Similarities between my worn field notes and crows feet

The similarities between my worn "drink local" field notes

and

 crows feet. 

the field notes worn into crows feet

i am really pleased with how the stout aged. i would rank this as the most visually interesting when finished. the white lines were very pronounced and shot out from the binding like lightning bolts in the black of my beer.

i am ready to switch this stout edition with a "cold horizon" book.

switching from the field notes "drink local" edition to the "cold horizon"

and

hoping for some potential in the pages.

A perfect marriage: Kaweco AL Sport and my pliers holder

I think that everyone is (or should be) just a bit concerned as to what they carry on their person. 

each item should have a valued purpose and an equally heightened aesthetic level. this elevated concern for how something looks is not at all about vanity but rather a discerning view that stands firm on the notion that the looks should be as good as its performance. why in the hell should we sacrifice one for the other, we are better than that.

a perfect example of a lasting aesthetic-function marriage:

the last pliers sheath i made paired with a Kaweco AL Sport. they make a damn fine couple.

This particular fountain pen looks like it belongs on a workers belt.

it is compact = the pliers sheath is big enough. in fact it's smaller size draws attention to it.

machined from aluminum = it is tough and can take a beating without hurting the nib

screw cap = does a good job keeping dust and grit out.

faceted cap = aluminum is slick enough and the faceted sides of the cap when posted give it a grip. 

the octagonal cap is also a familiar feel as it relates so well to the handles i hang on my restored hammers.

feels good works even better!

everything about this pen is a win.

The value of the riffler when hanging a hatchet

Restoring a hatchet for a local and just wanted to promote the use of the riffler for those fine adjustments for the best possible fit.

this particular hewing hatchet is a good example of when the detailing end of a riffler becomes invaluable. that pointed lug can create a bit of a challenge when using bulkier tools.

 one can use a dremel but the riffler offers excellent control and does a better job of smoothing out the transition between the fitted area and the unfitted area (at least for myself)

Diamine sunset ink flush

Diamine Sunset is one of those brighter colors that works really well as a highlighter/underliner.

after a couple of weeks, with multiple fills, it is always a good time for a flush.

dissolve the old and the newly cleaned feed will flow better.

a quick note, that although to clean a fountain pen is a bit of work it is my NO means a chore.

i accept the task with a beer and a moment to relax.

i usually have a few work pens (3-4) going on at once.
getting the production line speeds up the process and justifies another one.

Saving the leather from an old stirrup bag

Along with the leather saddle bags i also acquired this leather stirrup bag that had some great stamping.

the bag itself is in pretty rough shape

but 

the outer leather is nice.

an old stirrup bag to be readied for a future project
the stamping is very attractive

there has to be something that i can make from this skin.

the problem is that i am not sure what yet. a small hatchet sheath is the easy answer, but i would like to find something else. if anything just for the challenge of making something that i want/need but can keep as much of the tooling composition intact.

no matter what, it is important to prepare future material for use now. no need to wait until the thoughts come to mind for what this shall be used for. 

just get it conditioned now.

first i removed the suede liner. the threading of course is usually the first to go, but there are also cuts and discolouring in the suede. i will save for another project. right now i am only concerned with focusing on the full grain leather outer.

removing the inner suede lining from the leather stirrup bag

after the suede and the stitching is removed, i started the cleaning process.

first removing the dirt and grime with water and a very light amount of soap.

next some light coats of neatsfoot to condition the slightly dry leather.

the stirrup bag has been disassembled and the leather conditioned for future project.
the stamping is a keeper

this will do for now.

brainstorming begins for a project. if anything when the thoughts do come to mind then i will have the leather ready for use.

Small leather saddle bags as another winter project

A fool i am.

i have added another winter project on the list of to do's.

this is going to be a good one thought. 

when i go off to deer hunt i always get more than good times. i get caught up with good friends that i can only see once a year. i also bring back food and some other gems.

this time i was given some old leather saddle bags.

the leather is very pliable and will condition nicely. 

there is a bit of stitching i will need to do, but that is it.

the character on these bags are amazing.

projects like this one fit the space where i want to do sitting down work.

since this photo i have already cleaned the dirt off.

next will be to condition the leather and then do the stitching work.

Back and forth, this week it is dyeing craftsman axe sheath

I often follow common threads, but rarely is there a need to only prescribe to one aesthetic.

for tool leather i find myself going back and forth from letting the leather color naturally 

and 

dyeing in the construction.

currently i am in the dyeing mode. one thing is for certain and that is dyed leather blends in better with the dirt and grime that it weathers through.

i have rehung my craftsman single bit and thought a new sheath was in order.

the dye has been applied before the rivets and snaps.

choosing to dye the sheath before rivets and snaps rather than going all natural.

i am looking forward to seeing the axe completely finished.

maybe by this weekend.