Leather Leash & Collar Making Questions

Airedale1

Airedale1

New Member
Hoping that folks here will answer some of my questions regarding making leashes and collars. I've read as much as I could but still have questions. I want to primarily make 6' leads with a blood knot on each end. I also want to make all leather martingale collars. I live in New Hampshire

Okay, so here are my questions:

1. In order to make a 6' long lead with a blood knot on each end, how long a strip will I need and where can I source it?

2. Latigo vs. Veg tan for leashes. What are the pros and cons and the same question for making collars?

3. Cutting strips. What is the tool called, price range and where can I source them?

4. I know from what I've read so far that Veg tan needs to be dyed and conditioned. So, what is the procedure, e.g., in what order do you do it and how do you apply them?

5. What is the cost range for dyes and conditioners and where can I source them?

6. I've noticed that when making a leash with a blood knot, Ingrid scribes a center line. What tool is used for that and where can I source one?

7. What tool is used to punch holes for adjusting size in a collar and what is the price range and where can I source them?

Thanks in advance for any info. Any help would be most appreciated.
 
Last edited:
Airedale1 said:
Hoping that folks here will answer some of my questions regarding making leashes and collars. I've read as much as I could but still have questions. I want to primarily make 6' leads with a blood knot on each end. I also want to make all leather martingale collars. I live in New Hampshire

Okay, so here are my questions:

1. In order to make a 6' long lead with a blood knot on each end, how long a strip will I need and where can I source it?

2. Latigo vs. Veg tan for leashes. What are the pros and cons and the same question for making collars?

3. Cutting strips. What is the tool called, price range and where can I source them?

4. I know from what I've read so far that Veg tan needs to be dyed and conditioned. So, what is the procedure, e.g., in what order do you do ita do how do you apply them?

5. What is the cost range for dyes and conditioners and where can I source them?

6. I've noticed that when making a leash with a blood knot, Ingrid scribes a center line. What tool is used for that and where can I source one?

7. What tool is used to punch holes for adjusting size in a collar and what is the price range and where can I source them?

Thanks in advance for any info. Any help would be most appreciated.
Click to expand...
I used to make my halters and reins and dog leads and got my supplies from the saddlery company. All my hardware was brass.
The tool you are describing is a leather punch. It has everal sizes of punches in the wheel.
 
I wish I knew and had experience with some of this. I have an idea for a leather collar that I'd really like to make. I've taken a look online – you know, U Toob videos and it seems the punch, and the cutter tool and such are some of what I'd need. I need to find a good source for collar "blanks" if you will. I found a site online, but I am always hesitant to just place an order with an unknown place.
 
@Ingrid H @JerseyFirefighter are the two that could answer these. Jersey however has a business for leather work including collars so Im not sure how much will be revealed.

Im sure there are a bunch of vids online with guides on leather work and also links to sources.
 
Airedale1 said:
Hoping that folks here will answer some of my questions regarding making leashes and collars. I've read as much as I could but still have questions. I want to primarily make 6' leads with a blood knot on each end. I also want to make all leather martingale collars. I live in New Hampshire

Okay, so here are my questions:

1. In order to make a 6' long lead with a blood knot on each end, how long a strip will I need and where can I source it?

2. Latigo vs. Veg tan for leashes. What are the pros and cons and the same question for making collars?

3. Cutting strips. What is the tool called, price range and where can I source them?

4. I know from what I've read so far that Veg tan needs to be dyed and conditioned. So, what is the procedure, e.g., in what order do you do it and how do you apply them?

5. What is the cost range for dyes and conditioners and where can I source them?

6. I've noticed that when making a leash with a blood knot, Ingrid scribes a center line. What tool is used for that and where can I source one?

7. What tool is used to punch holes for adjusting size in a collar and what is the price range and where can I source them?

Thanks in advance for any info. Any help would be most appreciated.
Click to expand...

I know quite a few of these answers :)
1. You'd need close to 7', but I've only seen 6' strips for sale. They're super expensive compared to cutting your own.
2. I haven't used much Latigo. It's nice because it's preconditioned, but it's stiff. Vegetable tanned gives you more options. You can dye and stamp veg tanned.
3. It's simply called a strap cutter. Tandy Leather has the one I use on sale now for $33.20.
4. Dye first, conditioner, then finish if any. Tandy Leather has lots of options.
5. Again Tandy Leather.
6. That's done with an adjustable groover available from Tandy for $14.
7. A rotary punch (Looks sort of like a cowboy's spur) is great for this. Don't skimp on a cheap one though. Get the $51 model. I bent my first punch with my bare hands then upgraded.

Craftool is the brand that Tandy Leather stocks, and it can be found on eBay and lots of other places. You're not too far from Tandy's North Chelmsford store in Massachusetts. It would be worth a trip there to see the hides and stuff they have. Tandy's website has lots of great instructional videos.
 
Oh Little Oji said:
I wish I knew and had experience with some of this. I have an idea for a leather collar that I'd really like to make. I've taken a look online – you know, U Toob videos and it seems the punch, and the cutter tool and such are some of what I'd need. I need to find a good source for collar "blanks" if you will. I found a site online, but I am always hesitant to just place an order with an unknown place.
Click to expand...

I just ordered a 10 pound box of latigo remnants from Tandy. It was my first order from them and it was only $20.00 so we'll see. I'm guessing I'll be able to use some of it for collars or short leashes.
 
Ingrid H said:
I know quite a few of these answers :)
1. You'd need close to 7', but I've only seen 6' strips for sale. They're super expensive compared to cutting your own.
2. I haven't used much Latigo. It's nice because it's preconditioned, but it's stiff. Vegetable tanned gives you more options. You can dye and stamp veg tanned.
3. It's simply called a strap cutter. Tandy Leather has the one I use on sale now for $33.20.
4. Dye first, conditioner, then finish if any. Tandy Leather has lots of options.
5. Again Tandy Leather.
6. That's done with an adjustable groover available from Tandy for $14.
7. A rotary punch (Looks sort of like a cowboy's spur) is great for this. Don't skimp on a cheap one though. Get the $51 model. I bent my first punch with my bare hands then upgraded.

Craftool is the brand that Tandy Leather stocks, and it can be found on eBay and lots of other places. You're not too far from Tandy's North Chelmsford store in Massachusetts. It would be worth a trip there to see the hides and stuff they have. Tandy's website has lots of great instructional videos.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much Ingrid for taking the time to answer my questions. You are wonderful.
I went to the Tandy site and I looked up each tool that you suggested and put them on my wish list. Again, thank you very much.
 
Ingrid H said:
I know quite a few of these answers :)
1. You'd need close to 7', but I've only seen 6' strips for sale. They're super expensive compared to cutting your own.
2. I haven't used much Latigo. It's nice because it's preconditioned, but it's stiff. Vegetable tanned gives you more options. You can dye and stamp veg tanned.
3. It's simply called a strap cutter. Tandy Leather has the one I use on sale now for $33.20.
4. Dye first, conditioner, then finish if any. Tandy Leather has lots of options.
5. Again Tandy Leather.
6. That's done with an adjustable groover available from Tandy for $14.
7. A rotary punch (Looks sort of like a cowboy's spur) is great for this. Don't skimp on a cheap one though. Get the $51 model. I bent my first punch with my bare hands then upgraded.

Craftool is the brand that Tandy Leather stocks, and it can be found on eBay and lots of other places. You're not too far from Tandy's North Chelmsford store in Massachusetts. It would be worth a trip there to see the hides and stuff they have. Tandy's website has lots of great instructional videos.
Click to expand...

It seems as though I am late to the party. :( Ingrid has some fantastic answers. I wish shipping was a bit more economical. I am looking to move soon to upgrade my shop and I have GARBAGE BAGS of scrap that im still holding onto to attempt to make use of waste. I use primarily latigo and bridle for two reasons.. it comes pre drum-dyed and hot stuffed with oil and waxes. It is indeed a bit stiff but my main customer base doesn't mind the stiffness until it breaks in. Secondly is it being pre-conditioned/finished. Saves time, makes life easier at the volume I am working on currently. Buying a whole side or a back vs pre-strapped stuff gives you the best bang for your buck. Approximately $200 +/- for a side that can yield 30-40 3/4" strips probably knocks the socks off of the pre-cut blank prices.

Take into consideration the leather length lost in both the knot and the handle loop. It would probably be easiest to braid the knot and then measure off the loop and then cut to size until you get the hang of the lengths.
 
JerseyFirefighter said:
Approximately $200 +/- for a side that can yield 30-40 3/4" strips probably knocks the socks off of the pre-cut blank prices.
Take into consideration the leather length lost in both the knot and the handle loop. It would probably be easiest to braid the knot and then measure off the loop and then cut to size until you get the hang of the lengths.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much for the info; much appreciated. Regarding the $200.00 price for a side that you refer to above; is that for veg tan or for latigo?
 
It varies depending on square footage. I dont recall but I believe my latigo I get for sub $8 sq ft. I buy 14-16 Hermann Oak saddle skirting for almost $10 a sq ft. Keep in mind with that price 24 sq ft of latigo is the same price as $20 sq ft of Hermann Oak so the size of the side is another main factor of how much a single side will cost. I get sides that range from 20-30 sq ft in my orders.
 
I just talked to a sales rep at the nearest Tandy and I explained to him how I want to make one piece 6' leads with a blood knot on the clasp end and also on the handle end and I know I will need a strip that is roughly 80" long. He told me that would be cost prohibitive as a side would only yield me 1 or 2 strips that would be long enough. Is that correct?
 
Airedale1 said:
I just talked to a sales rep at the nearest Tandy and I explained to him how I want to make one piece 6' leads with a blood knot on the clasp end and also on the handle end and I know I will need a strip that is roughly 80" long. He told me that would be cost prohibitive as a side would only yield me 1 or 2 strips that would be long enough. Is that correct?
Click to expand...

If you are going to Tandy you have the luxury of hand picking your sides. Not all cows are created equal. Some narrow and long and some wide but short. I regularly have pieces that go over 96"from the back to just before the neck.

Just checked two bridle sides I had laid out and they easily get a full usage out of 80" from back to belly without the neck portion. It really all depends on each cow. I've never been to a Tandy, nor handpicked my own sides, but it would seem that since one side will get you a ways, you can look for a very specific size of cow. If all else fails, call Jeff or Brian at Thoroughbred Leather in Louisville KY. They take one side orders and you can explain what you are looking for. They will most likely be able to meet your need for length. They carry Chahin and not Hermann Oak, but then again H.O. doesn't mean what it used to mean.
 
T
JerseyFirefighter said:
If you are going to Tandy you have the luxury of hand picking your sides. Not all cows are created equal. Some narrow and long and some wide but short. I regularly have pieces that go over 96"from the back to just before the neck.

Just checked two bridle sides I had laid out and they easily get a full usage out of 80" from back to belly without the neck portion. It really all depends on each cow. I've never been to a Tandy, nor handpicked my own sides, but it would seem that since one side will get you a ways, you can look for a very specific size of cow. If all else fails, call Jeff or Brian at Thoroughbred Leather in Louisville KY. They take one side orders and you can explain what you are looking for. They will most likely be able to meet your need for length. They carry Chahin and not Hermann Oak, but then again H.O. doesn't mean what it used to mean.
Click to expand...

Thank you for taking the time to help. It is much appreciated and thank you for what you do. My daughter is a firefighter too. She works for the National Park Service. She is doing what she loves.
 
Yes, thank you. Another question though as I'm, still undecided on latigo vs. veg tan for the leashes. I am leaning towards latigo but I have been told that I will not be able to stamp a crisp makers mark in the latigo; that the best result would be from laser engraving. Is it true that a stamp will not yield a good makers mark on the latigo?
 
Airedale1 said:
Yes, thank you. Another question though as I'm, still undecided on latigo vs. veg tan for the leashes. I am leaning towards latigo but I have been told that I will not be able to stamp a crisp makers mark in the latigo; that the best result would be from laser engraving. Is it true that a stamp will not yield a good makers mark on the latigo?
Click to expand...
Personally
Veg tan is best for stamping, and latigo doesn't stamp well at all. I don't know about laser engraving. Personally, I wouldn't worry about a maker's mark just yet. Just start making stuff.
 
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