If I were to be asked by someone wanting to learn how to make their own accoutrements from knife sheaths to shooting bags there are a few books I would recommend.

These are all Al Stohlman books. I don't get any royalties from the sale of his books. What I do get from the books I have of his is clear instruction on how to do things. This allows me to learn the skill and see how things are put together.

Book One: "The Art of Hand Sewing Leather," is my first choice. Mainly it shows one how to saddle stitch, which is simple once shown. He gets a little fancy on teaching technique, but the technique can be modified to suit one's needs. The important thing is getting both needles through the same hole in opposite directions! The book also has an intro to making leather cases and how to build your own 'stitching horse.' A stitching horse is like a leather vice mounted on your chair that hold the leather work in front of the sewer.

Book Two: "Leathercraft Tools, How to use them, How to sharpen them." This one is way better than having someone hand you a box of tools that you've never seen before or know how to use. Some tools are handy to use and simple, but if they ain't sharp and you don't know what they are supposed to do, you are lost!

Book Three: "The art of making Leather Cases, Volume One." I recommend this one because it gives lots of ideas on making cases for lots of things...knife sheaths, tool cases and such. He provides details on making form molds to mold the leather to so it will fit your piece of gear when done. Also shows how to attach buckles, how to make and attach leather handles and fasteners--beyond hardware fasteners to just use the leather itself.

One can go through life and discover these things on their own, but these books are a handy reference when trying something new.

When I started working on leather I was given some saddle stitching needles, an awl, thread and beeswax to start me saddle stitching.

Then I was shown how to use a form (a can similar to an Altoids box was used as a form to make a belt case for four-wing musket caps).

I added tools along the way, like a bone folder, slicker, edge bevelers and a rotary punch. And of course some sharp leather cutting tools (like rotary cutters from the fabric store and a razor "box opener).

I have simplified my life by not doing ANY tooling designs other than some edge creasing and cross-hatched lines. You can see some of my leather work by going to "Campfire Topics" and scrolling down until you get to "Gallery of Accoutrements." That's where some of my work is.

Stohlman's books have stood the test of time, most are still selling at their full price (less than $20 each). And the used ones start at the list price, or perhaps $.25 less than list price. Some of these books were written almost fifty years ago.

I just noticed tonight on my copy of Leather Cases, that it says Volume One. The price tag was strategically placed to hide that piece of info from me until tonight. Volumes two and three might be worth looking into...

Sparks

Hi, Sparks,

I tried opening your photos in the Gallery, and even downloaded the viewer upgrade, and couldn't get anywhere. This is probably not your fault or your problem, but I'd like to see your stuff!

Dick

there is a great web site: Leatherworker.net
that has a lot of helpful folks and are willing to answer your questions and give help.

Dick,
Could you see any photos in the gallery of accouterments? I had no problem opening mine at all.
Sparks.

Hmm. No luck on others, either. I'm operating from new desktop machine at work (wasting time as usual) and it probably has to do with that. I'll check at home.

Dick

Dick the computer at work might not have the program to read the one you are trying to open!!!!

Aha! It's the computer at church.
My laptop at home picks up the photos just fine.
Nice work on the accoutrements, Sparks.

Dick

Thanks Dick,
They are quite functional pieces. I did have a little problem with the strap pulling off the bag on one. Just going to re-enforce it by sewing a leather piece across them all and maybe even brass riveting it...unless someone has other suggestions.

Hey Sparks,

You have a good authentic and functional look to your work. Well done.

I've done leather work as a full-time business since 1994, (reproduction 1800s cowboy gear; saddles, holsters, gunbelts, etc.). I've actually made my own leather gear since I started out as a teen-ager interested in muzzleloaders over thirty years ago. I learned everything the hard way, by doin' it. I can attest to the validity of your post and the solid resources you have noted. With those books, anyone with some talent and wits could begin makin' their own gear.

The great thing about muzzleloading gear is so much of it was home-made. You don't have to be an artistic whiz to come up with authentic and functional gear. Plus, you have the satisfaction of usin' somethin' you have made yourself.

I'm glad you took the time to make the post. If folks follow your advice, they'd have a big head-start on successfully makin' their own gear.

Will