Shop Talk! July 2016

T H E L E AT H E R R E TA I L E R S ’ & M A N U FACT U R E R S ’ J O U R N A L

Dale Chavez's Impressive Silver Saddles by Nick Pernokas Robin Hermann Ben Day Superior Thread

6pp 1 g i B t! r e s n I JU LY 2 0 1 6

Shoe Making S I NC E 1984

W W W . P RO L E P T I C. NE T

at

Penland $6.50

THE LEATHER RETAILERS’ & MANUFACTURERS’ JOURNAL

JULY 2016

FEATURES 13 In Memoriam 15 Free Flea

23

23 Shoemaking at Penland 29 Dale Chavez Silver Saddles 36 Superior Threads

36

Superior Threads

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 Laugh Lines 7 Hide Report 21 Boot & Shoe News 48 News, Notes & Queries 57 Classifieds COVER PHOTO: Dale Chavez built his saddle business on silver mounted show saddles.

2 JULY 2016

SHOP TALK!

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40

Dale Chavez

Published by Proleptic, Inc. • P.O. Box 17817 • Asheville, NC 28816 Ph (828) 505-8474 • Fax (828) 505-8476 shoptalk@proleptic.net • www.proleptic.net Read Shop Talk! online with links to advertisers and online information. www.proleptic.net ShopTalkLeatherMagazine

Shop Talk! is published monthly (ISSN 1547-0121) by Proleptic, Inc. Subscription rates are $36 annually, $39 (US) for Canada and Mexico, and $54 (US) for all other countries.

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SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 3

“No!” Aaron replied. “We promised.”

LAUGH LINES

Five more days past and both Levi and Aaron reluctantly agreed that Moses was never going to return before they died from starvation. Reluctantly, they lifted the lid on the picnic basket, got a sandwich, and were ready to finally eat something when Moses popped up from behind a rock and said, “Just for that, I’m not going!”

___________________ Ø ____________________

Tickle Your

FUNNY BONE

Three turtles, Levi, Aaron, and Moses, decided to go on a picnic. Levi packed the picnic basket with cookies, sodas, and sandwiches. The trouble was, the picnic site was 10 miles away so took the turtles ten whole days to get there.

By the time they had arrived, everyone was hungry. When Aaron unpacked the basket, he realized they had forgotten to bring a bottle opener so Levi and Aaron begged Moses to go back home and get one; however, Moses flatly refused, knowing that they would eat everything by the time he got back.

After a lot of arguing and persuading, the turtles managed to convince Moses to go, promising that they would not touch the food ever. So Moses set off down the road, slow and steady.

Twenty days past but no Moses. Levi and Aaron were both puzzled and getting hungrier all the time, but a promise was a promise. Another day past and still no Moses, but a promise was a promise. After three more days without Moses insight, Levi shouted in frustration, “I NEED FOOD! I’m going to starve!”

4 JULY 2016

SHOP TALK!

There were these two morons driving along the highway, looking for a place to stop and picnic. The first moron said, “Let’s stop here and have our picnic under that tree.”

The other moron said, “No! Let’s have it right here in the middle of the road.”

They fought for a bit but finally agreed to have it in the middle of the road. All of a sudden, a car came speeding towards them and had to swerve into the tree to keep from hitting them.

The second moron said, “See? If we were under that tree, we’d be dead by now!” ___________________ Ø ____________________

The minister’s little six-year-old daughter had been so naughty during the week, that her mother decided to give her the worst kind of punishment. She told her she couldn’t go to the Sunday school picnic on Saturday.

Then, when the day came, her mother felt she had been too harsh and changed her mind. When she told the little girl she could go to the picnic, the child’s reaction was one of gloom and unhappiness.

“What’s the matter? I thought you’d be glad to go to the picnic,” her mother said.

H a p p y I n d e p e n e n c e D ay !

A

merica is much more than a geographical fact. It is a political and moral fact—the first community in which men set out in principle to institutionalize freedom, responsible government, and human equality." —Adlai Stevenson

"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." —Thomas Paine "In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved." —Franklin D. Roosevelt "Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better." —Albert Camus "Where liberty dwells, there is my country. —Benjamin Franklin "We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls." —Robert J. McCracken

Advice from a Country Farmer You can't blame a worm for not wanting to go fishing. ~Roy English

"If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace." —Hamilton Fish

“It’s too late!” the little girl said. “I’ve already prayed for rain!”

prized baked ham. Tell me, Rabbi, when are you going to break down and try?”

___________________ Ø ____________________

The Rabbi looked at the Priest with a big grin and said, “At your wedding.”

A wife chewed out her husband at the company picnic and said,” Doesn’t it embarrass you that people have seen you go up to that buffet table 5 times?”

“Not a bit,” her husband replied. “I just tell them I’m filling up the plate for you!” ___________________ Ø ____________________

A Rabbi and a Catholic Priest met at West Chester’s annual Fourth of July picnic. Old friends, they began their usual banter.

“This baked ham is really delicious,” the Priest teased the rabbi. “You really ought to try it. I know it’s against religion, but I can’t understand why such a wonderful food should be forbidden.

You don’t know what you’re missing. You just haven’t lived until you’ve tried Mr. Lippert’s

___________________ Ø _______________________

One of the remarkable hallmarks of Americans is their generosity toward one another, the less fortunate, and those who’ve suffered a tragic loss. Why not celebrate this Independence Day by making a contribution—of any size—to your local foodbank, the Salvation Army, Red Cross, your local fire department, or homeless shelter to show your appreciation of all the benefits we enjoy in this free and prosperous country. To be generous and open-handed is wonderfully American and one of those things which we can rightly be proud of.

SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 5

Q: Who was the most famous ant scientist?

A: Albert Antstein.

Q: What do you call an ant who likes to be alone?

A: An independant.

Q: Why was the baby ant confused?

A: Because all his uncles were ants!

Q: If there are some ants lost in the forest, who do you call to find them?

A: The Minister of Finance!

Q: What do you get if you cross some ants with some ticks?

6 JULY 2016

A: All sorts of antics!

SHOP TALK!

YOUR GLO BAL P E RSP ECT IVE

The Hide Report

Hide Report No doubt you might ask yourself while reading this report things like—why should I care if some fancy bag company’s profits have increased? Or—who cares if shoe makers and auto makers are using more “alternative materials” (plastics) in their products and less leather? Or—why should I be interested in the Chinese economy since it has nothing to do with my little shop?

Good questions. It may seem farfetched but, yes, what’s happening in the larger world can and does have a lot more relevance to your small shop than you might guess at first blush. There might be hints, ideas, suggestions which really do have application to your own business as well as provide a better understanding, for example, of global markets and why the cost of leather rises and falls.

Doesn’t a light bulb go off when you read about a company like Coach pulling its products from department store shelves and making their lovely bags “more exclusive”? And as a result experience larger annual profits? Doesn’t that make you think about your own products, how you market them, and how you price them? Cheaper may not be better.

HIDENET.COM ANALYSIS …As we ourselves have expounded over the past year, leather prices got so high, designers simply took leather out of their products and substituted synthetics.

We’re not calling anyone a liar, but negativism seems to have won out over more balanced rationale. We call your attention to the above charts on Heavy Texas and Heavy Native Steer prices. Regardless of increased slaughter this spring, tanner demand has grown enough for steer prices to increase, even beyond the lows of 2015.

Yes, the seasonality effect of the prime leather selling season winding down May and into June is no different this year than normal, but we think that tanners were hesitant to maintain adequate levels of inventory during this period due to their anticipation of lower prices ahead. Now that they have proven wrong, we are seeing, to varying degrees, high buyers having to scramble to have Texas Steers, especially, in hand to meet their required shipments of finished leather.

Enjoy. The world is just outside your door. You can hear it knocking.

HIDES PRICES SLIGHTLY IMPROVE Heavy Texas Steers are up $1-2. So are Branded Steers. Butt Branded Steers up $1. Heavy Native Steers up $1-1.50. Other selections holding steady or slightly up.

SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 7

The Hide Report

China’s Labor Cost Continue to Rise The Chinese government has put new funding in place to help manufacturing companies modernize production. Reports are that it aims to encourage investment in “smart machinery” and other technological innovations to make manufacturing more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. In its report on this move by the government, the China Leather Industry Association included figure suggesting that labor costs in China were less than one half those of the US in 2003, but are now “only slightly lower.” In contrast, it said productivity per worker is six times higher in US factories. To catch up, China last year announced a new campaign c a l l e d Made in China 2025, a 10 year plan to upgrade manufacturing capacity.

The Chinese Government… aims to encourage investment in "smart machinery"

CHINA’S LEATHER INDUSTRY STILL DOMINANT DESPITE CHALLENGES After a slow start to 2016 mainly due to a lack of footwear orders from developed Western economies, China’s leather sector and its overall exports reawakened at the end of the first quarter.

A mild winter, excess inventory, and flat retail sales both in Europe and the USA contributed directly to sluggish manufacturing activity in China’s footwear factories. Slow demand for footwear leather was offset by the buoyant automotive sector which has been the driver behind the leather sector for at least the last year and a half. This fact, in conjunction with lower slaughter levels in leading supplying countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, and the bans by other countries on the export of raw and semi-finished leather, has kept raw material prices steady with solid demand for top grades but with still large inventories to move of lower grade material.

After pricing itself out of the market almost 2 years ago, footwear manufacturers began to substitute

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8 JULY 2016

SHOP TALK!

The Hide Report for leather synthetic materials, whose price had fallen on the back of a collapse in the price of crude oil, with approximately 58% of leather demand generated by the global footwear industry, the rising demand for synthetics and performance materials to replace leather has negatively impacted the footwear tannery sector.

Nonetheless there are clear signs that demand for leather and raw materials has been picking up in recent weeks. For example. The United States Hides, Skins & Leather Association (USHSLA) has reported an increase in exports of 3.5% in volume compared to the same period last year in the first quarter.…

At this fact that China’s GDP is running within government targets at 6.7% and, more importantly, retail sales activity in mainland China continued to motor along at a rate of 10.5% in March. …“China has achieved double-digit economic growth over the last 20 years. It is impossible for China to maintain [according to Su Chaoying, chairman of the China Leather Industry Association] such a high rate of growth in the future as internal and external factors have changed. The country is now going into a transition period. The economy is

shifting from export-led, investment-fueled growth to innovation and consumption-driven growth which has brought new challenges to China’s leather industry.”

AUTOMOTIVE LEATHER IS NOT A PANACEA Everyone in our industry is constantly seeing news of improving auto sales, and this has been going on now for a number of years. Every year more cars are being produced and sold, and a sizable percentage of them contains at least some leather.

The operative word here is “least”. In a conversation with one of the world’s largest players in automotive leather upholstery today, it was noted that the percentage of leather used in all classes of cars has gradually diminished, even while the number of units sold has risen.

This is akin to what happened to footwear. Leather prices got so high, that designers used substitutes to bring down the cost of their finished product in order to meet retailer price points. Many will find it surprising that the same thing is occurring in leather seating.

Auto leather is gradually losing its grip on market share. While consumer desire for leather seating remains, the overwhelming majority of consumers have no clue that when the salesman touts the leather package, the unsuspecting buyer is only getting a minimal amount of leather in the vehicle.

As in the case of footwear and quite a few formally all leather accessories, leather prices need to go lower, and as a result, hide prices, for our industry to have a chance to regain the market share already lost.

SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 9

The Hide Report RUSSKAYA KOZHA CELEBRATES TANNERY CENTENNIAL

VEGETABLE TANNING GIVES KIAS’ LEATHER CLASSIC LOOK

Russkaya Kozha Group, Russia’s leading tanning group, celebrated the hundredth anniversary of the Ryazan Tannery, the 30 year anniversary of their new tannery, and marked 20 years since they established “Russkaya Kozha” 200 km southwest of Moscow in Ryazan. The Group encompasses industrial enterprises involved in leather manufacturing, including the Ryazan Tannery which focuses on exporting finished leather and importing semifinished leather, the Home Collection which produces upholstery leather, Union Leather, a finishing plant in Spain, and BKS Leather Ltd., their China-based subsidiary which manufactures finished leather for shoes and leather goods. The tannery’s production makes up 35% of Russia’s total leather output.

Indonesian family-run company Kias Leather has been producing leather handbags and luggage for almost 50 years. It has been using mostly vegetable tanning, especially acacia wood which gives leather unique, recognizable, and natural characteristics.

GENESCO BEATS TARGETS Genesco, Inc. reported a modest gain in first-quarter earnings that came out well ahead of Wall Street’s target. The upside was boosted by a “slightly better” performance at Lids Sports Group. Earnings from continuing operations for the first quarter ended April 30, 2016, reached $10.6 million compared to earnings from continuing operations of $9.9 million for the first quarter ended May 2, 2015.

MICHAEL KORS POSTS STRONGEST SALES GROWTH IN A YEAR Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. reported strongest quarterly sales growth in a year as demand surged for its handbags and accessories in the Americas.

Michael Kors has been refreshing its product lines faster, tightening its distribution to retain the exclusivity of its handbags and pushing into online retail to boost its sales growth.

The company, whose $300 handbags are big draw for fashion conscious women looking for affordable luxury goods, have seen double-digit sales growth until mid-2015. As more and more department stores and outlet started stocking its handbags, the brand lost some of its exclusivity, turning away shoppers and slowing the company’s sales growth.

10 JULY 2016

SHOP TALK!

All the products are designed by Monica, the company’s creative director and daughter of Kias’ founder, and are handcrafted by the company’s 23 employees. They are sold mostly to Asian and European customers.

Kias is constantly innovating and has recently introduced a new process called pull-up which consists in dying leather exclusively with soluble dyes without covering the surface with a topcoat paint or insoluble pigments. The additional oil or wax applied to the leather gives it a natural finish which goes well with the classic design of the products.

The Hide Report ANPIC The 47th edition of ANPIC, the Americas’ most important footwear fair, took place in late May. The exhibition in Leon, Mexico, gathered 359 companies and more than 980 brands in the machinery, equipment, shoe component, finished leather, textile, and synthetics fields. APIMEX (Associacion de Empresas Proveedoras Industriales de Mexico) reported that 50% of its enterprises are more focused on sectors such as aircraft, automotive and textile rather than the traditional footwear sector that has become less and less profitable. According to the Association, from January to March this year, the 73 leather industry related companies exported $41 million of hides and skins and the 187 Leonbased footwear companies exported $64 million worth of shoes.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK! ShopTalkLeatherMagazine

This Could Be You Tucked into one of the narrow bylanes of the historic Hauz Khas Village in New Delhi stands a store that many mistake to be Italian or Japanese. It exudes an ambiance of nostalgia and fine craftsmanship— leather goods and accessories with vintage black and white prints and contemporary designs— while muted detailing lines its walls and shelves.

Six years ago, Gautam Sinha, 36, set up his store, Nappa Dori, in this bylane to create an identity for himself instead of continuing to hand over his designs to someone else. In the process, he has brought Indian aesthetics to a global product range.

Today, Sinha can boast two more outlets, exports to the US, France, the UK, Japan, Finland, Germany, Singapore, and provides room leather accessories for hotels such as Hilton.

Sinha’s journey into the global market for finding leather goods began in Delhi where he was brought up by a single mother and where, as an aspiring designer, he did not have the money to apply to either the Rhode Island School of Design or the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York so he settled for what he could afford— studying fashion designing at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi. Says Sinha, the lack of any kind of guidance proved to be a blessing in disguise; it was all about sitting down with craftsman and learning together.”

SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 11

The Hide Report

JU LY 2016 MARKET IN REVIEW Weight (lbs.)

Selection

wts. vary month to month

Heavy Texas Steers

April (early)

May (early)

June (early)

Price Last June 2015 (early)

62-64 $65-66 $65-66.50 $65-68 $83-84

Heavy Texas Steers (Hvy) 70-74 $69-71 $70-71 $72-73 $90-91 Branded Steers

62-64 $63-64 $60-63 $60-63 $83-84

Branded Steers (Hvy)

70-74 $68-70 $68-70 $72-72.50 $90-91

Colorado Steers

62-64 $61-62 $58-59 $58-60 $81-82

Butt Branded Steers

62-64 $73-74 $70-73 $70-73 $92-94

Butt Branded Steers (Hvy)

70-74 $77-79 $75-76 $73-74 $100-105

Heavy Native Steers (Hvy)

70-74

Heavy Native Heifers

50-52 $59-60 $56-57 $55-57 $70-72

Branded Heifers

50-52 $56-57 $53-54 $52-53 $68-70

Heavy Native Cows

50-52 $42-43 $42-43 $39-41 $60-63

Branded Cows

50-52 $34-37 $31-33 $27-32 $57-62

Spready Dairy Cows

50-52 $54-58 $52-53 $48-50 $68-72

Native Bulls

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SHOP TALK!

$80-82

$79-80

$77-78

$107-109

100-110 $51-54 $51-54 $47-50 $70-72

Robin Cornwell Hermann November 7, 1954—May 5, 2016

The following was provided to us by Shep Hermann, Robin’s husband and President of Hermann Oak Leather Co., St. Louis, MO. “Celebration of Life” is the theme we have lived by ever since Robin was diagnosed four years ago.

We had a banner outside during her first round of treatment. A little background on its inception.

After my mother then my father passed, I found that all the “condolences” with long faces was dragging down my spirits, blinding me to the larger joy of their lives. So I started asking people not to grieve for them, but to celebrate their lives. This is an uphill battle now with my dear Robin’s departure, especially since she has left us at a relatively young age. I have found here in St. Louis that 80% of those I ask to celebrate say, “Oh, you’re right,” while 20% say, “No, no it’s terrible.” When I asked the same of our company’s customers who knew my father, I received a positive reply from 100%. Our customer base, ranchers and farmers, are a more religious group than here in the city. I propose that the difference in response is directly related by a person’s belief in what lies after this earthly life, that is, how deep is their faith.

Robin has been my companion, my lover, my friend, my confidante, and my soulmate for almost 38 years. She not only blessed me with two adorable children, she raised them to be confident and mature adults. I count myself blessed to have had her as my wife and partner in this life.

The key to how we treat death lies within our own selves. Is it our loss in the short term, or her gain? Is it our selfish emotion, or do we celebrate the larger joy of her life? Through the mist of our tears, our family chooses celebration, and we ask all to join with us.

Shep Hermann, Missy & Don Pydo, Kati & Brett Mawhiney, May 10, 2016

I offer a host of reasons to celebrate. Robin has accomplished all the major goals she set in her life, principally raising family and launching them to do the same with theirs. She has touched many people, making our community a better place to live. She has lived longer than 98% of humankind throughout history, thanks to our advances in medicine and lifestyle, so historically she is not “too young.” I came close to losing her thirty years ago, so we have in reality had her close to twice of what we would have in the old days. She is now in a much better place, free from the pain and suffering she has recently endured with such dignity and grace and stoicism. Most importantly, God willing, she is now with her Creator.

SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 13

Editors Note:

Ben Day Passes The leather industry lost a good friend on May 4, 2016. Ben Day, of Mt. Vernon, Washington, passed away, leaving his wife, Alice, and their children.

Ben's business, Western Specialties, was formed in 1959. He did a little bit of everything, including making saddles and holsters. Sometimes it's better to let a close friend tell the story, as James Cox of Moser Leather does so eloquently: "I wanted everyone to know that my good friend Ben Day, of Western Specialties passed away on May 4th, 2016. He leaves his wife of many years Alice, and their children. He had a brief illness. Ben was a great person... he was a trader in the best sense of the word. He liked selling, whether it was machinery or finished goods. He was a braided nylon whip and sorting pole maker, and would be putting handles on at night on the ends while watching T.V.! He never stopped. He always wanted to know what deal I had traded for, and try to help me by purchasing, or trading goods for those items.

He was a person that dwelled on the good things, and always had a smile on his face, or a good joke or great laugh to share. He attended many auctions from the original Chattanooga Dealer Auction held

by Frank Chick, to Weaver's Annual Sale every year.

It was always a pleasure to see him, and hear the latest stories. Please remember his family at this time. I offered our services if they need anything in the future... they are not sure what they are going to do yet with his business."

Ben is second from the right.

14 JULY 2016

SHOP TALK!

Information concerning Ben has been pretty slim so we apologize for not providing a much fuller obituary for someone who lived quite a full and interesting life. In fact, we’re not even sure how old Ben was when he died but are guessing he was somewhere in his 80’s.

I suppose I rubbed elbows with Ben for around 25 years, and we always got along pretty well. I remember years ago I was at an auction and saw Ben standing a few feet away. Now this was largely an Amish affair so most people were dressed fairly modestly. Ben, however, was wearing a Western hat, a colorful Hawaiian shirt, swimming trucks, and flip flops. One of his arms was in a cast and he was wearing a sling.

“Ben,” I said, “you fit right in with all these Amish guys!”

We both laughed. Ben was a funny guy and could be described as “a real character.” He was!

Ben had a stretch of real hard luck for the past five or six years. I’d call him from time to time just to chew the fat and gossip. Ben had been in the leather and saddle business a long, long time so he was a real wealth of information. He had a bout with cancer which he survived and then was involved in a bad automobile crash in Ohio, I think, which about broke every bone in his body, and he survived that as well so Ben must have been tougher than an old boot.

I’ll miss our chats. Ben was always a lot of fun to talk with and always a gentleman.

BIG Free Flea...

It’s the Best!!!

Friends & Neighbors!

I just hate people who brag about themselves—don’t you!

As my Old Boss was VERY fond of saying, “Self-praise sinks!”

Then he’d give me a hard look.

Hmmm. However, I will make a teeny, tiny, little exception— THIS ONE TIME ONLY—and

say this is the BESTEST FREE FLEA EVER!!

and take advantage of these great offers—today!

More closeouts, more great deals, more products than ever! So enjoy and be sure to take advantage of the bargains listed herein—don’t wait, don’t put it off, don’t delay! Save yourself a pocketful of $$$$

A very large THANKS to the many companies that sent in their lists of special offers and closeouts—thank you for making this the best Flea ever! Our mascot Freddie Flea appreciates the support.

*Alligator *Bells *Collars *Dyes & Finishes *English Saddlery *Equipment *Fabric *Finished Leather Goods --also see Gift Items/Clothing *Free Shipping *Gift Items/Clothing *Halters *Hardware (Metal & Plastic) *Harness/Saddlery Parts *Horse Health Care/Misc. Supplies *Leather *Luggage *Misc. *Thread & Bobbins *Tools *Webbing/Velcro/Elastic SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 15

Big Free Flea

Alligator Mark Staton Co. 111 Bourque Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506 (800) 224-2867 mark@markstatonco.com www.markstatonco.com

43 cm Magenta Glazed. $300 40 cm Sunset Coral Glazed $245 45 cm Rosa (pink) Matte $245 31 cm Sunset Coral Matter $75 33 cm Grass Green Glazed $175 56 cm Black Matte $485 75 cm Black Matte $900 89 cm Chocolate Brown Matte $1,000 89 cm Black Matte $1,000

43 cm Chocolate Brown Matte $200 44 cm Black Matte $400 Scraps: 1 lb. bag regular scrap (80% black, brown, cognac and 20% fashion colors). Good for small piece work— inlays, trim, accents, etc. Reg. $35.

Sale $25 1 lb. bag premium scrap (50% black, brown, cognac and 50% fashion colors). Reg. $75. Sale $45 All sales final.

Bells Weaver Leather P O Box 68 Mt. Hope, OH 44660 (330) 674-7548 ext. 132

96 cm Chocolate Brown Matte $1,200

Swiss sleigh bell SB. 2”. $2.42 ea. (02700SB-1)

American Alligator Hornback:

Swiss sleigh bell SB, 2 ½”. $3.61 ea.

(02700-SB-2)

16 JULY 2016

SHOP TALK!

Swiss sleigh bell SB. 2 ¾”. $4.03 ea.

(02700-SB-3) Swiss sleigh bell SB. 3”. $4.61 ea. (02700SB-4)

Must mention source code OVR to receive the special prices

Collars Beiler’s Mfg. & Supply 3025 Harvest Dr. Ronks, PA 17572 (717) 768-0174 Mule or Draft Horse Collars with ticking on face side. Heavy duty.

18”—full face or sweeney. $90.25 19”—full face or sweeney. $90.25 20”—full face or sweeney. $90.25 21”—full face or sweeney. $94.65 22”—full face or sweeney. $99.50 23”—full face or sweeney. $104.35 24”—full face or sweeney. $109.50

Big Free Flea 25”—full face or sweeney. $117.25 26”—full face or sweeney. $125.50

Dyes & Finishes Auburn Leathercrafters 42 Washington St. Auburn, NY 13021 (315) 252-4107 Alan@AuburnDirect.com

New and clean 4 oz. white plastic shoe polish bottles with sponge applicator and clear plastic cap. No labels. 4,000 pcs. all for $1,600 or $60 per 100.

Sew What?! Supplies 400 Travis Ln., Unit #28 Waukesha, WI 53189 (800) 390-9503 info@sewwhatsupplies.com

Fiebing products.

Edge dye. British tan, burgundy, lt. brown, mahogany. $3.50 ea.

Institutional dye. Black, d. brown, med. brown, blue, green, red, tan, yellow. 4 oz. $2.50 ea. 32 oz. $10 ea.

Udder Balm. 2.5 oz. tube. $2.15 ea.

Kelly’s Cobbler Suede Dye. Dk. brown, med. brown, navy. 4 oz. $2.25 ea.

Edge Kote. Cordovan, light tan. 4 oz. $3.50 ea.

While supplies last.

English Saddlery American Saddlery P O Box 130 Rossville, GA 30741 (800) 251-7288 sales@americansaddlery.com www.americansaddlery.com

Equipment Auburn Leathercrafters

42 Washington St. Auburn, NY 13021 (315) 252-4107 Alan@AuburnDirect.com Hot melt multi-purpose glue sticks. Apx. 10 lbs. $30 Curvon Horse Clothing 34 Apple St. Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 (732) 747-3832 CurvonCorp@aol.com

Herman Schwabe hydraulic clicker.

Model #1470. 28” x 14.5” cutting pad.

Excellent condition. $1,295.

B. T. Crump OVERSTOCK. Sale on 100’s of items. Almost entire line being discounted 35%. Free domestic shipping on orders over $500 for Crump in stock sale items only. Too good to miss!

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JULY 2016 17

Big Free Flea Hilltop Tack Supply 133 Welding Dr. Rebersburg, PA 16872 (814) 349-4479

8” Landis splitter – hand crank or power

Model C clicker with large air cylinder and extra linkage for more cutting force.

Excellent condition. Pad like new. $2,200.

12” splitter – hand crank or power

Randall strap cutter set up for ½”or 1”. $150.

Landis 5-in-1 and 3-in-1

Randall strap cutter set up for 5/8”. $125.

7” USM splitter – hand crank 6” Fenda splitter – hand crank Landis 12L Aristocrat curved needle stitcher Landis Model 14 lap skiver

Randall strap cutter set up for ¾”. $125.

International Harness Machinery creaser. ½” thru 1 ¾” Double crease and ½” thru 1 ¾” slicker

All strap cutters are on metal stands and have shields over pulleys and gears.

International Harness Machinery creaser.

5/8” thru 1 ¾” single crease and 1” thru 1 ½” single crease with raised center

Landis Sales & Service 115 E County Road 500 N Arthur, Il 61911 (217) 543-3464

Tubular rivet & stud hand feed #1 riveter

20 and 25 ton swing arm clickers J.D. Randall 20” band knife splitter

18 JULY 2016

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Pluma USM 6” bell skiver All machinery has been serviced and is shop ready. Call or write for details and pricing.

N & A Harness Shop 6009 Township Road 419 Millersburg, OH 44654 (330) 893-1024

Bench model rope clamper. Great for any small harness or saddle shop. Can ship UPS. Also works with open eye snaps.

Sloan Machinery 13 B Klein Dr. Salem, NH 03079 (603) 893-8883 www.sloanmachinery.com

Fortuna skiver model V50. Good condition. On stand for $1,250.

Fortuna skiver model V50. Rebuilt. On stand for $2,500.

Juki LU1510. Head only. $895 ea.

Steve Miller & Associates 1317 Horan Dr. Fenton, MO 63026 (636) 349-2244

Big Free Flea www.stevemillerandassociates. com

Singer 236G120 with roller foot, table, and stand. $175.

Chandler model D pinking machine with table and 110 v clutch motor. $200

Fabric

Acme stapler model P. Uses 00L6 staples.

Head only. $100 Acme stapler model SIMP5KA foot press with table. Uses 062/00L2 staples. $100 Schaefer cementer with 8” wide roller.

Motor. $150

Sew What?! Supplies 400 Travis Ln., Unit #28 Waukesha, WI 53189 (800) 390-9503 info@sewwhatsupplies.com

Ace model SC-75 adjustable strap cutter 3 ½” with table and 110v motor. $175

Fleece. 58” 1st quality. Double sided. $3.99/yd. Navy, sky blue, navy plaid, baby pattern.

Fortuna bell knife skiver model SAG with table and motor. $225

Natural cotton. 60”. Untreated. 10 oz. $2.95/yd.

Ellegi bell knife skiver model SL 12 with table and ½ hp clutch motor. $250

No See Em mesh. 54”. Black. $2.25/yd.

Singer 112W139 with table, stand, and ½ hp 110v motor. $200 Singer 112W140 head only. $100 Singer 107W1 zig-zag with table, stand, and ½ hp 110v motor. $150

Shelton-Reynolds 11516 N. Port Washington Rd., Ste. 1A Mequon, WI 53092 (800) 877-7150 ron@sheltonreynolds.com

66” 8 oz. white vinyl “Tuff-Tex” Mesh on 200 yd. rolls. $2/yd. Save 33%. One roll left.

61” 22 oz. yellow vinyl coated polyester truck tarp fabric. 100 yd. rolls. $5.40/yd.

One roll left.

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FREE FLEA CONTINUES ON PAGE 39

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JULY 2016 19

20 JULY 2016

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P EOP LE PRODUCTS P L AC E S LISA SORRELL RELEASES NEW BOOK ON LEATHER INLAY AND OVERLAY Lisa Sorrell, master cowboy boot maker and leather artist, has just released her new book The Art

of Leather Inlay and Overlay: A Guide to the Techniques for Top Results. This 176 page hard cover book features over 470 color photographs and diagrams, bringing in-depth detail to this comprehensive look at the almost forgotten deorative art of leather inlay and overlay. While

Boot & Shoe News traditionally these skills have been passed along orally, Sorrell fills a crucial gap for the aspiring leather worker in this guide, with dozens of striking examples and clear instructions for working with this often-overlooked textile, leather.

Begining with a brief introduction of the cowboy boot, the dicipline that has become a repository for the art of leather inlay and overlay, Sorrell takes us through the decorative methods you can bring to your work, including the tools and machinery needed as well as detailed explanations

SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 21

Boot & Shoe News of techniques. This book also includes tips on choosing the best leather, how to pattern and create leather art, basic sewing machine matainance, and finishes with an illustrated step-by-step guide to three leather projects‌ making it a groundbreaking resource for this rarely documented decorative art!

Lisa Sorrell has won multiple awards for her work in the United States, is a featured artist on the PBS series Craft in America, and her work has been highlighted in numerous books. As the owner of Sorrell Custom Books, Sorrel speaks, writes, and teaches on both bowboy boot making and the deorative art of leather inlay and overlay from her Oklahoma based studio.

22 JULY 2016

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Boot & Shoe News

Minnesota Shoemaker Teaches Historic Shoe Construction Methods Founded in 1929 by Lucy Morgan, The Penland School of Crafts in Penland, NC, was originally an outgrowth of a craft based economic development program.

Over the years, it evolved to include one, two, and eight-week workshops, and resident and work-study scholarship programs.

by LIISA ANDREASSEN, The school attracts students from STAFF WRITER all walks of life and today it has a reputation for being one of the most important centers for craft education in the world.

Workshops at Penland are held in a variety of mediums and include books and paper, clay, drawing, painting, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking, textile, and wood along with the occasional class that delves into mixed media, performance, teaching training, public art, and other areas.

“Penland’s small scale, flexible structure, and community environment have allowed it to play an important role in education in the United States."

-­Paul J. Smith, Curator Emeritus, American Craft Museum

The Pegged Sole A recent visit to Penland led me to a workshop called, “The Pegged Sole,” which demonstrated that the art of shoemaking is alive and well.

“We have no standing faculty, so we have different instructors and offerings every year,” Robin Dreyer, Penland communications manager, says. “While this is the first time that Amara Hark-Weber has taught at Penland, we have offered shoemaking workshops pretty regularly since 2000.”

Hark-Weber’s mother is a papermaker who has taught at Penland several times and Hark-Weber has been a student at Penland in the past, so she’s well connected with the school.

“Our shoemaking classes have been popular, and I’m sure we will continue to offer them,” says Dreyer.

The seminar on “The Pegged Sole” covered historic methods of shoe construction—the full pegged sole. Students learn shoemaking fundamentals, including patterning for an Oxford or Derby, cutting, skiving, sewing, and finishing. Learning through demonstrations and one-on-one instruction, students made and finish one pair of full leather shoes. All levels are welcome and a good attitude and some hand strength are necessary.

The workshop was broken up as follows: • Measuring feet/altering the last for fit and drawing on the last • Patterning – drawing the design on the last and creating flat patterns – testing pattern on last for correct fit • Cutting out pattern (clicking) – and skiving (beveling the edge) • Sewing the pattern together with a #69 bonded nylon and prepping the insole • Structural – placing uppers onto the last • Adding structural leathers – lasting • Adding filler and outsole and shanks • Peg shoes and heels • Finish and final polish SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 23

Boot & Shoe News where reading was not necessary,” she explains.

“This was something I could do. I could sit next to someone and just copy what they were doing.”

Hark-Weber says that they used water buffalo leather because it’s easy for beginners to work with.

“It’s stiff, but forgiving,” she says.

Hark-Weber added that these students are not coddled.

“This is the real deal and it’s challenging.”

A Little About Hark-Webber And, challenge is definitely something Hark-Webber is familiar with.

Prior to becoming a shoemaker, she was a writer and photographer. After a bad car accident, her ability to read and to see clearly were taken from her. (She has since recovered most of what she lost). She was in the process of getting her MFA and attended a class on shoemaking.

“I needed to take a class

24 JULY 2016

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After completing her MFA in design from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she continued her study of shoemaking and became more and more interested by how the right shoes could better balance a body. She was fortunate to have studied with master bootmaker D. W. Frommer. Most recently, she’s worked with master shoemaker Janne Melkersson in Sweden. She’s been making shoes for about three and a half years now and admits to being one of three in the whole state of Minnesota.

She says it takes about 40-60 hours to make one pair and prices start at $750. All are custom made.

The most she has ever made has been five pairs in one month. Right now, she’s focused on developing a long-term business strategy.

“A rising tide raises more ships,” she says. “The more people that realize this craft is alive and well, the better off we’ll be.

Curious as to how many shoes Hark-Weber has?

Not as many as you might think. She says she was actually forced to count them the other day and

Boot & Shoe News reports having 17 pairs – only two of which she did not make (sneakers).

‘I’m always too busy making shoes for others, so don’t really have time to make my own. Most of the shoes I make for myself are actually prototypes for customer requests,” she says.

Mary Lucking, a public artist visiting from Arizona, says she took the class because she is intrigued by how design interacts with the body. She was working on an Oxford with an asymmetrical toe.

Shoemakers in Training There were twelve students in attendance at this particular workshop – all of them were women and all of them had a passion for the art of shoemaking.

Reasons for taking the class ranged from selffulfillment and filling lifelong dreams to having a better understanding of how design meets body.

Mercedes Jelinek, a resident artist in photography at Penland, said she wanted to do something “completely different.” She was also intrigued by taking a class where she would produce a “usable product.” She was working on an Oxford wingtip at

LL

C

The student who came the greatest distance hailed from Tel Aviv, Israel. A textile designer, she said she enjoys traveling aboard during the summer and learning new things. She was hoping to learn the

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the time and said she was already trying to figure out how she could continue doing this after the class ended.

Monica Hunter, a retired dentist, explained that she and her husband enjoy taking self-fulfillment classes. She says she chose this class because a few years back she had purchased a pair of shoes online that were super soft. She took a class that involved using soft lasts. She enjoyed it and wanted to learn more, so she enrolled in this class. Her husband was taking an iron class upstairs.

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Boot & Shoe News core skills of shoemaking so she could take this information back with her and try to do something on her own.

The cost of this workshop was $1,051 for tuition and, although it’s not required, most students live on campus during the session. Room and board packages vary, but they start at $1,012 for the twoweek session.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Robin Dreyer P.O. Box 37 Penland, NC 28765 (828) 765-2359 publications@penland.org www.penland.org

Amara Hark-Weber 621 Kent St. St. Paul, MN 55103 (651) 485-5611 www.harkweberstudio.com

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What do you get when Kevin & Rusty go exploring a jungle wilderness???

FASHION PRINTED LIZARD SKINS! That’s right! Kevin & Rusty are always up for an adventure, so when they tripped and fell into a group of Fashionista Lizards who were tossing out last years skins in favor of the newest trends, they knew exactly what to do... They made a deal and put me to work! Now, SLC has an amazing assortment of fashion printed lizard skins that will blow your mind! Give us a call or visit our website for more info!

This is so cool, Kevin! I can’t believe these lizards were just going to shed away their beautiful, exotic printed skins like they weren’t the hottest thing in fashion right now!

Here’s another one for ya, boss!

That is so last season!

What do lizards even know about fashion?!

They shed one skin and change into the exact same outfit!

Springfield Leather Company 1463 S. Glenstone Springfield, MO 65808 1-800-668-8518 www.springfieldleather.com SHOP TALK!

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Dale Chavez

Diary of an Entrepreneur An hour south of Los Angeles, if the traffic's good, you come to an area that was once legendary in the horse industry.

In the rolling hills around Temecula were beautiful horse farms where celebrities kept their show and race horses.

Even today when you drive past the old entrances, the list of former owners reads

by NICK PERNOKAS, like Hollywood Boulevard.

SENIOR FEATURE WRITER Photos courtesy Nick Pernokas Urban sprawl has advanced down the interstate from L.A. with housing developments filling pastures. Vineyards creep over the hills on land where grapes are now more valuable than horses. Still, there are a few hardy horsemen who survive here. They are the successful ones who can afford to stay.

On his ranch on one side of the valley is a horseman who not only stayed but thrived. His name is Dale Chavez, and his hilltop headquarters overlooks a roping arena below with corriente steers and horses grazing nearby. At 71, Dale still team ropes, and competes as a header at many events in the Southwest. His roping career began as a boy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Dale started rodeoing in the timed events when he was sixteen years old.

"I

didn't come from a wealthy family," says Dale, "so I would always have cheap tack."

Dale was able to compete successfully in the roping and steer wrestling, but he decided to go to college in Colorado to be a dentist. He graduated with a degree in biological science and chemistry at the age of twenty-three.

"When

I graduated, I realized I really wouldn't make a good dentist," chuckles Dale.

A job offer came up in Temecula, California. The Vail Cattle Company had just sold a 100,000 acre ranch there, and Dale was hired to run the new owner's equestrian operation. At that time, in 1971, Temecula was rural with only 500 residents.

"Temecula

was the most beautiful place you'd ever seen in Southern California. That ranch had never been disturbed."

The new owners planned on subdividing the area and wanted to promote it as a fun place to live.

Dale helped them put on rodeos for a couple of years. Then he partnered with some friends and started a horse rental string for a couple of land developments. They used their 125 horses to provide horse activities on the weekends for the area. One weekend, Dale was hitching up the horses to a hay wagon when someone accidentally spooked the team. Dale was run over by the team and wagon.

"I

was hurt and cut up pretty bad."

Fortunately, the people with the land company took him in during his long recuperation and eventually gave him a quieter job in their hotel office. Then on the side he started selling a little Indian jewelry he was bringing in from New Mexico and selling it in California.

"That was right before the first big boom, and, when it hit, I was right in the middle of it," says Dale. "I was doing quite well."

Around 1976, Dale began to take his jewelry to trade shows. He became friends with Peter Runyon who owned a company called Victor Leather Goods and shared space at the trade shows with him.

"At that time, Victor Leather Goods was the premiere silver saddle company in the United States."

This was Dale's introduction to the leather business.

The Victor employees at the plant in Paramount, California, were paid an hourly wage, and Dale observed that this was a difficult way to control costs in a large operation.

Dale continued on with his jewelry business.

Then one day, at a trade show, the Resistol Hat representatives noticed the feathers that he was incorporating in some of his displays. They asked Dale if he would sell them some feathers. Before too long, they returned and asked him if he could make SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 29

a line of feather hatbands for their hats. Dale found some suppliers, and he was in a new business.

In 1978, a TV show called "Dallas" aired, and Western wear became fashionable on Main Street. It was followed by a film that pushed the surge even higher.

"Urban Cowboy" also became the name of the era that it ushered in. The world had an appetite for all things Western and this included feather hatbands.

"It

was coincidence, but I had started before the fad hit, and I had all of my ducks in a row when it did," says Dale. "The feather hat band business was quite large, quite quick."

Like all good things, the fad ended the next year, and Dale had feathers that it took several years to get rid of. Fortunately, he was already involved in a new venture. He, and a former employee of Victor, had opened a shop to make leather halters in East Los Angeles. At first the business was private label for a large saddlery company. More products were added and the business grew. The saddlery company asked them if they could make rolled halters.

results were beautiful. Soon Dale's company was building rolled headstalls as well. With the show headstalls came the need for braiding. As luck would have it, in East Los Angeles there were some really good braiders that needed work. Most were Hispanic men who had brought their trades from Mexico. It turned out that many of them had other talents as well. Dale soon had stitchers, silversmiths, and toolers. Stamping tools, like flower centers, were made from stirrup bolts by one of the toolers.

The products looked great and Dale decided to start wholesaling them under his name. Now that he had a complete strap goods shop, people started asking about saddles. Several saddle makers from another saddle shop started doing piecework for Dale.

Sterling silver was cheap, and Dale was producing a really nice, silver mounted show saddle by the early Eighties.

"Rolled halters are very tedious and time consuming, and you need to have excellent stitching," explains Dale.

Ready to shop!

By the time Dale got into saddles, he'd bought a horse ranch in Temecula. In order to gain more knowledge about saddles, his company began to do all the repair work for one of his neighbors who had as many as 750 rental horses during the summer.

There was every style of saddle imaginable on this string of horses, but they were all cheap, with poor ground seats and bad stitching.

Dale Chavez wears a lot of different hats.

They came up with a knife that would cut behind the stitching so that when it was rolled, it would cradle inside the stitching. It was crude but the 30 JULY 2016

SHOP TALK!

"I

decided that wasn't for me. We hand make the ground seat in every saddle that we build. I've used Hermann Oak Leather for over forty years, and I've never had a problem with it."

of production, a large saddle company hired almost all of Dale's key employees out from under him and relocated them in Texas. Dale dismantled that shop and began a new system of production.

"It's

been my experience that if you give a guy a chance to work at home, he'll do it quicker and better than if he's sitting in a shop working by the hour."

Not all of Dale's saddles have silver.

Early on, Dale was able to get thirty day credit on his leather which helped him tremendously. Generally, he can take his raw materials and turn them into finished goods within thirty days.

For almost a decade Dale worked out of the East L.A. shop, but the neighborhood deteriorated, and crime became a problem. Many nights Dale, and his crew, would work late and then have to load valuable products in a truck. For safety, Dale moved the shop to Pomona. After almost another decade

Unique bit end fasteners that Dale designed for his weightedd romal reins. The conchos fit through the ring in the bit in the same plane.

Dale created a series of mini factories in each employee's home. For each saddle maker he had to buy Campbell sewing machines, skivers, tables, and sets of tools. For the braiders it was easier because they didn't need as many tools. Both the saddle makers and braiders now came to Dale's Temecula headquarters to get their materials and orders. For Dale, it worked better financially to employ the workers as independent contractors.

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JULY 2016 31

"Some

of the children of those original workers still work for me today."

Today he still follows the same system. He has five saddle makers. The stitching, ground seats, and tooling are all expected to be perfect. He has four, full-time toolers who do all the stamping by hand.

"Over

a period of years your good guys come to the surface, and your average guys have to go away because I won't give them the work. The quality has remained fairly consistent."

Dale is still primarily a wholesale operation, so he has to keep the cost where stores can retail them. He wants to make a handmade product without taking production to China. He employees are mostly Mexican craftsmen. Dale legalized all of them under the Carter administration's amnesty program. All of the design work is done at the Temecula offices on the ranch.

"At our peak, with 6-8 saddle makers, we were selling 1,200 saddles a year. Now we're down to 300-400 which is a much more comfortable number to me. We have a lot of specialized competition out there, but we've kept our prices reasonable. We are a reasonably priced custom house."

The Dale Chavez Co. is a very custom business even though it is a wholesale one. A customer can go to a dealer and have anything he wants made. Dale makes a complete line of tack for every breed. This includes P.O.A.s, Andalusians, Tennessee Walkers, Saddlebreds, and Arabians as well as Paints and Quarter Horses.

"All

you have to do is meet their needs, and to find out what they are, you just have to listen."

Dale is known for the large collection of romals, bosals, and braided headstalls he carries.

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TRIM CLOSE & QUICK! Proleptic, Inc. • www.proleptic.net • PO Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816 Ph: (828) 505-8474 • Fx: (828) 505-8476 • Email: info@thermaltools.net 32 JULY 2016 SHOP TALK!

Although they still do some custom orders in sterling overlay, much of the silver is plated now to save expense. Dale drew on his chemistry background to come up with a very durable plating process. Dale keeps 200 rawhide covered saddle trees in stock. He does not like fiberglass covered trees. Sixty percent of Dale's saddle customers are women, and he puts a really narrow seat in their saddles which they like. Most of his saddles have inskirt riggings and cut out skirts. He likes 10-11 oz. leather for a better feel, and he uses pigskin to line it for durability and appearance.

"I spend part of my time putting out fires, and the rest of it coming up with new products and designs."

As you walk around Dale's office warehouse, you realize just how innovative he is. There are multitudes of bosals, braided headstalls, romal reins, mecates, and silver mounted tack. Every piece can be coordinated with the rest of a set. He has come up with a way to make the stiffer bosals easier on a horse’s nose by flattening the nosepiece. He has improved the romal reins by weighting them and then coming up with a unique concho fastener to keep them hanging properly on the bridle. Dale has a booming trophy business with a nice collection of individualized trophy buckles. His trophy saddles

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PROLEPTIC, INC. P.O. Box 17817 Asheville, NC 28816 Ph (828) 505-8474 Fax (828) 505-8476 shoptalk@proleptic.net www.proleptic.net SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 33

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have been given at many events including the National Finals Rodeo.

In Dale's first forty years in the saddle business, Chavez Saddlery produced 23,000 saddles. He and his fifty-one employees gross 2-3 million dollars a year now. He's seen a lot of changes in the horse business. The backyard horseman has gone on to other less expensive hobbies. The show horse world has become so expensive that many people have left it. Some disciplines are growing like team roping and barrel racing. Dale sees some hope in the creation of some of the new ranch versatility events which have brought more people back into the competitive end of the horse business. Close contact cowboy dressage saddles have become a big seller. Reining and roping saddles remain a staple of production.

Even at 71, Dale still gets excited when the phones ring and still enjoys seeing his crew hustle to get work done and shipped. While he may not know what the future holds, he will tell you that it doesn't include moving production overseas. For now he's more concerned with the next undiscovered product.

Dale enjoys talking about his products and the many options available. On the floor are some of the 200 saddle trees he keeps in stock.

For more info on Dale Chavez products, check out www.dalechavezsaddles.com.

Dale Chavez Company, Inc. P.O. Box 468 Temecula, CA 92593 (800) 260-8225

SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 35

Superior Threads Spools Niche Market

by LIISA ANDREASSEN, STAFF WRITER

Looking for a thread that glows in the dark? How about one made from Kevlar that can withstand high heat? Superior Threads, a husband and wife founded business based in St. George, Utah, may be just the place to start your search.

Founded in 1998 by Bob and Heather Purcell, the duo first started out servicing the quilting industry, but quickly expanded into other industries such as embroidery, apparel, and industrial threads. Today, the company boasts about 50 current thread lines and 40 employees, and they have threads for all types of sewing, quilting and overlock applications.

The majority of their customers are individual upholsterers who run their own shops, but they also have a good mix of auto enthusiasts, furniture makers, marine repair and service centers, and hobbyists.

Sew and Glow

Superior Thread’s glow-in-the-dark thread – SewGlow – is a bonded polyester thread. It’s a Tex 240 (between a #207 and #277) which is ideal for bold stitches that stand out and

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offer fantastic contrast. It’s a white thread which has glowing pigment (offered in green and blue) embedded into the actual fiber and will glow when it has been charged (natural or artificial light) and is dark.

“It’s a fun thread which has been used in things like vehicle upholstery, custom shoes, holsters, saddles, and leather sports balls,” Todd Purcell, vice president and self-proclaimed “thread guy” says.

“The glowing effect is bright for several minutes and then continues to fade for a few hours.”

The go-to quantity for the Sew Glow is a one pound cone. They also have some smaller 7 oz. cones in #46, but most of their customers use enough thread to warrant the larger cone.

Crazy for Kevlar

If glow in the dark is not your thing, then Kevlar thread may get your heart racing. Superior offers two types: Bonded Kevlar and Spun Kevlar. Bonded Kevlar is extremely strong and has a high heat resistance. Spun Kevlar doesn’t have as high of a tensile strength rating as bonded Kevlar, but maintains the high-heat resistance.

Some common uses are for sewing heavy duty clothing, rubberized material (conveyor belts), a component in model rockets, racing suits, and more.

Bonded is Big

While glow-in-the-dark and Kevlar threads are pretty cool to work with, it’s their Bonded Nylon threads that are the most popular, followed by Bonded Polyester – #69 black for Bonded Nylon and #92 black for Bonded Polyester.

“They are the most popular because these sizes have been around for a long time and black is a safe color to use,” Purcell says. “When we start adding colors into the mix, our greens and tans in both Bonded Nylon and Poly are quite popular.”

“Both Bonded and Spun Kevlar are smooth and due to the processing which they undergo, they don’t tend to be abrasive or wear out needles any faster than a comparable bonded nylon,” Purcell explains.

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What Makes It Superior?

Purcell says there are several reasons that their thread is “Superior.” First, it’s produced in several countries, including Japan, Taiwan, China, and the U.S. and they find the best factories to produce specific products. In addition: • Their bonded threads undergo a unique dyeing process, called solution dye which helps to ensure colorfastness.

• A winning combination of excellent raw material and the best processing techniques are used during manufacturing.

“We are constantly working to expand our color selection, as well as available thicknesses,” Purcell says. “We also have some other fun and exciting concepts in the works.”

Superior Threads sells directly on their website at: www.superiorthreads.com. All of their industrial threads can be viewed under the Industrial/ Upholstery tab and they offer price breaks when quantity levels are met.

Contact: Superior Threads 87 E 2580 S St George, UT 84790 (435) 652-1867 www.superiorthreads.com Todd@superiorthreads.com

405 FM 3083 RD., CONROE, TX 77301 USA TEL: 936-539-1400 ~ FAX: 936-539-1411

WWW.CAMPBELL-RANDALL.COM 38 JULY 2016

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1-800-327-9420

SALES@CAMPBELL-RANDALL.COM

Big Free Flea CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Finished Leather Goods (also see Gift Items/Clothing)

North Star Leather Co. P O Box 307 Ruby, SC 29741 (843) 634-6262

225 Daytripper: 25% off black, brown, br. Suede. 33% off saddle and tan. 50% off cream.

226 Mini Daytripper: 25% off brown.

33% off blue, lavender, rust. 50% off cream, off white, burgundy suede.

258 Capri: 25% off brown.

300 Bag: 33% off taupe, burgundy, navy, brown, black, tan, saddle, green. 50% off cream, off white, antique gold.

305 Bag: 33% off taupe, navy, burgundy, green. 50% off cream, off white.

307 Bag: 33% off green, navy, nude navy, taupe, dark taupe. 50% off cream, off white, antique gold, silver.

309 Bag: 50% off navy rough.

932 Nail Apron: 33% off black, tobacco.

Sew What?! Supplies 400 Travis Ln., Unit #28 Waukesha, WI 53189 (800) 390-9503 info@sewwhatsupplies.com

2nds—small items such as snap coin case, small zipper case, zipper key case, snap eyeglass case, etc., 50% off.

$12 Tuesdays! Limit 1 package per Tuesday. $12/package with a 60 lbs. max weight. Continental US.

Call for complete list of discounts.

While supplies last.

Gift Items/ Clothing

Free Shipping Steel Stamps 1846 W. Airport Way Boise, ID 83705 (800) 776-8407 www.SteelStampsinc.com

If you’ve been waiting to order yourself a marker’s stamp to give all your products a professional look, wait no longer!! Steel Stamps is offering FREE SHIPPING for the month of July. You must mention the FREE FLEA!

Buckle Barn USA 145 Vanderbilt Ter. Asheville, NC 28806 (877) 665-7060 www.bucklebarnusa.com Insert buckles with and without stones.

$3 ea. or call for bulk pricing.

Hat pins. Assorted. 100 for only $45.

Great deal!

SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 39

Big Free Flea Western Borders P O Box 512 Mead, CO 80542 (970) 779-0382 contact@westernborderandco. com

Western Border (children and baby apparel and accessories) is giving away FREE bandana bunting fabric banners with every purchase. Also get 20% off with coupon code ST2016. Expires Oct. 31, 2016.

Western Express 300 Villani Dr. Bridgeville, PA 15017 (800) 245-1380 www.wexpress.com

Deals on overstocked items: Western shirts, Cowboy hats, Western T-shirts and sweatshirts, jewelry, bolo ties, leather holsters, purses, Western toys, Western belts and buckles, suede purses, and more.

Call for complete list of sales and closeouts or visit www. wexpress.com and click on “Sales & Closeouts”.

Halters Mud Creek Leather 9415 W 300 S Topeka, IN 46571 (260) 593-0044

1” polypro halters. Horse size. NP hdw.

With white trim. Various colors. $4.75 ea.

20+/$4.25 ea.

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Hardware

(Metal & Plastic) Auburn Leathercrafters 42 Washington St. Auburn, NY 13021 (315) 252-4107 Alan@AuburnDirect.com

Black plastic side release buckles 5/8”.

10,000+ pcs. all for $1,000 or $130 per M. Black plastic tri glides 1”. 10,000+ pcs. all for $500 or $80 per M Center bar roller buckle stamped steel 1/2”. NP. 7,000 pcs.

Center bar buckle #165. ½” NP. 12,000+ pcs. for $900 or $112 per M. Center bar buckle #165. 5/8” antique brass. 8,000+ pcs. for $1,100 or $130 per M. Dbl, bar buckle Q 147. ½” NP. 46,000+ pcs. for $3,500 or $112 per M. All factory fresh.

Beiler’s Mfg. & Supply 3025 Harvest Dr. Ronks, PA 17572 (717) 768-0174

#028 ½” NP snap. $.40 ea. #4950 1 ¼” x ½” BP tuck loop. 4.5 mm. $.08 ea. #3900 ¾” x 9/16” NP welded loop. 4.5 mm. $.05 ea. #850-B center snap. Sale price $2.82 ea.

#210 ½ NP malleable Conway. $9 per 100+ #150 2” SB buckle. $.90 ea., $.80 ea.

100+ #85-B 1” SS oversize box loop. 50% off. $.23 ea., $.21 100+, $.19 case #325 ¾” CB. Lite wt. dee 4.0 mm. Reg. price $.22 ea. Sale $.14 ea.

Sew What?! Supplies 400 Travis Ln., Unit #28 Waukesha, WI 53189 (800) 390-9503 info@sewwhatsupplies.com

White Plastic 1” looplock $.04 ea.

1 ½” looplock. $.07 ea.

1” triglides. $.04 ea.

Black Plastic 1 ¼” side release bkl. $.09 ea.

1 ¼” triglides $.04 ea.

1 ½” triglides $.07 ea.

Metal 1 ½” zinc coated rigging dee. $.20 ea.

1” dbl. bar roller bkl. NP. $.20 ea. #3CF dress zippers. Black and white.

7” for $.20 ea. 9” for $.23 ea. 10” for $.25 ea.

Shank buttons. 50 pc./pk. Horse head dark brn. with gold and gold floral. $2.25/pk.

Med. Rapid Rivets. Antique nickle. 100 pc./pk. $3.75/pk.

Big Free Flea

Harness/Saddlery Parts

Andis lg. animal clipper. Lightweight with wide blade. $199 ea.

Heavy harness and skirting scrap. $.75/ lb. Apx. 1,000 lbs.

Walh lg. animal clipper. $120 ea.

Belt length latigo scrap 34”-45”. $1/lb.

Grubb’s hunting boots sizes 10, 11, 12. $24.95/pr.

Nice quality soft handbag scrap, avg. 1-3 sq. ft. $1.50/lb. Apx. 1,000 lbs.

2-ply natural jute. $1 per spool. Brown.

Veg leather scrap. $1/lb. Apx. 1,000 lbs.

#522 5/8” (PU522) lavender. Super hvy Beta. $37.60. 100’ per roll.

Ag-Tek powdered gloves. Lg. and extra lg. $8.15/ box of 100.

Med. brown oil tan scrap 4/5 oz. $1/lb.

Apx. 1,000 lbs.

Mud Creek Leather 9415 W 300 S Topeka, IN 46571 (260) 593-0044

Lexol cleaner. ½ liter. $5.15 ea.

Black latigo dbl. shoulders 8/10 oz. $3.50/sq. ft.

Beiler’s Mfg. & Supply 3025 Harvest Dr. Ronks, PA 17572 (717) 768-0174

Herman Oak russet harness split reins.

Hand finished with water loop ends. 7’ x 5/8”. $17.75 ea. $16.50 ea. 6+.

N & A Harness Shop 6009 Township Road 419 Millersburg, OH 44654 (330) 893-1024

New Size. All driving size box loop blinds are now also available with 5/8” wide box loops. Different styles, sizes, and shapes available.

Horse Health Care Products/ Misc. Supplies Beiler’s Mfg. & Supply 3025 Harvest Dr. Ronks, PA 17572 (717) 768-0174

Thrush XX (aerosol) $10.95 ea.

Bravo lg. animal clipper. $220 ea.

Bigeloil Poultice Pads for leg wraps. $18.45 per box of 8.

Eazy-Zorb pet mat. $11.05 ea.

Leather Auburn Leathercrafters 42 Washington St. Auburn, NY 13021 (315) 252-4107 Alan@AuburnDirect.com

Veg side splits. 4 oz. Burgundy pigment with embossed hL;Oair cell one side. 15 sides+. $25/side Veg side splits. 4 oz. White pigment with embossed hair cell one side. 15 sides+. $25/side Veg side splits. 4 oz. Tan pigment with embossed hair cell one side. 15 sides+. $25/side Barta Hide Co. 888 Lakeville St. Petaluma, CA 94952 (707) 762-2965

E. C. Leather 7364 E. 38th St. Tulsa, OK 74145 (888) 207-3305 ecleather@ecleather.net

Please note: these are only a few of the many specials listed in E. C. Leather’s “Spring Sales Flyer” so for a complete inventory, please contact the company, and make sure you get on their mailing list!

Something for everyone—bag makers, chap makers, saddle makers, boot makers.

New. 10/12 oz. natural saddle skirting. $125 ea.

New. 13/15 oz. natural saddle skirting. $165 ea.

8/9 oz. black finished veg dbl. shoulders.

Drum dyed. Bright finish. $5.75/sq. ft.

5/7 oz. burgundy latigo sides. $155 ea.

Misc. oiltans. 5/6 oz. Tan oiled nubuck,

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JULY 2016 41

Big Free Flea golden tan pull-up, briar printed, cognac, dark brn. smooth. $3.25/sq. ft.

Midnight stallion whole hides—will cut.

2/2.5 oz. $2.25/sq. ft.

Red glove whole hides—will cut. 2/2.5 oz. $2.50/sq. ft.

Genuine deer. 2/3 oz. Tobacco, saddles, black, smoke. $4.50/sq. ft.

Tan antique croc grain. Whole hides—will cut. $1.65/sq. ft. Bags, upholstery, etc.

Lt. pink glazed kidskin. 2/2.5 oz. $1.50/ sq. ft.

Exotic bundles. Prints of lizard, gator, croc, snake, etc. Bright colors, pastels, earth tones. $99/80 sq. ft. $69/40 sq. ft.

Econo bundle. Different weights and colors. $70/80 sq. ft. $50/40 sq. ft.

Asst. hvy. leathers. 4.5/6 oz. Sides and bends in blue, burgundy, green, earth tones. Smooth and pebble grain. Heavy bags, chaps, chinks, etc.

The Hide House

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595 Monroe St. Napa, CA 94559 (800) 453-2847 www.hidehouse.com

Asst. Wickett & Craig veg sides. 8/10 oz. and 10/12 oz. TR. Various colors. $110/ side Economy saddle skirting sides. 10/12 oz.

12/14 oz. Item #848. $99/side Black chap sides. ¾ oz. and 4/5 oz. Waxy, semi-aniline finish. $1.75/sq. ft.

Asst. hair-on cowhides. Various colors.

30-35 sq. ft. $125 ea.

New. Grizzly. 5/5.5 oz. Natural grain with pull-up. Briefcases and footwear. Black, mahogany, saddle, grey. $4.60/sq. ft.

New. Napa Excel. Nine colors. Smooth grain, hot stuffed with pull-up. Personal leather goods. $5.95/sq. ft.

Leather, Suedes, Skins 261 W. 35th St., 11th Floor New York, NY 10001

(212) 967-6616

Black “New Yorker” lamb skin. $4/sq. ft.

Leather Unlimited 7155 Hwy B Belgium, WI 53004-0911 (800) 993-2889 www.LeatherUnltd.com

3 oz. gunmetal gray, pine green, and brown upholstery hides. $1.75/sq. ft.

15,500 sf available.

3 oz. black upholstery hides. $2.22/sq. ft. 3,500 sf available.

3 oz. dusty gray dbl. butt split. $1.22/sq. ft. 2,000 sf available.

2 oz. caramel sides. $1.25/sq. ft. 9,200 sf available.

2 oz. silver pig split. $.75/sq. ft. 1,500 sf available.

7 oz. red football sides with pebble grain print. $1.58/sq. ft. 1,000 sf available.

2 oz. pearl pigskin. $.78/sq. ft. 1,200

Big Free Flea available.

Hair-on deer. $54.50/hide

3 oz. taupe upholstery hides. $1.25/sq. ft. 9,800/sq. ft. available.

RJF Leather Sales 15 Woodsview Dr. Elmira, NY 14903 (607) 742-8969 www.rjfleather.com

Asst. prints and smooth earth tones. $.65/sq. ft. 32,000 sf available.

3 oz. pearl cuff and apron splits. $.75/ sq. ft. 2,200 sf available.

3 oz. black cowhide splits. $1.17/sq. ft.

3,200 sf available.

4 oz. black cowhide splits. $1.21/sq. ft.

2,100 sf available.

4/5 oz. black or brown lightly oiled sides. $2.58/sq. ft. 4,700 sf available.

2/3 veg sides. AB grade. $2.95/sq. ft.

3/4 veg sides. AB grade. $3.05/sq. ft.

4/5 veg sides. AB grade. $3.15/sq. ft.

Also 5/6 and 7/8 available. $3.35 and $3.55 8/9 veg sides. AB grade. $3.85/sq. ft.

Hair-on calf. $49.50/hide

If you are a holster maker, RJF Leather is the place to go. That’s their specialty!

Untrimmed natural shoulders. 6/7 oz. and 9/10. $4.75 Drum dyed bellies. 7/9 oz. Med. brown. $10 ea. $8 ea. for more than 10.

Sew What?! Supplies 400 Travis Ln., Unit #28 Waukesha, WI 53189 (800) 390-9503 info@sewwhatsupplies.com

American Saddlery/ShoTan P O Box 130 Rossville, GA 30741 (800) 251-7288 sales@americansaddlery.com www.americansaddlery.com

TR natural skirting. 13/15 oz. Reg. $126.

Sale $120/side TR natural skirting. 10/12 oz. Reg. $121.

Sale $115/side TR natural skirting. 8/10 oz. Reg. $119.

Sale $114/side TR natural skirting. 6/8 oz. Reg. $115.

Sale $110/side TR natural skirting. 4/6 oz. Reg. $111.

Sale $106/side TR natural skirting. ž oz. Reg. $108.

Sale $103/side.

3/4 oz. black upholstery scraps. $1.49/ lb.

Cowhide ostrich prints asst. colors. $5.75/sq. ft.

4/5 oz. pearl grey splits. $1.49/sq. ft.

Cowhide alligator prints asst. colors. $5.95/sq. ft.

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JULY 2016 43

Big Free Flea Cowhide elephant prints asst. colors. $6.10/sq. ft.

11”H x 51/4”L. $89 with free shipping within continental US.

Upholstery and chap leathers. $3.95/sq. ft.

Misc.

Suede seating lt. grey $1.00/sq. ft., lt. green $1, royal blue $2.15, lavender $2.15, orange $2.15, red rust $2.15.

Luggage Steve Miller & Associates 1317 Horan Dr. Fenton, MO 63026 (636) 349-2244 www.stevemillerandassociates. com

21” carryon duffel. Hunter green or Black Watch plaid propex with brown leather trim. SB hdw. and YKK SB zippers. Adj. shoulder strap. Size: 22”W x 11 ½” H x 11”L. $94 with free shipping within continental US. Legal bag. Hunter green propex with leather trim. SB hdw and SB YKK zipper.

Adjustable shoulder strap. Size: 16”W x

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Sew What?! Supplies 400 Travis Ln., Unit #28 Waukesha, WI 53189 (800) 390-9503 info@sewwhatsupplies.com

Peg board hooks. Straight 6”. $.25 ea.

Thread & Bobbins Beiler’s Mfg. & Supply 3025 Harvest Dr. Ronks, PA 17572 (717) 768-0174

#346 extra heavy lube white nylon thread. $17/lb. 2 lbs. spools.

The Leather Machine Co. 2141 E. Philadelphia St., Unit U

Ontario, CA 91761 (866) 962-9880 www.leathermachineco.com

50% off #69 and #138 thread. Black and white only. 1 lb. cones. Reg. $30. Sale $15. While supplies last.

Mud Creek Leather 9415 W 300 S Topeka, IN 46571 (260) 593-0044

#138 nylon bonded thread. No. 1. Made in USA. Red, burgundy, navy, royal blue, dk. green. 1 lb. spools $12.75 ea. $11.50 ea. 6+. 4 oz. spools $3 ea. $2.50 ea.

12+.

Sew What?! Supplies 400 Travis Ln., Unit #28 Waukesha, WI 53189 (800) 390-9503 info@sewwhatsupplies.com

#46 nylon. Black. 1 lb. $15 ea. #69 nylon. Neon pink, lemon yellow,

Big Free Flea Chinese rust, gray. 1 lb. $15 ea.

cones. $5/cone. $10/lb. 64 lbs. available.

Sharpened and ready to use.

#92 nylon. Black, dk. brown, dk. red. 1 lb. $15 ea.

Texas Thread Mfg. 2222 Wilson Rd. Harlingen, TX 78550 (800) 840-3670 texasthread@att.net

Round Point

MaxiLock (T27) serger thread. 3,000 yds./spool. Black, white, med. brown, purple, gray, silver, yellow, emerald green, royal blue, navy, dk. turquoise, med. blue, red, poppy red, garnet. $2.75/spool. #69 nylon G bobbins. Neon orange, neon yellow. 1 gross/box. $7.50 #92 nylon G bobbins. ½ gross/box. $4 Shelton-Reynolds 11516 N. Port Washington Rd., Ste. 1A Mequon, WI 53092 (800) 877-7150 ron@sheltonreynolds.com

No. 92 nylon M bobbins. Sideless.

Tobacco, burnt orange. 1 gross/box. $10 No. 415 white nylon thread on 8 oz. cones. $5/cone. $10/lb. 30 lbs. available.

No. 554 black nylon thread on 8 oz.

Artificial sinew in various sizes and 15 colors Bonded polyester and nylon thread, sizes 46-554 in white, black, and colors Kevlar

Tools Proleptic, Inc. P O Box 17817 Asheville, NC 28816 (828) 505-8474 shoptalk@proleptic.net

Pro-Strap Punches. Closeout.

40% off. Includes No. 1 and No. 2 grades. May have slight pitting.

2”- 2 pcs. reg. $46.50. SALE $27.90—savings of $18.60 1 ½”-1 pc. reg. $46.50. SALE $27.90—savings of $18.60 1 1/8”-2 pcs. reg. $41.50. Sale $24.90—savings $16.60 1”-1 pc. reg. $41.50. Sale $24.90— savings $16.60 7/8”- 2 pcs. reg $41.50. Sale $24.90—savings $16.60 ¾”-2 pcs. reg. $35.50. Sale $21.30—savings $14.20 5/8”-2 pcs. reg. $35.50. Sale $21.30—savings $14.20 3/8”- 2 pcs. reg. $35.50. Sale $21.30—savings $14.20 English Point 1 ¾”-2 pcs. reg. $46.50 SALE $27.90—savings of $18.60

SHOP TALK!

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Big Free Flea 1 1/8”-2 pcs. reg. $41.50. Sale $24.90—savings $16.60 7/8”-2 pcs. reg. $41.50. Sale $24.90—savings $16.60 5/8”-1 pc. reg. $35.50. Sale $21.30—savings $14.20 3/8”-1 pc. reg. $35.50. Sale $21.30—savings $14.20

Webbing/Velcro Elastic Auburn Leathercrafters 42 Washington St. Auburn, NY 13021 (315) 252-4107 Alan@AuburnDirect.com

Mud Creek Leather 9415 W 300 S Topeka, IN 46571 (260) 593-0044

Hwy. weight polypro webbing. 1 ½” navy, red, royal. 100 yd. rolls. Priced by yd. $.16 for 1-9 rolls. $.14 for 10+ 1” navy, red, royal. $.13 for 1-9 rolls. $.08 10+ rolls.

1” white. $.08 for 1-9 rolls. $.05 10+ rolls.

Nylon webbing. ¾”, 1”, 1 ½”. Save on shipping on in stock webbing--$10 per case flat rate shipping on full cases.

Various colors and weights. Call for selection.

1 ½” nylon webbing. Military spec. Olive.

10,000+ yds. 100 yds./roll. $40 ea.

Sew What?! Supplies 400 Travis Ln., Unit #28 Waukesha, WI 53189 (800) 390-9503 info@sewwhatsupplies.com

1 ½” nylon webbing. Military spec. Grey.

700+ yds. 100 yds./roll. $40 ea.

3/4” med. wt. nylon webbing. Silver grey.

50 yd. roll. $.32/yd.

3/4” nylon webbing. Military spec. Grey.

2,000+ yds. 100 yds./roll. $20 ea.

3/4” hvy. wt. polypro. Green. 100 yd. roll. $.09/yd.

Velcro loop. 1 ½”. Military spec. Grey.

500 yds. Put up on 50 yds/roll. $15 ea.

2” seatbelt polyester. 1st. Yellow. 100 yd. roll. $.32/yd.

Velcro hook. 2”. Military spec. Grey. 300 yds. Put up on 50 yds/roll. $20 ea.

1” Universal digital camo print. 100 yd. roll. $59/roll.

Velcro loop. 4”. Military spec. Beige. 200 yds. Put up on 50 yds/roll. $40 ea.

5/8” hook and loop. Beige. 25 yd. roll. $.10/yd.

Velcro loop. 1”. Military spec. Ranger green. 1,500 yds. Put up on 50 yds/roll. $15 ea.

3/4” hook and loop. Beige. 25 yd. roll. $.12/yd.

Hvy. duty elastic 2”. Black. 700 yds. Put up on 25 yd. rolls. $35 ea.

1” hook. Beige. 25 yd. roll. $.14/yd.

1 ½” hook. Beige. 25 yd. roll. $.25/yd.

Shelton-Reynolds 11516 N. Port Washington Rd., Ste. 1A Mequon, WI 53092 (800) 877-7150 ron@sheltonreynolds.com

Elastic. 1 ½”. Hvy. duty. 1st. 36 yd. rolls.

1,296 yds. available. $.75/yd.

1” vinyl binding. Black. 2 edges turned.

200 yds./spool. 1,200 yds. available. $.15/yd.

1” 2,500 lbs. black polyester web. 2nds.

100 yd. rolls. $.25/yd.

1 ½” 2,500 lbs. black polyester seatbelt.

2nds. 150 yd. rolls. $.25/yd.

1 ½” black vinyl coated weldable polyester web. 1st. 110 yd. rolls. 880 yds. available. $.57/yd.

SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 47

JU LY 201 6

News, Notes & Queries

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR? Do you ever think to yourself, “I must be the last leather worker on Earth! Is there anybody out there?” Fret no more!

If you’d like to find out if there are other people in your state who are boot makers, saddle makers, harness makers, shoe repairer or any other sort of tradesperson, just let us know and we can send you a list—NO CHARGE! We aren’t interested in giving our mailing list away but we will be happy to send you contact information for other shops in your own state.

LOOKING FOR A CHAMPION? My friend Gary Moe has a Narrow Throat Champion that needs a good home. Give him a call at (352) 351-3555 or write: 5300 N US Hwy 27, Ocala, FL 34482. Gary is one of the best!

COMING UNGLUED: ONE READER WRITES This from George Sigala at 519 W. Traylor St., Spc 27, Santa Maria, CA 93458: My supplier will no longer send me Barges glue to California. The glues sold in California are really bad. I noticed in a ground seat I put in that a layer of leather came apart and did not hold. Can you investigate glues that will be as good as glues of yesterday?

Any suggestions for George? Is contact cement not available in California?

You are not alone!

CARRIAGES & RELATED ACCOUTREMENT

Contact: Shop Talk!, P.O. Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816, (828) 505-8474, shoptalk@proleptic.net.

Looking to buy or sell? Then you need to contact Paul Z. Martin Auctioneers at P.O. Box 72, New Holland, PA 17557, (717) 354-2010, www. paulzmartinjrauctioneers.net. They have great auctions every spring and fall—get on their mailing list!

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News, Notes & Queries JAMES COX'S WESTERN LEATHER AND EQUIPMENT FALL AUCTIONS Oct. 3rd, set up, 4th is auction at Peoria Ridge Banquet Center (Buffalo Run Casino) in Miami, Oklahoma.

Oct. 20th, set up, 21st is auction at the Dearborn County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceburg, Indiana (across from Hollywood Casino).

Both sales start at 9:30 a.m. till finished. Call James Cox for more info - 513-889-0500

THERMAL LEATHER DECORATIONS! That’s what we use to call branding. Here’s a sample of what you can do with some of the tips we have for one of our new thermal tools, the 25TT: My friend Nick Pernokas did these samples of possible borders for us—thank you, Nick!

SOUTH AFRICAN OSTRICH We got an e-mail from South Cape Ostrich Tanning to let us know about their new colors which include lots of greens, blues, pink, white, yellows, tans, and more. Very nice.

For all the details, please visit their website: www. scot.co.za.

In all, we have 28 figurative shapes and 14 tips which allow to be quite creative! Let us know and we’ll be happy to send you a complete listing of all the attachments we have available.

Proleptic, Inc., P O Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816, (828) 505-8474, shoptalk@proleptic.net.

Milton Sokol & Co. Inc. ~ Demar Leather Company Established 1927

Russet Vegetable Tanned Leathers:

-Double Backs -Double Butts -Tooling Sides -Bellies -Shoulders -Sole Bends

Call Toll Free 1-888-765-6526 “Just ask for Jesse”

*Premium South American Skirting, Bridle & Harness *Large assortment of Oil Tanned and Chap Sides *Full color range of Upholstery and Garment Leathers

127-25 Metropolitan Avenue  Kew Gardens, NY 11415 Ph: (718) 441-2226  Fx: (718) 441-2299  email: sales@msokol.com SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 49

News, Notes & Queries NEW CATALOG FROM PROLEPTIC, INC. Those folks at Proleptic, Inc. are just at it like a bunch of unemployed beavers! After about 2,000 requests, they’ve finally put together a small catalog listing the different books, tools, and supplies that they carry. Very handy. And free for the asking. Contact: P O Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816, (828) 505-8474, shoptalk@proleptic.net.

HEAVY HORSE SEMINARS Those will be held this coming September in Charlestown, NH. There will be six workshops for draft horses. For all the details, contact: Draft Animal Power Network, 271 Plank Rd., Vergennes, VT 05491, (802) 763-0771, www.draftanimalpower. org.

They might even allow vendors to set-up so you might want to find out if you make harness, collars, pads, or blankets.

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44TH ANNUAL CARRIAGE MAKER’S GET-TOGETHER That’s scheduled this year for July 8 at Miller Coach & Wheelworks, 31 E County Road, Arthur, IL 61911, (217) 543-2863. Be there!!

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Yee-ha! Get your saddles ready for the upcoming 28th annual Boot & Saddle Makers Roundup saddle contest! Make sure you have your saddle at the show on Oct. 7 and please bring a stand! Belt buckles and plaques for the winners.

Open Floral—Full or partially tooled floral, oak leaf, figures or decorative knife cuts. Geometrics may be incorporated.

Working Cowboy—Heavy duty saddle for the working cowboy.

Here are the categories:

All saddles entered must have been started after last year’s contest. For all the details, please contact this year’s coordinators Robert and Pebble Brown at (940) 210-8155.

Beginner—To be eligible for the category the saddle must be the maker’s very first saddle and must have been started after last year’s contest.

All construction and tooling must be done by the saddle maker him or herself.

ON THE MOVE

Novice—Saddle makers wishing to enter their work in this category must have 5 years or less experience.

That’s what we hear from Ivan Miller at Critter Blankets who makes blankets for odd and usual animals like llamas! Pot belly pigs?

Open Geometric—Saddles will be fully or partially tooled, geometric stamped (basket, waffle, barbed wire, etc.). Plain saddles may be entered into this category whereas plain or geometric saddles with

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Ivan’s new address is: 8206 Township Road 654, Fredericksburg, OH 44627.

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CARVING CONTE$T AND CA$H PRIZE$ Are you seeing dollar signs yet? ShopTalk! is sponsoring a carving contest for young carvers.

There are three age groups:

For the anything goes category--anything goes as far as subject matter or the use of colors or paints.

No spots or other metal ornaments.

Prizes: only a first place prize will be awarded in each category.

g10-14

g15-19

g20-24

There are two carving categories:

3traditional 3anything goes

There is a total of six categories in which contestants may enter. Contestants may enter one or both carving categories appropriate to their age group.

Winners will have their work featured in a future issue.

Each contestant will receive a free year’s subscription to Shop Talk! plus a copy of our annual buyer’s guide as a thank you for your participation. All decisions by Shop Talk! are final. Should the level of competition in any of the categories be unsatisfactory, Shop Talk! may choose not award a prize.

Deadline: July 20, 2016.

Send to: Shop Talk!, P O Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816. Call (828) 505-8474 or e-mail: shoptalk@ proleptic.net with any questions you may have.

Thanks and good luck—now show us what you can do!!!!

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For the traditional category—can be a combination of traditional stamping and carving. Only traditional colors of dyes and finishes may be used—browns, blacks, and tans.

810-14: $120 815-19: $170 820-24: $220

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To enter: we need your name, address, phone number and birthdate. We also need TWO samples of your carving not to be larger than 6” x 5” or a total of 30 sq. inches. They can be smaller than 30 sq. inches. Samples submitted remain the property of Shop Talk! and will not be returned. You need to include a statement that no one else has helped with the work submitted for the contest.

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floral, decorative knife cuts, or figures must enter the Open Floral category.

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THE SADDLE CONTEST IS BACK!

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News, Notes & Queries

News, Notes & Queries 50TH INTERNATIONAL GUILD SHOW That’s quite an anniversary—congratulations go out to the International Federation of Leather Guilds whose annual show will be hosted this year by the Buckeye Leather Crafters of Central Ohio this coming Sept. 15-18. Mark your calendar!

For all the details please contact Allan Scheider at allanms@columbus.rr.com.

READING MATTERS! There follows some very brief reviews of a variety of publications that: 1) you might enjoy reading; 2) you might want to suggest to your customers; 3) you might want to advertise in.

Here goes!

Just Horses P O Box 10 Huntington, MA 01050 (413) 667-3439 www.justhorses.com Annual directory of retail sources and much more.

Must have reference. Great place to advertise. Covers New England and eastern New York. 112 p. Incudes contact information for Breeding Farms, Equine Disciplines, Equipment, Vet Services, Horse Shows/Events, Horse Sales, Tack, Carriages, etc.

If you do repair work, saddle work, harness or collar work, you need to get a copy for yourself.

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The Vendor 2680 Township Road 7 Brinkhaven, OH 43006 (330) 276-6508 Bi-weekly. 55 pp. Advertising for plain people— products and services. Harness and collar makers, take note!!

Smoke & Fire 27 N. River Rd. Waterville, OH 43566 (800) 766-5334 www.smoke-fire.com It has everything you need to know about reenactment events throughout the US. Covers every period. Great source for historical costumes and equipment. If you make black powder bags, period boots and shoes, knife sheathes, holsters, or do custom work, then this might be a good place to advertise!

Great calendar of events which you or your customers might enjoy attending. Most events allow “sutlers” who lay out a blanket and sell their wares.

News, Notes & Queries Specialty Fabrics Review 1801 County Road B W Roseville, MN 55113-4061 (800) 208-6129 www.ifai.com In addition to their monthly magazine IFAI publishes a super good annual directory for the textile and related trades. If it has to do with innovations in fabric, threads, or fabricating equipment, it’ll be cover in IFAI’s directory. 164 pp.

Categories include Fabrics, Chemicals, Hardware, Equipment & Tools, Services, and more.

Buggy Builder’s Bulletin 795 Mason St. Dayton, VA 22821 (540) 879-9260 The very last work in vehicle restoration! It’s the best. If you have a buggy shop, then you need to subscribe or if you have a customer who is a dabbler then he or she will appreciate what an excellent source BBB is for all things buggy—lights,

wheels, hardware, spokes, history, how-to, and more. Always a wealth of useful information about the business of buggy building as well as the trade.

The Brayer (Journal of the American Donkey and Mule Society) P O Box 1201 Lewisville, TX 75067 (972) 219-0781 Bi-monthly. 72 pp. Covers health/vet issues, behavior, breeding, events, etc. Lots of practical information that donkey and mule owners should be glad to have.

Fine Tool Journal 9325 Dwight Boyer Rd. Watervliet, MI 49098 (269) 463-8255 www.finetoolj.com Listing of sales and events for tool collectors.

Historical articles on the development of tools and the people who made and invented them. Hosts an Absentee Auction which consists largely of woodworking tools but also has small selection of tools for leather working.

The Chronicle of the Early American Industries Association 31 Walnut St. Newport, RI 02840 (401) 846-7542 Monthly. 40 pp. Covers tools and technology, inventors, inventions, and manufacturers of the past.

Articles tend to be substantive and well researched. Article on Stanley Tack Works in March 2016 issue.

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News, Notes & Queries MARK YOUR CALENDAR 2016!

ON THE LOOKOUT. . .

JULY 14-15 47th Annual Harness Makers’ GetTogether and consignment auction. Auction on 14th at Windy Knoll Sewing, Nottingham, PA, (717) 529-7506. Get-Together on 15th at Keystone Harness & Tack, Drumore, PA, (717) 284-4565

Wanted: Small 2” hand crank skiving machine.

Any condition. Please call us at 828-505-8474, or email us at shoptalk@proleptic.net. Thanks!

SEPTEMBER 9-11 The Denver Market, USA's largest Fall Market featuring equestrian-related goods. WESA provides the most authentic trade event for retailers and wholesalers. Contact: 800-295-1041, 303-295-1040, denver-wesa. com OCTOBER 4 James Cox's Western Leather and Equipment Fall Auctions at Peoria Ridge Banquet Center, Buffalo Run Casino, in Miami, Oklahoma. Call Jame Cox for more info (513) 889-0500.

OCTOBER 7-8 Custom Boot & Saddle Makers’ Roundup, Wichita Falls, TX. For all the details contact Kimmel Boot, 2080 County Road 304, Comanche, TX 76442, (325) 356-3197, www. bootandsaddlemakerstradeshow.com OCTOBER 21 James Cox's Western Leather and Equipment Fall Auctions at the Dearborn County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Call Jame Cox for more info (513) 889-0500.

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L W E S T E R N / E N G L I S H A P PA R E L & E Q U I P M E N T M A R K ET

September 9 –11, 2016

Make plans now to attend the September Market in Denver Where the Industry Meets, preserving the traditions of business to business trade and a legacy lifestyle. The USA's largest Fall Market featuring equestrian-related goods; from working saddles to cowgirl bling, exotic western to steel-toed boots, t-shirts to 100x felts, and show clothes to designer jeans and leathers, WESA provides the most authentic trade event for retailers and wholesalers from 37 states and many foreign countries.

800-295-1041 or 303-295-1040 Fax: 303-295-0941 Website: denver-wesa.com Email: info@denver-wesa.com

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BU Y, SE LL OR TRAD E

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified ad rates are $26.50 for the first 20 words and $.65 cents for each additional word. Words (or groups of letters) fewer than three characters are not counted when calculating the cost of the ad. Street addresses are counted as one word. City, state, country, and zip or postal code are combined and counted as one word. Enclose payment when submitting ads. Ads received without payment will be held until payment is made. Ads must

be received no later than the fifth of the month prior to the month you wish the ad to run (e.g. ads for the February issue must be in our office by January 5). Typed or neatly printed ads are preferred. We are not responsible for mistakes due to handwriting. Faxed ads must be typed and are accepted with MasterCard, VISA or Discover only.

WANTED

FOR SALE

EXPERT MECHANIC WANTED: Must have working knowledge of the Campbel-Bosworth Cyclone sewing machines. Preferably in the Tri-State area (Texas), but not necessary. Call John at (718) 445-6200, M-TR, 7am-2pm EST. (R&B)

JUKI MO-1516G CLASS FF extra heavy duty serger with safety stitch. Table, stand, clutch, 110V, 1725 rpm motor.

Excellent condition $950 or best offer. Singer 269W114 bar tacker adjustable lockstitch sewing machine. Table, stand, motor $225 or best offer. Contact: Steve Miller, 1317 Horan Dr., Fenton, MO 63026, (636) 349-2244.

WANTED: New subscribers from Oregon, Nevada, Washington, and California. Now is the time to renew!

Give us a call at (828) 505-8474, e-mail: shoptalk@ proleptic.net or visit www.proleptic.net.

WANTED: Complete tool collections. Contact: Shop Talk!, P O Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816, (828) 505-8474, e-mail: shoptalk@proleptic.net.

WANTED: Bench equipment. Any condition. Skivers, splitters, pressers, spotters, etc. Also parts and pieces— bolts, frames, springs, blades. We pay shipping. Contact Shop Talk!, P.O. Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816, (828) 505-8474, e-mail: shoptalk@proleptic.net.

LOOKING FOR WHOLESALE OUTLET to sell leather belts and/or other handcrafted leather products. Contact: Dan D. Troyer, 10896 Rt. 28N, Brockway, PA 15824.

EXPERIENCED SADDLE MAKER AND/OR CHAP MAKER NEEDED in historic Hamley & Co. saddle shop. Must be able to relocate to Pendleton, OR. Call Penny at (541) 278-1100, option 1. (5/16)

S CLASSIFIED ST BUY! ARE OUR BE ers .....

uy ’s of potential b 0 0 0 1, h c ea R $26.50!! for as little as

NEW!! ALL SYNTHETIC HORSE COLLARS!! Available in buggy, All Purpose, and Draft Styles. In stock for immediate shipping. We also stock Brahma webbing, Bio sheet, belting, nylon webbing, thread, and hardware.

We manufacture and stock a full line if synthetic harness parts and supplies. Free catalogs available. Contact: Countryside Manufacturing, 504 S. Humbert St., Milton, IA 52570.

SADDLE BUSINESS: Machinery and inventory for sale.

Hydraulic press, USMC splitter. For full list of all inventory, please call (256) 597-2001. Wish to sell entire inventory together.

HITCHING POST SUPPLY has a large inventory of mane and tail horsehair by the pound for use in pottery, mecates, braiding, hitching, and more. Supplier of 8-ply mohair cord both available in natural and dyed colors. Instructional books and DVD’s at www. hitchingpostsupply.com, (800) 689-9971 or (360) 6682349.

FOR SALE: Complete saddle shop, sewing machines, hand tools, two splitters, patterns. Aztec, New Mexico.

Retiring. Call after 6pm. (505) 334-3796 KREBS SKIVER BLADES new. $200 plus SH. Made in US. Double tempered. Contact: Proleptic, Inc., P O Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816, (828) 505-8474, shoptalk@proleptic. net

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CLASSIFIEDS INSTALL AND REMOVE CHICAGO SCREWS quickly and easily in the shop or on the trail. $16.95 + $4 S&H. Call for wholesale pricing. Contact: JP’s Bridle & Equine Tool, 26266 E. County Road 700 N., Easton, IL 62633.

(309) 562-7266. E-mail: jp-equinetacktool@casscomm. com, www.jptacktool.com.

FOR ALL YOUR LEATHER NEEDS. Call Moser Leather (800) 874-1167 or (513) 889-0500. You can visit our website at www.moserleatherco.com. (R&B) FOR SALE: The Pro-Concho Turner: The only one in the U.S. Makes removal of decorative conchos a snap!

Used with electric drill. Take the fuss and bother out of a difficult job with the Pro-Concho Turner! Saves time, makes money! Rubber gripper protects the concho and makes removal or installation easy. Only $29.00 plus $3.95 S&H, 6-inch steel shank, and rubber gripper. Ready to use! Contact: Proleptic, Inc., P.O. Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816, (828) 505-8474, e-mail: shoptalk@proleptic.net.

FOR SALE: “Making Harness: A Step-by-Step Guide”, $58 plus $5.50 S&H. Specs and instructions on how to make and repair six styles of harness from pony to draft, driving, team wagon and mule. Contact: Proleptic, Inc., P.O. Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816, (828) 505-8474, e-mail: shoptalk@proleptic.net, www.proleptic.net.

FOR SALE: Randall Splitter. $1,200. Excellent working condition. 100% full blade. Call Texas Saddlery at (903) 765-2600 or e-mail: dmartin@txsaddlery.com.

FOR SALE: Pricing Guide: “How to Establish Prices for the Saddle Maker and Leather Worker.” Only $39.95 plus $4.50 S&H. Contact: (828) 505-8474. (12/12) FOR SALE: New and used Adler, Brother, Consew, Juki, Pfaff, Singer machines for sewing bio-plastic, canvas, leather and nylon. Available in single or double needles, standard, long arm, flatbed, postbed, cylinder arm.

Contact: Bob Kovar, Toledo Industrial Sewing Machine, 3631 Marine Rd., Toledo, OH 43609, (866) 362-7397 or (419) 380-8540. (11/10) WWW.THELEATHERGUY.ORG for all your leather, tool, and supply needs. Friendly, helpful staff at (507) 9323795. (R&B) NEED HELP PRICING? The “Green Book” Guide to Pricing Repairs and Western Tack. American Saddle Makers Association. Contact us at (719) 494-2848 or www.saddlemakers.org. (1/17) BUSINESS FOR SALE: Prominent, reputable wholesale/ retail leather holster manufacturing company established in 1972. Manufactures leather law enforcement equipment, concealed carry, Western, competition, and specialty cases. Located in Oregon, employs 4-7 employees. Owners wish to retire. For detail, contact: donlbrown46@gmail.com or (503) 407-9448.

FOR SALE: Sutton 9’ finisher, blower motor is burned out, rest in good condition. $2800 OBO. Landis Curve Needle stitcher, sews good. $400 OBO Miscellaneous items including Landis 3-in-1 in fair condition. Jack stand with 4 size lasts. Miscellaneous soles and heels. Asking $300 OBO for whole lot.

Contact: Abram at (765) 597-2093

The “Word of the Day” is: jocund

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CLASSIFIEDS BOOT & SHOE FOR SALE: Busy established shoe repair shop over 300 years in Waverly, IA. Growth possible. Area population over 200,000. Owner is retiring. Shoe repair, orthopedic work, boots, some custom leather working, and saddles. Business is fully equipped. All machines, tools, supplies, retail inventory included Building not included. $40,000. For more information, send an e-mail to: lisa@ wildcreativeheart.com.

BUSINESS FOR SALE: Davis Custom Boot located at 1209 E. 11th St., Quanah, TX 79252. Contact: (940) 8396537 for more information.

WANTED: Experienced Shoe Repair Person. Successful applicant will perform shoe and boot repair at established premier shoe store of forty years. Will train to next level of orthopedics and custom shoe making. Opportunity for complete management of shoe repair shop. Pay/ hours based on experience and training required.

Located in northeastern Ohio. E-mail resume to: cobblerscorner2003@yahoo.com. For more information contact Heather or Kathy at (330) 482-4005.

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ADVERTISERS INDEX American Leather Direct........................59

Hadlock & Fox Mfg. Co............................35

Perfectex Plus, LLC..................................42

Beachy Blacksmith Ltd...........................43

Hansen Western Gear.............................42

Precision Saddle Tree..............................28

Beacon Hollow Blankets.........................10

Hastilow/NASS..........................................15

Proleptic, Inc.......................................6, 26, 31,32,

Beiler’s Mfg. & Supply..............................18

Hermann Oak Leather..............................44

.................................... 33, 56, 59, back cover

BioThane........................ inside front cover

Hide House, The.........................................18

RJF Leather.................................................41

Bogle-Greenwell Machinery Corp........48

Hillside Harness Hardware.....back cover

Sew What?! Supplies...............................48

Bowden Saddle Tree.................................50

IHS ELP, LLC................................................22

Shelton-Reynolds, Inc.............................52

Brayer...............................................................8

International Sheepskin.........................39

Shetler’s Collar Shop...............................14

Brenemann's Leather..............................12

Kalico Products..........................................24

ShoTan..........................................................22

Brodhead Collar Shop..............................13

Kelly-Larson Sales.......................................9

Small Farmer’s Journal............................50

Buckeye Blankets.....................................43

Keystone Harness/Weaver Auctions..20

Smoke & Fire Co........................................52

Buckeye Engraving...................................47

Keystone Leather.....................................15

Sorrell Notions & Findings.....................22

Buckle Barn USA........................................40

Landis Sales & Service...........................53

Southstar Supply......................................45

Buggy Builder’s Bulletin.............................7

Leather Machine Co., Inc., The...................

Springfield Leather...................................27

Campbell-Randall......................................38

...........................................inside back cover

Steel Stamps, Inc.....................................19

Chicago Stockyard Saddle Tree...........45

Leather Unlimited.....................................42

Sun Bias, Inc...................................................8

Chino Tack...................................................41

Ludwig & Marglin Leather.......................54

Sweat Pad Shop....................................... 10

Chupp Blacksmith Shop.........................19

Maine Thread Company.............................9

TechSew/Raphael’s Sewing....................... 3

Chupp Brothers..........................................16

Mark Staton Co..........................................43

Texas Custom Dies...................................42

Coblentz Collar...........................................17

Maverick Leather......................................18

Toledo Sewing...............................................1

Danny Marlin Knives.................................17

Milton Sokol................................................49

Troyer's Rope Co........................................17

E.C. Leather.................................................16

Mud Creek Leather...................................11

Wayne Jueschke.......................................11

Fairview Country Sales...........................25

Mules and More.........................................42

Weaver Leather.........................................34

Fiebing Leather..........................................37

N & A Harness Shop.................................21

WESA............................................................55

Fine Tool Journal........................................22

Ohio Plastics Belting Co.........................54

Western Mule.............................................54

Gfeller Casemakers, Inc..........................47

Ohio Travel Bag...........................................39

Wickett & Craig..........................................46

Goliger Leather Co....................................24

Orion Calf, LTD............................................56

Y-Knot Lace................................................22

Advertising

Inserts

Deadline for advertising copy is the 5th of the month prior to the month of publication. Invoices are due upon receipt. 6 or 12-month prepaid advertising contracts receive a 5% discount.

Classified Ads

20 words or less $26.50 Additional words (each) $ .65

Display Ads

Shop Talk! published by Proleptic, Inc. P.O. Box 17817 Asheville, NC 28816 (828) 505-8474 shoptalk@proleptic.net www.proleptic.net 60 JULY 2016

SHOP TALK!

Full Page $502.00 Half Page $280.00 Quarter Page $152.00 Eighth Page $81.00 (Color and guaranteed placement additional)

Setup Charge

$60 per hour with a $18 minimum.

Line art may be inserted at no additional charge. $10 per photo.

$399 for one page­— Maximum trim size: 8-1/4” X 10-3/4” $45 each additional page.

Event flyers must be inserted 60 days in advance. All inserts must be shipped directly to printer.

Reduce - Reuse - Recycle Recycling old magazines, catalogs, and newspapers is one of the easiest ways to help the environment. To increase the supply of recoverable wood fiber and to reduce the demand on regional landfills, Shop Talk! urges its readers to support recycling efforts in their communities.

Shop Talk! is printed with only vegetable-based inks.

SHOP TALK!

JULY 2016 61

JULY 2016 P.O. BOX 17817, ASHEVILLE, NC 28816

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THE NEWS!

Distributors of Quality Hardware & Supplies for the Harness, Tack, Saddlery, and Pet Industries

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• BioThane Coated Webbing • Thoroughbred Leather • Quality Stainless Steel and Brass Saddlery Hardware • Fiebing Products • WahlClippers • Fortex & Fortiflex Products • Nylon Webbing • Leather and BioThane Harness Parts plus much more

Large enough to serve you…

Small enough to need you!

We manufacture our own line of leather riding and training tack.

We also do custom leather and nylon work.

4205 Township Road 629 Millersburg, OH 44654 Request your free catalog today!