Beginner tools for leather work.

[kINGPIN]

Could any of you leather workers please help me out here. I am fascinated by the sheaths, pouches etc. that people make on this site. I found a site I have watched some videos on YT and have decided to take the plunge and try it out.

Being a complete beginner means that I am going to have to buy all my tools from scratch. WHat I dont want is to buy a tonne of tools that will sit in the bottom of the tool box unused. The tools seem expensive (like most trades), so what I could do with is a brief list of the most used/important tools. Can anyone please help? I found this shop www.bowstock.co.uk/ , but am open to other suggestions on where to buy the stuff (ideally from just 1 retailer).

And with regards to punches, which sizes would you reccomend?

I am mainly planning on making sheaths, pouches, and eventually a handbag
...for the Mrs

Thanks

Andy


Cliffnotes:
What tools should I buy?

 

[greensurfingbear]

I'm just starting out myself.

My intial purchases were

needles thread and a block of wax
stitch marker
awl
hole punch
a bag of pop rivets and a punch for fixing them together.

think about what you want to make.

Make a pattern out of card board before you cut any leather so you can tinker with the design then go for it. Only limit is your imagination and budget lol.

pictures of the first thing I ever made are here

I'm lucking enough to live really close to a fantastic leather shop called Le Prevo. they have a web site.

 

[kINGPIN]

Thanks surfbear, your knife sheath looks great. What type of stitch marker have you used? I've seen ones that look like bolster shisels with teeth, and ones on wheels. What size punch and rivets do you use?

 

[Bardster]

this thread here should have all the info you need http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=89011&highlight=leatherwork+tools

 

[kINGPIN]

Thanks for the link bardster, thats ideal. Nice to see pics of peoples kits, sort of puts it into perspective.

 

[greensurfingbear]

I have one of them rolling stitch markers, just bought one of the ones that looks like a fork reet technical me