Is this the way it's supposed to look??

[old salt]

Jerry
   To a point I have agree with what you are saying. A very good friend once told me that the most authentic looking  work comes form what is done form the back porch or sitting around the camp fire and not form the shop.
   I all so under stand Ironwoods strive for perfection and wanting things just so so, It deepens on what an individual wants it to look like and what he is going to use it for.
   Most of the stuff I make for my own use is done around the camp fire as that is where the need of at lest the idea hit me. I have to say that if it is not done then or at least start there I lose the idea of how to do what I came up with, and is not prefect. On the other hand if it is for some one else I strive to make it perfect.
Just the way I see it

[Ironwood]

Jerry, I understand what you are saying about stuff made that "looks" handmade and older.  Me, I want it to look new and neat, and as well made as I can make it.  I like cloths to look used but not abused.    Of course that's just me.   :D   

[Dryball]

Right on Jerry! If we wanted perfect we would buy machine stitched.

[Ironwood]

Well heck!  Guess I'm doing it all wrong.   :(

[Dryball]

Gene, the idea is we want it to look like it was done by a human...not a machine. The same attitude puts us here on this forum instead of on one of those involved with store bought modern guns...and inlines. You show personality in everything you make....don't go machine on us.

[bull frog]

I for one Gene think your work is great.  Your first works were impressive but you come a long way in such a short time.  A true craftsman in the making.  Keep up the good work!  I do see Jerry's point, nothing wrong with that approach either.  And I also have used the artificial sinew for stitching on personal items that I want strong enough to last forever.  I also use the waxed thread, it does look better and easier to work with, try it I think you will like it.

[Ironwood]

I ask a simple question.  Is this how the stitching is supposed to look when using the stitching awl.  I'm not trying to make my work look like it was done by a machine.  I'm trying to make it look like it was done by a leather craftsman that takes lots of pride in his work and tries to make it look as good as he can.  If that make me not belong in this forum so be it.

[bull frog]

Again, I say your work shows professional quality and looks great.  I would certainally not feel cheeted to purchase one of your finished projects.  I have been at it a lot longer than you and my work doesn't look as good.  You have a real gift for it.  The stiching looks fine.

[Doug]

Ironwood, carry on my friend your work looks great, a lot better than some I see offered for sale.  My 2d.

[old salt]

Ironwood
Stay with it and do it the way you want it to look. Just because some of us
like ours to look one way does not mean they we are right or wrong and that you want yours to look perfect dos not you right or wrong.

It comes down to one point, the only person you have to satisfy is You

If any one on this forum says that you have to do it there way, or it is not right, you can tell them they can go hell-o and not to pass go or collect $200

The OLd Salt

[Captain Midnight]

Gene, as a leathersmith myself, I can safely tell you yes, your stitches look just like they should look. That is awesome work, by the way. 

[Ironwood]

Thank you Capt!  The zigzag seems reasonable since the diamond shaped hole of the stitching awl is supposed to be put in at an angle.

[Chaffa Hosa]

Well heck!  Guess I'm doing it all wrong.   :(

On the contrary Gene
You are doing it right, I love handmade, I love handmade so much that I cannot keep one of my  knives for myself.
As I was told on another forum about knives; you will be the only one to see the flaws!

An example : my wife in on vacation in Gatlinburg Tn right now with our daughter and the twins. They went into a Case Cutlery knife shop and she called me asking if I needed anything, I said yes I need some homemade taffy, I have knives. plenty of knives!

[Beau48]

Your doin it right and it looks good, like said earlier the sinew is probably a little bigger than the hole, did it myself, your not alone, they looked well thought out, well place and spaced, damn fine if ya ask me.
I have played with some waxed linen and it does seems to look better and least likely to cut the leather.
get an adjustable groove tool to make a channel for the stitches to lay in and you are doin professional work.



just my .02 worth

[Beau48]

Your doin it right and it looks good, like said earlier the sinew is probably a little bigger than the hole, did it myself, your not alone, they looked well thought out, well place and spaced, damn fine if ya ask me.
I have played with some waxed linen and it does seems to look better and least likely to cut the leather.
get an adjustable groove tool to make a channel for the stitches to lay in and you are doin professional work.



just my .02 worth

After seein your tool post  I see you have everything so I will just keep my fingers shut.

still, looks good to me