Explore Resources

Blog posts with thoughts, tips, tricks, insights, and more.
Detailed guides on how to use specific tools in my written tutorials. Each tutorial is available to read here and in a downloadable PDF format.
Features PDF version copies of old catalogs and historical information on tool makers
Background and appreciation of the tools I commonly have on hand. Makers are listed in alphabetical order.
Links and information about friends and other leatherworking resources.

Leatherworker Links

Magazines

  * Leather Crafters and Saddler's Journal is a bi-monthly leatherworking magazine. They do a great job on bringing instructional and informative articles for leatherwork. They also sponsor several leather shows a year with classes for all skill levels and a trade show.

  *  Illume  (formerly known as "ShopTalk!") is a monthly leather trade magazine and good resources with how-to articles and information about the leatherworking community. They also sponsor the Pendleton Leather Show in the fall. The recently started a subscription learning section with on-line instructionals from some of the top leather workers and instructors in the world. 

Forums and Websites

  *  Leatherworker.net - An on-line forum for leatherworkers on the internet. Answers to questions, tips and advice, and fellowship.

   * Leather Wranglers - Home of the SK-3 Swivel Knife. Hand-crafted knives for all your leatherworking needs.

   * Dragonfire Tools was brought to my attention by Noah who found my website helpful for his scout merit badges. Noah sent me this link to another website he found helpful and I'm happy to pass this along! The page has a good description of some common leather tools and their purpose. It has also has a pretty comprehensive listing off helpful links for leather works. Thanks, Noah!

Videos and Podcasts

  *  Makers Leather Supply is a leather, machinery, tool, and pattern supplier In Elm Mott, TX. Aaron and Janie Sue and the crew do a great job. They also have an awesome library of YouTube videos - Makers Leather Supply YouTube videos

   * Don Gonzales is a great leatherworking resource! He  is a saddle maker and has parts and pattern packs for smaller than saddle projects available. He has a robust lineup of Don Gonzales YouTube videos and "Lost Trade" Podcasts that are informative and entertaining.

   * Steven Van Plew has several YouTube videos and does a great job he has The Leather Craft Community Podcast Shows and also instructional and informative videos - Steven Van Plew Leather Craft Videos

   * Illume magazine has several video options. Just a tip - they are all good!
    - Illume YouTube video channel
    - Illume video courses - free
    - Illume Subscription Courses

   * Joe Meling at Twentythreeplus.com has a great lineup of YouTube videos for the beginner or professional. Check these out - Joe Meling YouTube videos

   * Robert Little has a large lineup of YouTube videos as well - projects, comparing tools and experiences - In My Busy Little Shop YouTube videos

   * Bruce Cheaney is a third generation saddlemaker and has a nice YouTube video channel - Cheaney Saddles Videos

   * Eric Corter has a good YouTube channel as well - Corter Leather YouTube Videos

   * Springfield Leather  - Springfield Leather YouTube Videos

   * Weaver Leather - Weaver Leather YouTube Videos

   * Gordon Andrus - YouTube videos with an emphasis on swivel knives - Gordon Andrus YouTube Videos