Carving Leather - "Cutting In" - Art of the Western Saddle

[2JobsStillPoorUSA]

Thank you for this demonstration. I have a question. Do you always raise your ring and pinky finger from the leather while using the swivel knife or did you just do that for the demo so we could see the knife work?

[CowboySaddlery]

@2JobsStillPoorUSA LOL yeah, I have had that asked a couple of times.... I only raised it so I wouldn't block the view.

[2JobsStillPoorUSA]

@2JobsStillPoorUSA Thank you. I sometimes have difficulty seeing my own cuts while working. But I couldn't figure out how to do it and still have the stability of the fingers touching. I think I need better lighting too.

[MrMichehl]

Wow ... Super ! ! !

[MusicEvryDay]

Dang that's gorgeous!

[GreenLittleElf]

Gosh, this is amazingly beautiful! It must have taken you a long time to complete. I have a question regarding leather craft-would the same sort of tools need to be used for making leather key-chains?

[td84]

Wow, very nice work. I'm starting to get into leatherwork, and hope to become this talented. The music was also a nice addition to your video.

[ecallingcardca]

nice job

[TheOriginalirishman]

Very nice I love how you wrapped the vine around the border, it is such a small touch that adds so much to the finished look.

[kiawah75]

where can i find sheets of leather

[vzlangel]

where do you buy the leather?

[61pickgun]

I've just recently gotten interested in leatherwork and hopefully one day I'll be able to handle a swivel knife as gracefully as you do. You do make surgical precision look easy.

Great job. I'm envious!

[CitizenKate]

Hi Keith, I'm in awe. I did not know such small, graceful curves were possible with that big half-inch straight blade. I've always used angled blades for tight curves. Guess I still have a thing or two to learn about using a swivel knife. Thanks for sharing!

[yote1200]

I live in Driggs Id and have just started playing with tooling leather. I relay haven't found any one to show me some tricks so I have just been playing with it and learning what I can off videos and that stuff on the internet. I was wondering if you would let me run over to your shop and look over your shoulder and your could teach me a thing or two

[kipsstyle]

I Love the music. I need it for a fashion show...what is that....I could mix that to the high hills with some tight bass music.

[CowboySaddlery]

It's called "River Walk" - it is available from Apple it's included in Final Cut Pro Package and also available in their imovie package.

[Sparkeywon]

@CowboySaddlery I am new to leather work and I love your style! I have enjoyed watching an artist at work. About the music - You have great taste, Love that Banjo! WHO is that.... Please........ I have looked all over for "River Walk" and can find only Symphony, Boogie Woogie, and guitar duo's. Again, Love your Leather Work!

[tania1989c]

I am new to leather tooling but I am wondering what u prefer to use to cut the thick leather with and what is the easiest

[cheapskatevideo]

I go three passes with a utility knife.(Box cutter). Works good.

[CowboySaddlery]

I use an extremely sharp (razor sharp) head knife (5 inches in width half moon in shape). One thing that makes cutting the thicker leather easier is to dunk it under water and let it set for a few minutes on the bench before cutting, but for saddles you cannot cut every piece that way. I cut all my pieces out by hand with the head knife - no clicker presses. When you are cutting with a head knife make sure to keep your free hand out of the way and always - always cut away from yourself. KV

[dubbie001]

@CowboySaddlery hi just wondering what the best way to get into leather tooling and carving is, like what books and dvds would u reccomend? cheers love your work by the way alsum

[usedslave]

thank you for the video, i am new at leather work, 4yrs now.  I love the carving thank your again.