punch• Lace puller• Contact cement• Dye + dobber/edge pen (mahogany/color of choice)• Sponge + water• #1 Edger• Burnishing tools of choice• Bees wax• Soft leather (ex: chap leather) for gusset and tassels• ¾ cart buckle• 18" chain (dog collar, available at most pet stores)• (2) Small snaps• Antler tip• (2)1" D rings• 3/16" buck stitch• Double cap rivets (size medium) + setter• Rabbit fur• Leather stitcher + 277 thread (color of choice)• Thread burner/soldering iron• Stitch groover• Spike awl + pliers (for separating the…