The Leather Retailers' and Manufaturers' Journal
March 2015
Shop Talk!
Anniversaries & Tributes With Boot and Shoe News
A Tribute to
Fred Hermann Industry Giant
• Since 1914 •
Industry News
• Lower Hide Prices • Dye Prices Fade • Hardtke Bros. Merge • Uptick at Tasman • Walking the Denver Show • Leather Specials
October 17, 1924-January 14, 2015 Since 1984
www.proleptic.net
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Shop Talk! |
The Leather Retailers’ and Manufacturers’ Journal
with Boot & Shoe News
Laugh Lines 6 Hide Report 13 Boot & Shoe News 17 Pg. 21
Pg. 22
Leather Specials...........................19 Farewell & Godspeed....................21 Uptick at Tasman Leather..............31 Dye Prices Fade............................34 Leather Worker of the Month.........36 Fiebing Still Strong.......................37 Walsh in its Centenniel Year...........44 Walking Around Denver................48
Shop Talk!
published by Proleptic, Inc. P.O. Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816 Ph (828) 505-8474 | Fax (828) 505-8476 www.proleptic.net
News, Notes & Queries 54
Read Shop Talk! Online with links to advertisers and online information www.proleptic.net ShopTalkLeatherMagazine
Classifieds 60
Pg. 37
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. Shop Talk! is the official monthly publication of the Saddle, Harness, and Allied Trades Association (SHATA). SHATA members receive a $4 discount on annual subscriptions. For more information on subscriptions, advertising rates, or SHATA membership, contact us at (828) 505-8474 or www.proleptic.net
MADE IN USA
For free catalog please contact us: 125 Jersey St. Harrison NJ 07029 Phone: 973-483-3232 Shop Talk! MARCH Email: cso@csosborne.com www.csosborneleathertools.com
2015
| 5
Laugh Lines
by Lorie Hill
March roars in like a lion So fierce, The wind so cold, It seems to pierce. The month rolls on And Spring draws near, And March goes out Like a lamb so dear.
How to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Sweet Corn Patch --from our friends at Hillside Crafts, Conewango Valley, NY One man said to plant lots of pumpkins around the garden. Coons will not go through heavy vines. The next man said to lay newspapers in the patch. Coons will not walk on newspapers. The third man said to put lighted lanterns on poles. Coons will not go near the light. A fourth man said to put a radio In the patch. Coons will not go near a radio that’s playing. So late one evening the man went to see how things were going. When he came into the patch, he found a coon sitting on a pumpkin, munching on an ear of corn, reading the newspaper by the light of the lantern, and listening to the 11 pm news on the radio.
6 |
There was a local restaurant so sure that its bartender was the strongest man around they offered a standing $1,000 bet. The bartender would squeeze a lemon until all the juice ran into a glass and then hand the lemon to a patron. If anyone could squeeze even one more drop of juice out would win the money. Many people had tried over time (policemen, weightlifters, harness makers) but nobody could do it. No one. One day this little scrawny fellow came in, wearing thick glasses, and a bad suit, and said in a squeaky voice, “I’d like to try!” After the laughter had died down, the bartender said OK, grabbed a lemon, and squeezed. Then he handed the wrinkled remains of the rind to the little guy. Everyone stopped laughing when the man clenched his fist around the lemon and six drops fell into a glass. Then the cheering started. When the astonished bartender handed the little man $1,000 in cash, he asked, “What do you do for a living? Lumberjack? Saddle maker?” The man smiled weakly and replied, “I work for the IRS.”
Protects from moisture
MARCH 2015
Shop Talk!
O
nce upon a time on a farm in Arkansas. . . . . .there was a little red hen who scratched about the barnyard until she uncovered quite a few grains of wheat. She called all of her neighbors together and said, “If we plant this wheat, we shall have bread to eat. Who will help me plant it?” “Not I,” said the cow. “Not I,” said the duck. “Not I,” said the pig. “Not I,” said the goose. “Then I will do it myself,” said the little red hen. And so she did. The wheat grew very tall and ripened into golden grain. “Who will help me reap my wheat?” asked the little red hen. “Not I,” said the duck. “Out of my classification,” said the pig. “I’d lose my seniority,” said the cow. “I’d lose my unemployment compensation,” said the goose. “Then I will do it by myself,” said the little red hen and she did. At last it came time to bake the bread. "Who will help me bake the bread?” asked the little red hen. “That would be overtime for me,” said the cow. “I’d lose my welfare benefits,” said the duck. “I’m a dropout and never learned how,” said the pig. “If I’m to be the only helper, that’s discrimination,”
said the goose. “Then I will do it by myself,” said the little red hen. She baked five loaves and held them up for all her neighbors to see. They wanted some and, in fact, demanded a share! But the little red hen said, “No, I shall eat all five loaves.” “Excess profits!” cried the cow. “Capitalist leech!” screamed the duck. “I demand equal rights!” yelled the goose. The pig just grunted in disdain. And they all painted “Unfair!” picket signs and marched around the little hen, shouting offensive slogans. When the government agent came, he said to the little red hen, “You must not be so greedy.” “But I earned the bread,” said the little red hen. “Exactly,” said the agent. “That’s what makes our free enterprise system so wonderful. Anyone in the barnyard can earn as much as he wants. But under our modern government regulations, the productive workers must divide the fruits of their labor with those who are lazy and idle.” And they all lived happily ever after, including the little red hen, who smiled and clucked, “I am grateful for now I truly understand.” But her neighbors were quite disappointed in her because she never again baked any more bread.
Shop Talk!
MARCH 2015
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A woman got on a bus holding a baby and the bus driver told the woman, “That’s the ugliest baby I’ve ever seen!” The woman was mad and slammed her token into the fare box and took an aisle seat near the rear of the bus. She was steaming. The man seated next to her sensed that she was agitated and asked her what was wrong. “The bus driver insulted me!” she fumed. The man sympathized and said, “Why, he’s a public servant and shouldn’t say things to insult passengers.” “You’re right!” she replied. “I think I’ll go back up there and give him a piece of my mind!” “That’s a good idea,” said the man. “Here, let me hold your monkey.”
The Importance of Walking *
Walking can add years to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional five months in a nursing home at $4,000 per month.
*
My grandpa started walking five minutes a day when he was 60. Now he’s 97 years old and we have no idea where he is.
* * *
I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.
I do have flabby thighs but fortunately my stomach covers them. A great advantage of exercising every day is so that, when you die, people will say, “He looks good, doesn’t he?”
*
If you are going to take up cross country skiing, start with a small country.
*
I know I’ve got a lot of exercise the last few years just getting over the hill.
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Six Daily Habits of Hugely Successful People Studies have shown that the most successful people share a striking number of similar habits. Regardless of whether they’re the CEO of a technology startup or manage a popular neighborhood retail outlet. Their reoccurring patterns of behavior often pave the way to ongoing levels of achievement. So here follows six habits that experts recommend for us all to adopt if we want to become successful. Then after we hear from the experts I’m offering my own suggestions which I’m calling My Take! Enjoy.
Successful Habit #1—Minimize Distractions
According to Basex, a management science company, it’s estimated that distractions cost US businesses $588 billion per year, a number that continues to grow. Besides costing businesses billions in resources, these sneaky time consumers undermine concentration and can make it hard to stay focused on a task or consistently follow important train of thought. If you’re not quite sure which distractions are eating up your day, try tracking your schedule by creating a running diary for two or three weeks to find out and breaking down your day into 10 minute segments.
My Take!
I’m sorry—what was that? Can I give you a call back? I’ve got someone on the other line and then I have to run to Staples and UPS just pulled in and I’ve got to put that stuff away when I get back and I’ve got a sewing machine that needs some attention—I’m sorry—what was that?
Successful Habit #2—Get Enough Rest
Productivity can suffer if you don’t feel your best, and one of the most important factors of feeling up to par is maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Research dating back decades also shows a marked decline in productivity after a typical 40 hr. work week—anything more produces diminishing returns. So be sure to take breaks, rest, and recharge. It may vastly improve your creativity, productivity, and output.
My Take!
Wow!! I am so relieved to know that I no longer need to put in a 60-hour work week! Wow! And think of all the free time I’m going to have when I can’t pay my mortgage and truck payment and my business loans!! Because—I WILL NO LONGER HAVE A JOB TO GO TO! I can rest all I want to—under the nearest bridge or viaduct. Free at last!
Successful Habit #3—Follow a Morning Ritual Establishing a routine of getting up and getting active first thing in the morning is a great way to start the
MARCH 2015 2015
Shop Talk! Shop Talk! Talk! Shop
day with a blast of energy—energy you can immediately begin spending on professional and personal development (Hint: the smartest investment you can ever make is in yourself.) Many hugely successful saddle makers don’t just wake up earlier and spend time working out to improve fitness, start the day strong, and reduce stress. They also read business books, trade magazines, catch up on the news, get up-to-date on emails (Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler, Pincushion, Instagram), or listen to podcasts while exercising, starting the day off strong by accomplishing multiple goals in one fell swoop.
My Take!
See #2. This wears me out. It’s about all I can do to get some clothes on, drink a cup of coffee, and head to the shop before all hell breaks loose. Maybe I should budget more time for podcasts—whatever they are.
Successful Habit #4—Prioritize Your Day
Hugely successful harness makers have a daily agenda that helps visualize what they would like to accomplish that day. Mimic their behavior by creating a daily “to do list” of you own the evening before each workday and prioritize tasks by importance. That way, you immediately know where to begin your work the next morning and can tackle the most difficult challenges first, improving productivity and making the rest of your workday look like a breeze by comparison.
My Take!
Tuesday: Get up. Get dressed. Go to shop. Work hard. Come home. Sleep.
Successful Habit #5—Take Care of Yourself
You may have heard successful men and women say,
“I work hard but I also play hard.” These folks are well aware that it simply isn’t possible to operate at full speed every waking hour. They know that taking time for yourself is one of the biggest steps in avoiding work burnout. Try relaxing a little each day and use your free time to indulge in something you truly enjoy.
My Take!
Why I certainly do indulge when I have “free time”— I indulge in fence repair and house repair and shop repair and truck repair and lawn care repair. The fun simply does NOT stop—ever!!
Successful Habit #6—Put First Things First
Not every task is equal, and successful people account for this when they budget their time. Whether you function best in the early morning hours or late in the afternoon, use your peak performance hours to knock out harder tasks and bring you closer to your goals. Save less pressing tasks such as skimming through interoffice memos or submitting speaking proposals to annual industry conference organizers for a time when you’re not exactly ready to move mountains. Get the important tasks done first—the rest will seem trivial by comparison.
My Take!
My advice is to avoid those interoffice memos like the plague! And who needs another speaking engagement! What a waste of time. I’m a real believer in “putting first things first”. Here’s my philosophy: The first thing I do is put out one fire and then I put out another fire and then I put out the next fire, etc. Read and repeat. Finally—my last piece of advice would be: Avoid redundancy. So instead of SIX habits, you’ll need to remember just FOUR silly things. Of course, I’ve been able to boil essential business habits down to just THREE things and here they are: Don’t give up. Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. After all, anybody can quit. It takes no special talent.
Shop Talk!
MARCH 2015
| 9
GOODS & SERVICES
INVENTORY and EQUIPMENT and UPDATES
need a supplier of good quality saddles, *tack,Doandyoustirrups at a good price? If you do, then
you absolutely need to get a catalog from the folks at Chino Tack. For one thing, they are an excellent source for stirrups—brass, aluminum, and rawhide. Including tapaderos. They have about any size or style from overshoe to oxbow as well as roper, bell, and barrel.
Do you need a supplier of good quality saddles—not too cheap and not too expensive but just right when it comes to quality? Chino’s got them! Many styles and sizes. They also make saddlebags, chaps, headstalls, and breast collars.
You need to give them a call because you will be delighted with the quality of their work and their prices. Contact: Chino Tack, 1925 E. Missouri St., El Paso, TX 79903, (800) 696-4649, e-mail: nbaeza@ terra.com.mx. Are you interested in private labelling? Call Chino! Do you need “a quality collar at a reasonable *price”? Then you better contact Shelter’s Collar Shop because that’s what they promise. They had a 10% sale through February but we got their flyer too late to mention last month—sorry! Which is why you always need to make sure Shop Talk! knows about these things way ahead of schedule!
CHINO TACK tradition of quality since 1980
Saddle Trees: rawhide or fiberglass covered Stirrups: wooden or iron, rawhide covered Rawhide: natural, bleach, black, red, etc. Saddles: choose rawhide or fiberglass tree Casa Zea Blankets: assorted and solid colors
1-800-696-4649 www.chinotack.com • chinotack@gmail.com
10 |
MARCH 2015
Shop Talk!
Get on their mailing list so that you’ll never miss another sale! Contact: Shetler’s Collar Shop, 5819 Flatiron Rd., Conewango Valley, NY 14726 They have sizes from 22”top 32”! You can get an adjustable top on most models. Have you ever tried one of their No. 99 Field Collars? You’ll be impressed! Parker from Tampa called the other day to *see ifJacob we knew of anyone who handled equipment in
Florida. So we scratched our heads and suggested he call Ostrich-Alligator Market in Melbourne which not only sells exotics but also manufacturers finished goods so they just might know of a good source for equipment in the state. You can call Ostrich-Alligator Market at (954) 873-1957.
We understand that Making Leather Knife *Sheaths, Vol. 2 (Welted Sheaths Step by Step) will
be available in October or November. The book is spiral bound, 6” x 9”, 144 page with 300 color photos and diagrams. The price will be $24.50 plus shipping. We will let you know when we have copies to sell.
You better check out our *“Leather Specials” that come after “Hide Report” in this issue— there’s something for everyone whether you’d looking for leather to make boots or do some patch work! Some great buys.
Jim Cox at Moser Leather *reports that he recently bought
BONDED NYLON THREAD
out a glove shop and has posted a lot of supplies and equipment on line at www.auctionzip.com/aflive. There may be a reference number—1WBIMBS967. Items include thread, dies, leather, sewing machines, etc. You can also contact Jim at jimnwestern1@aol. com or call (513) 889-0500. Jim buys and sells quite a bit of stuff so you never know what he has on hand. Our friends at Landesman Bros. got hit hard *by Hurricane Sandy a few years ago and they're still cleaning out their warehouse which was hit and they still have a of specials on hand as a result. You better call them up and see what good deal they might have for YOU!
Right now Landesman is running a special on hvy. duty cleaner in a spray can. They also have a good price on J. T. Foot Water & Stain Remover. You can give them a call at (800) 852-8855 or e-mail: landesmanbros@aol.com. know sometimes you need oddball stuff but *youYou don’t need a lot of it—just something occasionally. There’s a real good place that handles a wide
1967
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Chupp Blacksmith Shop Ltd. 9107 Township Road 609 Fredericksburg, Ohio 44627
Shop Talk! 85263 Chupp ad 3.5x4.75 1
MARCH 2015
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6/19/13 9:42 AM
New Beveler Makes Headlines at Denver “It’s fast,” stated Ronnie Nettles, referring to the recently debuted Nettles Lace Beveler. Nettles, the brainchild of the Beveler, also designed Nettles Stirrups, the original laminated oak stirrup twenty-seven years ago. It was the need for a faster way to bevel the laces for those those stirrups that led to the design of the patented Nettles Lace Beveler. “Our test results show you can bevel five pieces of leather 20’ in 5 ½ minutes. As quick as you can pull that leather, you can have it beveled.”
The machine, constructed of stainless steel and best used bolted to a workbench, is built with three fences, along with a spring loaded pressure foot on two of them. The first fence holds the leather in line with the first blade. The second fence, also at the first blade, guides it precisely into the knife. The third fence guides the leather into the second knife. The lace is positioned under each presser foot, which holds it against the machine’s table while the fences guides the leather into the knife for precision cutting.
For twenty-seven years his employees have beveled leather, a time-consuming work. During those years Nettles, an NCHA Hall of Fame cutting horse trainer still training today, purchased numerous bevelers in hopes of speeding the process. He wanted more than speed though. Nettles also wanted a product that beveled both edges of lace leather at the same time. He wanted a beveler to bevel a single length of lace comprised of different widths throughout its length without having to make adjustments to the machine. He also wanted his employees to use both hands to pull the lace hand-over-hand rather than having to hold the lace with one hand. Pulling the lace hand-over-hand would quicken the process even more. When he could not find what he wanted, just as years ago when he could not find the stirrup he wanted, Nettles went to the drawing board. After numerous prototypes he liked the final model so much he patented it.
variety of tools, furs, leather, patterns, kits, black powder gear, etc. Very handy. Right up there with Ohio Travel Bag. That would be Leather Unlimited at 7155 Hwy B, Belgium, WI 53004, (800) 9932889 or (920) 994-9464, www.LeatherUnltd.com. It’s a family owned and operated business and understands its customers. Give them a call! And tell ‘em you read about ‘em in Shop Talk! Another great source for anything to do with *sewing, cutting rooms, and especially scissors is
SouthStar Supply—which has roots in the old Cutter’s Exchange. Lots of marking tools, zipper jigs, lubricants that don’t stain, upholstery supplies, spray adhesives, etc. Get on their mailing list! 12 |
MARCH 2015
The Nettles Lace Beveler does all of the things Ronnie was looking for a beveler to do and even more. The entire blade can be used since the blade is adjustable, giving blades a longer life. In addition to beveling one piece of lace without making adjustments it will also bevel different widths of lace without making adjustments. Some machines require some expertise to use, but this beveler can be used by any laborer. “It’s certainly been an asset to our business,” concluded Nettles. “Seeing a pile of lace leather hanging over the lacing booth and knowing it didn’t take long to make it, well, that’s a good sight to see."
Contact: P O Box 90147, Nashville, TN 37209, (800) 288-6739 or (615) 353-7000, www.southstarsupply.com.
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Shop Talk!
your global perspective
The Hide Report
The following information is a summary of articles which appeared on www.hidenet.com, the leading source of news about the global hide and leather market, and is dated from the early part of February 2015.
NEW
New! Nettles Lace Beveler!
NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW
Nettles Country Store Nettles Stirrups 800-729-2234
NEW
Bevels both edges of lace leather at the same time Bevels different widths without having to make adjustments to the machine Adjustable blade Bevels most widths of lace Easy to use
NEW
--The world supply of hides is essentially unchanged and, although US supplies may
NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW
NEW
--Sources report that regardless of the West Coast ports slowdown, albeit weeks late, hides eventually get through, and tanners have adequate inventories to meet current leather orders.
--There has not been any shortage of leather available to manufacturers regardless of AmeriNEW
--Ross Pruitt at the Cattle Trader Centers at LSU reported in late January that the U. S. beef slaughter during 2014 was 2.6 million cows, the first time this number has been below 3 million since 2006. Since 1990, when beef slaughter falls below 3 million, the cow inventory normally sees an increase the following year.
NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW
Industry News
--Substitutes are growing and tanners who used to rely on US hides have found adequate sourcing in places like Brazil and elsewhere so there is less demand for US hides.
NEW NEW
In late January and early February, the price for Heavy Texas Steers (66/68 lbs.) dropped $2.00-3.00. Branded Steers (66/68 lbs.) also fell $2.00. Butt Branded Steers and Heavy Native Steers were reported to be steady.
be lower in the first half of this year, industry experts expect Federally Inspected Slaughter to be close to what it was in 2014 as herds rebuild.
NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW
Hide Market Continues to Fall
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MARCH 2015
| 13
can slaughter being down 7+% in 2014 and the same should hold true in 2015.
ongoing development for the brand’s ZeroGrand product as well as new innovations.
Industry Group Names Brown Shoe Top Company
Launched in July 2014, the ZeroGrand line features Cole Haan’s lightest and most flexible footwear offerings with a focus on weight reduction and responsive cushioning. With the new Global Innovation Center, the brand plans to “aggressively expand” its ZeroGrand offerings for both men and women.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association has named Brown Shoe Co. its “Company of the Year” for 2015. The awards go back to 1977 and are meant to honor companies and employees who have “exemplified leadership, excellence, and outstanding achievement in all sectors of the apparel and footwear industry,” according to the association. Cole Haan Opens Global Innovation and Design Center Cole Hann is looking toward the future. The footwear and accessories brand is expanding its New Hampshire-based headquarters with a new addition: an Innovation and Sports Lifestyle Design Center. The approximately 20,000 sq. ft. space, which is a separate facility attached to the main headquarters, will house
Record Attendance at Vegas Furniture Market Las Vegas Market announced that the recent Winter Market which took place in January registered the highest attendance numbers in the Market’s nearly ten year history, with overall growth of 11% over Winter 2014, and a 21% jump in attendance in the gift and home décor segment, specifically. Overall, the Market attracted more than 7,800 first time domestic buyers with 30% of these newcomers hailing from California which also is the top feeder state for overall attendance, Las Vegas Market also reported strong growth in international attendance with increases of
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Nylon Fabrics cordura Elastic pack cloth Fiebing Products oxford cloth Grommets Vinyl Coated Mesh Hardware Vinyl Coated Truck metal Tarp plastic Imitation Sheepskin
www.sewwhatsupplies.com
14 |
MARCH 2015
Shop Talk!
13% and visitors from more than 102 countries. Many exhibitors reported strong order writing coupled with meeting large number of first time contacts at the Winter Market.
Profit from recurring operations fell to 5.72 billion euros ($6.6 billion) from 6.02 billion euros in 2013, Paris-based LVMH recently reported, the first annual decline since 2009.
[Editor’s note: this event is mentioned because of the enormous amount of leather used by manufacturers of furniture as well as by makers of automobiles.]
Chinese tourists are spending less in Hong Kong because of pro-democracy protests that ran for 79 days in 2014 and restarted in January 2015, while anti-graft measures are weighing on sales in China. Strengthening demand in the Americas and the euro’s slide against most major currencies has helped cushion the effect of the slowdown in Asia for LVMH.
India Exports of Leather, Saddlery, Handbags Rise InfodriveIndia.com, India’s premier research company in export/import market research, announced that India’s “Articles of Leather, Saddlery and Harness, Travel Goods, Handbags and Similar Containers” exports in December 2014 grew to US$226.94 million, an increase of 18.3% compared to November 2014. Exports of “Trunks, Suitcases, Vanity Cases, Briefcases, School Satchels, Spectacle Cases, Binocular Cases, Camera Cases, Musical Instrument Cases, Gun Cases, Holsters, etc.” grew by 12.01% on a month-to-month basis. Total export value in December 2014 was 109.25 million. Compared to November 2014, it is an increase of 11.71 million with a growth rate of 12.01%. LVMH Earnings Miss Estimates as Chinese Spend Less on Luxury
MASTER STAMPER Collection For Sale
Tad Mizwa's treasures. Don King belt, 7 pcs. by Ray Pohja, 1 each by Don Butler and Chester Hape. These 10 for $9,000 delivered. Six more by Ray Holes, Bill Gardner, Lloyd Davis, Eddie Brooks, Jeremiah Watt, $1,500 delivered. E-mail: TadSMizwa@aol.com
www.kellylarsonsales.com
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA, the world’s largest maker of luxury gods, reported annual earnings which missed analysts’ estimates as Chinese shoppers curbed spending on Vuitton handbags and Hennessey cognac.
Ostrich Caiman Crocodile Nile Crocodile Nile Croc Backstraps Outsole / Insole Bends Pre-Cut Outsoles Elephant Hippo Giraffe Stingray Python Goat Skins Heels Welt
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50”, 60”, 66”, 72” in stock Colors Custom Orders
Leather, BioPlastic & Brahma Webb Harnesses
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1812 Reliance Parkway • Suite G. • Bedford, TX 76021 Ph: 817-399-0044 • Fx: 817-399-0040 Email: elarson@kelly-larson.com
Shop Talk!
MARCH 2015
| 15
Weight (lbs.)
December (early)
January (early)
February Price Last (early) February (early)
Heavy Texas Steers
66-68
$104-106
$98-100
$98-100
$103-104
Heavy Texas Steers (Hvy)
74-78
$111-115
$109-113
$107-108
$105-108
Branded Steers
66-68
$108-109
$96-98
$96-98
$101-102
Branded Steers (Hvy)
74-78
$111-113
$106-108
$106-108
$106-108
Colorado Steers
66-68
$99-100
$94-96
$94-96
$100-101
Butt Branded Steers
66-68
$113-114
$108-109
$104-105
$105-107
Butt Branded Steers (Hvy)
74-78
$115-117
$101-103
$107-108
$108-110
Heavy Native Steers (Hvy) 74-78
$116-118
$116-118
$108-110
$108-110
Selection
Heavy Native Heifers
48-52
$91-92
$87-90
$87-90
$90-94
Branded Heifers
48-52
$92-94
$90-91
$82-86
$85-87
Heavy Native Cows
48-52
$68-71
$66-67
$68-71
$82-86
Branded Cows
48-52
$57-60
$53-57
$58-61
$69-71
Spready Dairy Cows
48-52
$77-82
$75-79
$77-79
$90-93
100-110
$82-87
$78-83
$80-83
$84-87
Native Bulls
HORSE TONIC ler!
Hea It’s A
Good For • Muscle • Joints • Kidneys • Arthritis • The Stifle • Founder
16 |
MARCH 2015
Feed one teaspoon two times a day. 28 day supply - 3/4 pound $24.50 plus $5 shipping $7 shipping for two containers
SAM TROYERS 130 Deckard Rd. Bidwell, OH 45614
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Boot & Shoe News
PEOPLE and PRODUCTS and PLACES
Goods & Services z You better check our “Leather Specials” that come after “Hide Report” in this issue there’s something for everyone whether you’d looking for leather to make boots or do some patch work! Some great buys. z Jim Cox at Moser Leather reports that he recently bought out a glove shop and has posted a lot of supplies and equipment on line at www.auctionzip.com/aflive. There may be a reference number—1WBIMBS967.
Items include thread, dies, leather, sewing machines, etc. You can also contact Jim at jimnwestern1@aol.com or call (513) 889-0500.
Jim buys and sells quite a bit of stuff so you never know what he has on hand.
z Our friends at Landesman Bros. got hit hard by Hurricane Sandy a few years ago and their still cleaning out their warehouse which was hit and they still have a of specials n hand as a result. You better call them up and see what good deal they might have for YOU!
Right now Landesman is running a special on hvy. duty cleaner in a spray can. They also have a good price on J. T. Foot Water & Stain Remover. You can give them a call at (800) 852-8855 or e-mail: landesmanbros@ aol.com.
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!
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z You know sometimes you need oddball stuff but you don’t need a lot of it—just something occasionally. There’s a real good place that handles a wide variety of tools, furs, leather, patterns, kits, black powder gear, etc. Very handy. Right up there with Ohio Travel Bag. That would be Leather Unlimited at 7155 Hwy B, Belgium, WI 53004, (800) 993-2889 or (920) 994-9464, www.LeatherUnltd.com.
It’s a family owned and operated business and understands its customers. Give them a call! And tell ‘em you read about ‘em in Shop Talk!
z Another great source for anything to do with sewing, cutting rooms, and especially scissors is SouthStar Supply—which has roots in the old Cutter’s Exchange. Lots of marking tools, zipper jigs, lubricants that don’t stain, upholstery supplies, spray adhesives, etc. Get on their mailing list!
Contact: P O Box 90147, Nashville, TN 37209, (800) 288-6739 or (615) 353-7000, www.southstarsupply.com.
Wrong Place for SSIA!!!
Oops! I think we got all the wrong information for the 111th Annual SSIA Convention in last month’s “Boot & Shoe News”—sorry! Thanks to Donna at Dr. Sew & Sew for setting us straight. Thanks, Donna!
The next convention will be held on July 25-26 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville, Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL. You can call (888) 421-1442 to reserve your room.
Sorry for the confusion!
Sixth Annual Bootmaker’s Gathering
That’s an event not to miss! It will be held on April 25, at Johnny’s Bar-Be-Que in downtown Salado, TX. Starts at 10 am. Bring boots, guns, money, tools, and leather so you can show and tell.
Additionally, there will be an open house at Texas Traditions, 2222 College Ave., Austin, TX 78704, (512) 443-4447. Be there!
Can You Help?
Ron Miller writes that he recently bought an old shoe shop. He’s got a finisher and a couple of curved needle machines. Ron doesn’t know where to begin so he could use some help trying to figure exactly what sort of critters he’s found. He sent some pictures but they were too dark to reproduce.
If you can help, please contact Ron at dsgolem5@gmail.com. No doubt the folks at Gateway Shoe Machine could help you identify the equipment you have. Call (800) 752-7897.
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MARCH 2015
Shop Talk!
Leather Specials Got leather specials or closeouts? We want to hear from you! Please contact: Shop Talk!, P O Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816, e-mail: shoptalk@proleptic.net. Wickett & Craig 120 Cooper Rd. Curwensville, PA 16833 (800) 826-6379 (814) 236-2220 www.wickett-craig.com
American Leather Direct 268 Orange Cemetery Rd. Morgantown, KY 42261-9631 (800) 624-7642 (270) 526-3835 www.aleatherd.com
English Bridle Sides—Special
Lace Bundles (100 pcs.)—Indian Tan Alum
10/12 oz. Tan. $153 10/12 oz. Med. Brn. $153 10/12 oz. Dk. Brn. $143 (Branded) 10/12 oz. Dk. Brn. $153 8/10 oz. Dk. Brn. $143 8/10 oz. Med. Brn. $143 8/10 oz. Tan $143 8/10 oz. Chestnut. $143
1/8” x 15”. 13 bundles. $13 per 1/8” x 25”. 5 bundles. $22 per 1/8” x 27”. 1 bundle. $24 per 1/8” x 28”. 1 bundle. $25 per 9/64” x 23”. ¾ bundle. $21 per 9/64” x 27”. 2.5 bundles. $25 per 9/64” x 40”. 1 bundle. $37 per 9/64” x 72”. 6 bundles. $70 per
12/14 oz. Dk. Brn. $165
Lace Bundles (100 pcs.) 9/64” x 46”. 1 bundle. 4 Chestnut. $43 per 9/64” x 35”. 1 bundle. 9 Golden Copper. $33 per 9/64” x 40”. 1 bundle. Cherokee. $37 per 9/64” x 42. 2 bundles. Cherokee. $39 per Leather Specials 8/9 oz. Black bridle dbl. shoulders. 50 pcs. $5.90/sq. ft. 12/13 oz. Black butt branded bridle. 30 sides. $5.90/sq. ft. 9/10 oz. Black butt branded bridle. 20 sides. $5.90/sq. ft. 9/10 oz. Havana brn. butt branded bridle.
Buggy Builder’s Bulletin
Skirting Sides—Special 8/10 oz. Russet. $142 8/10 oz. Russet. $132 (branded) 10/12oz. Russet. $152
Bi-monthly trade publication for Carriage & Wagon Makers $25/year in U.S. ~ $30 (US funds only) in Canada
Belting Sides—TR
Buggy Builder’s Bulletin
3.5/4 oz. Russet. $115 3.5/4 oz. Black. $115
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P.O. Box 593, Columbia Station, OH 44028 Voice: 800-357-5070 Fax 440-243-5326 Email daves@firstlocal.net Website www.ohiothane.com
Shop Talk!
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50 sides. $5.90/sq. ft. Hvy. Economy black US steer mill stuffed harness. 30 sides. $150/side Hvy. Economy Sunset US steer harness. 20 sides. $150/side 11/12 oz. Red brn. TR. Harness. 50 sides. $158/side First come, first served.
5/6 oz. British tan chap sides. $3.25/sq. ft. 4 oz. Med. brn. Glove whole hides. Will cut in half. $2.50/sq. ft. Specialty Leathers
Please note: these are only some of the specials available from E. C Leather which change constantly. Contact them for a complete and current list. Always great values. New Items Deerskin. 9-11 sq. ft. #2. Tobacco, Saddles, and Black. $4.50/sq. ft. Deertanned Sheepskin. 7-10 sq. ft. Wedding White Neoprene Sheets Hook & Loop Fasteners Also Available • 6 Million Yards in Stock • Sizes from 3/8” to 6” • 30 Colors Available
8/9 oz. Finished dbl. shoulders. Black. Veg tanned. $6.50/sq. ft. 8/9 oz. Saddle bag sides. Black., dk. brn., med. brn., and tan. Veg tanned. $6.50/sq. ft. Chap & Handbag Leathers
E. C. Leather 7364 E. 38th St. Tulsa, OK 74145 (888) 207-3305 (918) 583-0292 e-mail: ecleather@aol.com
• Laminated with Nylon, Lycra, Terry, UBL…etc. • Common uses: Wet Suits, Waders, Knee/Elbow Pads…etc.
and Saddle Sheep. $3.50/sq. ft. Black deertanned Napa sides. 3.5 oz. $4.50/sq. ft. Brn. deertanned Napa sides. 3.5 oz. $4.50/sq. ft.
• TPU Laminated Fabrics • Tricot Fabrics • Mesh Fabrics • Hot Melt Adhesive Films • Webbing, Buckles, Elastic, Zippers…etc
SALES REP WANTED IN SOME TERRITORIES
5351 Oceanus Drive, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Tel: 714-898-5989 • Fax: 714-894-8018 • E-mail: info@perfectex.com • www.perfectex.com
3 oz. Raised gator print. Sides. Antique, blue/black, brn., and tan. $1.95/sq. ft. 2.5-3 oz. Antique brn. Western tooling print. Sides. $1.95/sq. ft. 4.5=5 oz. Dk. Brn. bullhide print. Sides. $1.95/sq. ft. Hair-on cowhide pcs. 1-5 q. ft. Mixed. 2.5 lbs. @ $20 ea.; 5 lbs. @ $40 ea.; 10 lbs. @ $60 ea. Please call or write for new 2015 catalog.
SHELTON-REYNOLDS, INC. 11516 N Port Washington Rd., Mequon, WI 53092
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Call Toll Free ~ Nationwide
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Fax (262) 478-9226 SHIPMENT WITHIN 24 HOURS
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MARCH 2015
Shop Talk!
Farewell & Godspeed
Jr. Elmore
April 2, 1945—February 2, 2015
Zera Junior Elmore passed away in New Albany, IN, February 2, 2015. Junior was born April 2, 1945, in New Albany, and later served in Vietnam. He worked for Moser Leather, Caldwell Moser, and Triple C (later American Leather Direct) as a tanner and tanning consultant. According to Tonya West at American Leather Direct, “Junior was a leather man through and through. He will be sadly missed.” Our condolences to the Elmore family and Jr.s’ many friends in the industry. According to Ronnie Carpenter, former co-owner of Triple C Leather: “Junior was a trusted friend and co-
worker for 35 years. First at August Barth Leather Co. then Moser Leather and finally at Triple C Leather Co. Junior was a wonderful man and he will be missed by his many friends. Go with God, my friend.” Here’s a story from Jeff Ballard, President of Thoroughbred Leather, which says something about Jr.’s dedication to the leather business: “I was working with Jr. at Moser Leather several years ago. We were working on a black drum dyed alum lace leather for a customer who made baseball gloves. “After some time, Jr. walked into the office and all I could see was the whites of his eyes; he was covered head to toe in dye. Jr. held up a ball and said, ‘I think I've got it!’ I wasn’t 100% sure but I’d bet that Jr. had been inside the dye drum, working to get it right.” Truly, Jr. was as a “leather man” through and through.
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Farewell & Godspeed A Tribute to Fred Hermann—Industry Giant October 17, 1924—January 14, 2015
Frederick A Hermann, Jr.: Businessman Gave Back to St. Louis for God, Country, Family (The following tribute originally appeared online at news.stlpublicradio.org.) Dr. William H. Danforth, chancellor emeritus of Washington University, is by any reckoning St. Louis’ First Citizen. It is not only proper but also sensible that he be called upon to discuss the life and character of a recently deceased friend and fellow civic pillar, Frederick A. Hermann, Jr. For Mr. Hermann he provided this simple but profoundly sincere description. “He was wonderful.”
And so it went across the past week after his death. Anytime family members, friends or acquaintances spoke of Mr. Hermann, who died at 90 on Wednesday, January 14, they’d say, “He was wonderful, simply wonderful.” This repeated encomium wasn’t one of those hollow, obligatory, generalized descriptions meant to get you off the hook. If you ever sat next to Frederick Albert Hermann, Jr., at a luncheon or talked to him about matters related to his world of God and Country and Family, you simultaneously felt his genuine warmth and experienced his generosity. You’d know, therefore, that “wonderful” fits this man as comfortably and as wrinkle-free as a bespoke suit. “My God, My Country, My Family” is the title of his memoir, published in 2011; his resume is an iteration of it. Because, in addition to the list of clubs and associations in which many prominent St. Louisans shared membership, there also appear the names of boards on which he sat, some of which he helped found. Most all fit neatly in the category of “helping” institutions. “Fred was a gentleman and a gentle man, very proud of his wonderful family and with good reason,” said
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MARCH 2015
Shop Talk!
Dr. William Peck, Wolff Distinguished Professor in the School of Medicine and head of the Center for Health Policy at Washington University. “His strong intellect and intellectual curiosity yielded a wide range and depth of knowledge that he applied wisely but was displayed with modesty. He was also a raconteur of the first order and spoke eloquently of his World War II experiences.
“His strong intellect and intellectual curiosity yielded a wide range and depth of knowledge that he applied wisely but was displayed with modesty." ~Dr. William Peck
Service Business From 1943 to 1946, Mr. Hermann fought in France and Germany under Gen. George S. Patton. He was a corporal in the 14th Armored Division and was awarded the Bronze Star for “unusual versatility and tireless devotion to duty.”
“In addition to our personal friendship,” Peck continued, “I had the privilege of working with him during his service as a board member of the Barnard Free Skin and Cancer Hospital, now a component of Washington University’s Siteman Cancer Center. His advice and counsel were superior.
After the war, in 1948, he reestablished his family’s Hermann Oak Leather Co., originally founded in 1881 and served as its president and CEO. Later, he was elected president of the Leather Industries of America, a Washington, D.C.based lobbying group representing the US tanning industry. Also, he founded Halo Cup Co., a pioneer manufacturer of foam polystyrene cups in 1968.
“Barnard’s mission, to provide various forms of assistance for needy patients and a public information center, has been a calling for Fred. He also served most effectively on a committee to assist in organizing what ultimately became the Siteman Cancer Center.”
Dr. Danforth, chancellor emeritus, was Fred’s friend since their days at St. Louis Country Day School and at Princeton University from which Fred graduated in 1946. Danforth spoke of his friend’s joie de vivre and found his enthusiasm inspiring.
“Helping” Boards His family also tells of his service on the boards of such organizations as the Edgewood Children’s Center, the Family Resource Center, Care and Counseling of the Episcopal City Mission, the Washington University Medical Center, Mary Institute-Country Day School, and the Mercantile Library Association. He was founder of the Cancer Information Center and the VP Fair, now called Fair St. Louis. Fred was a vigorous man, a snow and water skier, a rider of horses, a golfer, and tennis player, a man with absorbing interests in subjects such as botany and theology, and on and on. St. Louis lawyer Stuart Symington, Jr., a friend of seven decades to Mr. Hermann, brought up something else—his appreciation of beauty. Symington recalled evening parties in Florida when friends were invited to the Hermann’s house to come together and to enjoy the celestial pleasures of sunsets. “It was an honor and a privilege to be with him on the pilgrimage of life,” Symington said. Symington too was a World War II veteran. “He was,” Symington said, “a hero in many ways.” Shop Talk!
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He also noted Mr. Hermann’s love of his large and talented family and his devotion to his wife of sixty-two years, the late Sally Loughborough Keyes Hermann, who died in 2011. She was, as Danforth observed, “a marvelous person very much in love with him”—as were all the members of his family, Danforth added. Mr. Hermann is survived by his brother, the businessman and civic leader Robert R. Hermann, Sr., and his five children: Lawrence Shepley Hermann (Robin), Frederick “Rick” A. Hermann, III; Sally “Holly” Gulick (David); Evelyn “Lyn” Grace (Warren); Mary Lemkemeier (John), all of St. Louis; and eleven grandchildren. Fred was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Dr. William Peck said of him, “We have lost an outstanding person.”
Hermann’s Contribution to the Leather Industries of America Fred Hermann worked his way up through the ranks of the Leather Industries of America (LIA), starting as Secretary then Treasurer and finally Chairman. He always viewed the LIA as an essential part of service to the leather industry, from organizing the USA “pavilions” at shows from Paris to Hong Kong, to running the best leather laboratory in the world, to coordinating responses to government regulation and fighting on behalf of the industry, to binging together all the different tanners to speak with one voice on those issue that really mattered. Serving in leadership roles for the LIA was his way of giving back to the industry. John Wittenborn, current president of the LIA, commented, “Fred guided the industry through some difficult issued, including unfair trade practices in Argentina and chromium regulation. In both cases he was an eloquent spokesman for the industry even though Hermann Oak did not have a direct staked in the issues. He did what was best for the industry and he did it with grace, humility, and a deep appreciation for the LIA staff.” A plaque that was given Fred when he retired as Chairman reads: Leather Industries of American Tribute to Frederick A. Hermann, Jr. In recognition of his exemplary leadership as Chairman of Leather Industries of American, 1988-1990, and In acknowledgement of his unique gifts and talents, uncompromising ethics and unyielding commitment to the prospering of the U.S. tanning industry. This citation is presented, embodying the esteem of his colleagues and gratitude of the industry. Presented on the occasion of the 74th Annual Meeting of the Leather Industries of America, Chicago, Illinois, November 1, 1990. Signed by Charles S. Myers, President, Leather Industries of America.
Beiler’s Mfg. & Supply Manufacturing address 290 S. Groffdale Rd. Leola, PA 17540 (717) 656-2179
Main Office & Warehouse 3025 Irishtown Rd. Ronks, PA 17540 (717) 768-0174
Manufacturers of Leather, Nylon or Biothane Products like Halters, Harnesses or other Equine or Pet Related items. Distributors of Harness & Saddlery Hardware. Leather, Leather Oils, Biothane & Nylon Webbing plus other Equine Products. Call us for any custom made Harness or Saddlery Hardware item you may need.
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A Christmas Fred Hermann: A Son’sRiddle Eulogy
O
nce upon a time, a perfect man and a perfect woman met. After a perfect courtship, they had a perfect wedding. Their life was, of course, perfect.
A
by Unfortunately, Shep Hermann, Hermann Oak Leather thePresident, diving conditions deteriorated andCo. the perfect couple and Santa had an accident. Only one of them survived.
us well knows thatcouple both my father aresurvivor? SOB’s. In the parlance, that Whoand wasI the Onenyone snowy,who stormknows Christmas Eve, this perfect stands for “Son Of a Boss”. He was third-generation, I am fourth. He took a business whose was driving their perfect car along a winding road when Thehad perfect woman survived. the and only one who market had evaporated during World War II, which been dark for fourShe’s years, he rebuilt they noticed someone at the side of the road in distress. really existed in the fi rst place. Everyone knows that it. Being He was an unusual entrepreneur. Ours is a business that is very challenging both the perfect couple,third-generation they stopped to help. there is no Santa Claus, and there is no such thing as a
operationally and technically, both things at which Dad was very good. He outlasted many competiperfect man. There Santa Claus withinaahuge bundle of toys. tors as stood they closed down shrinking marketplace. Ours is also a business blessed with the most Not wanting to disappoint any children on the eve of So,ofif American there’s no perfect man Santaago, Claus,just the wonderful and wholesome customer base reminiscent values of and 100noyears Christmas, the perfect couple loaded Santa and his toys perfectgotten womanto must havehim beenbetter driving. Thismost explains like Dad. As an SOB myself, I count my blessings to have know than sons intodo. theirHe SUV. Soon me theymany were driving delivering whyand theredeeds. was an accident. ever taught thingsalong, through both words toys all over the world.
Dad had great stories of growing up in the freedom of the era, be it playing chicken with his older brother in their $6 Model T’s, outfoxing the Ladue sheriffs by creating kerosene smoke screens A being verychased merry andcruising a prosperous (and healthy!) from all while in Christmas those same cars, past the Ladue police station at2015 100 mph, or goosestepping of behind a German marching platoon in 1939 oneeveryone month before invaded Poland. These Talk! to each and ofthey you out there! us here at Shop mechanical skills and survival instincts served him well when he enlisted in the war in Germany, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!! earning a Bronze Star and, thankfully, returning alive. After finishing college, Dad returned to St. Louis and his long-time girlfriend Sally Keyes, succeeding after multiple tries in gaining her acceptance of a ring. This was arguably the greatest achieve-
8Shop | Talk! December 2014
MARCHShop 2015Talk! | 25
ment of his life, for she was his greatest love, his staunchest supporter, and mother to four fabulous children following a trial run. My second greatest blessing in life has not been wealth or fancy schooling or social status; it was being born to the most incredible parents I know. Sally’s name came from her inability to pronounce her given name of Sarah. Fred mispronounced his given name as well, and became known as “Faf”. Two peas in a pod.
Know that death is every bit as important as life, for it reunites us with God. In this knowledge are we blessed with the greatest gift which Fred and Sally have given us, that is the gift of faith."
Faf’s antics continued unabated into marriage. He was known to climb ladders to throw live chickens through the bedroom windows of sleeping couples whom he called friends. He would move the Collins’ entire living room outdoors while they were away for an evening, them coming home to the lights brightly lit outside. He would rally a group of friends to carry Crunden Cole’s MG car down into Crunnie’s sunken garden, then hide to see how Crunnie would drive it out without tearing off the transmission on the top step, an unintended accident for which Dad would apologize and reimburse Crunnie. While the physical antics subsided over time (probably due to my mother’s influence), he was always quick to throw out a comment which would invite a reaction from someone,
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then spend hours debating the subject, loving every minute of it. There was always a sparkle of mischief in those great blue eyes.
Not that any of us children, or later in-laws or grandchildren, were immune to any of these treatments. We learned early on that being thrown into any kind of water was a term of endearment. We were constantly brought into any kind of activity, even laying railroad ties while dressed in our tennis whites. GPop and GMom loved taking grandchildren on overseas adventures. After his beloved Mamoo was called home, Popsie would room with young Peter in Rockbridge. Dad was known for calling and visiting friends and acquaintances in any situation, especially those who were down-and-out in a hospital or nursing home. Engagement was Fred’s first name, and Inclusion was his second. He applied them to any and everyone. Dad was one of the most selfless people I know. This is what set him apart from others. This does not mean he was not directed, and does not mean that he did not make the tough decisions. It means that he always had the greater good as his goal and worked to achieve it. The five of us children have been told over these past months that we work together better than most families. I have my siblings to thank
MARCH 2015
Shop Talk!
The Most Recognized Leather Dyes in the World FIEBING’S LEATHER DYE
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Shop Talk!
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for this. Yet it really is a testament to what we were taught as a family. In our household, it was expected that we work out our differences, that family harmony was the goal, and that each individual was no better than the group as a whole. When we step back and look at all that Dad has created, I do not refer to businesses or city fairs or hospital cancer centers. I mean all of us: his children, his grandchildren, his friends, his working companions. In us does he live today and forever. In us do his ideals live on: his unselfishness, his love of family and placing that first in his life, his willingness to lead, and his commitment to ideals above earthly goods like money, power or fame. We are his greatest creation. When both Mom and then Dad died, and people would offer condolences, I would ask them instead to celebrate with us a life well lived, as grieving felt selfish to me. Here in town, 80% would immediately brighten up and say, “Of
course.” 20% would think, scowl, then say how awful it was to lose them. In contrast, these past two weeks, when I asked the same of our customers, who are mostly Christian ranchers, I would get 100% agreement. I propose that the difference in how people view death is directly related to their faith. So, as we grieve, let as also celebrate a wonderful life. Celebrate what Dad gave to the world, not least his love for Mom, and what he gave to all those whom he touched over 90 long and wonderful years. Celebrate with him the reunion he is having with the love of his life. Know that death is every bit as important as life, for it reunites us with God. In this knowledge are we blessed with the greatest gift which Fred and Sally have given us, that is the gift of faith. In Dad’s memoirs entitled, “My God, My Country, My Family,” he himself says, “Of all our ‘family traditions,’ I hope you continue the love of God, and family…and each other.” May God bless you all, may He keep you close to His side, and may He carry you through those difficult times that we all experience. As you remember our father, may you pass along his ideals and his faith to your children, and theirs, and theirs. Shep Hermann January 24, 2015
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www.proleptic.net 28 |
MARCH 2015
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Hardtke Bros. Merge We’ve had a few phone calls lately from folks asking, “What’s going on with Charles Hardtke in El Paso?” There’s quite a bit going on, but most of it boils down to Peter Hardtke, who ran Charles Hardtke with his father until his recent death, and Peter’s brother, Jay, at Jay Hardtke, Inc. in Dallas, are merging. The new business will be called Hardtke Leather, LLC. Peter and Jay will be concentrating on their larger customers and plan to reduce the number of colors and types of leathers they have on hand but still offer the great quality for which they are famous.
You can contact Peter at (915) 5880123. The address is 744 Cannen John Ln., Dallas, TX 75204-6161, (972) 803-8953. By the time you receive this issue, the transition should be complete. That’s not all. Loy Cuellar who was with Peter for many years is starting out on his own and will be specializing in supplying high grade exotics and other leathers to smaller manufacturers and custom shops. He’s a good guy to know! The name of the new business is C. Loy’s Leathers at (915) 373-3330. The best of luck to everyone in their new ventures!
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Maine Tannery Gains New Growth by Lynn Ascrizzi, Staff Writer
The tannery’s large, slate blue buildings set alongside the Sebasticook River and the enclosed walkway that stretches like a narrow bridge high over Main Street in Hartland, Maine, have become familiar landmarks to the folks who live and work in that small mill town. Since 1936, several major tanning companies have moved into and out of that same site, the most recent of which was Prime Tanning Co. Then, in 2011, Tasman Industries, Inc., based in Louisville, Ky., purchased Prime for $6.5 million. The name of its Hartland branch is Tasman Leather Group, LLC. Heading up operations there is executive vice-president Conrad Nadeau. “Tasman Industries has two sets of operations — hide processing and finish leather. We are their only finish leather facility in the U.S.,” he said. The tannery, comprised of three separate facilities that total 200,000 square feet, re-tans “wet blues”. “Because of that [initial
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tanning] process, the hides have a bluish tint. We do not do that first process here. We purchase wet blue from various hide processing tanneries in the U.S.,” Nadeau said. Various kinds of finished leather are produced at the site—bison, deer, elk, goat sheep, cattle, and pig. The tannery’s primary distinction, however, is being the largest producer of leather for U.S. military footwear in the country. “We run about 5 million feet annually of premium quality side leather to military and government services. They’re a big part of our portfolio,” he said. A growing segment of its product line, however, is non-military leather. The tannery supplies major boot brands such as L.L. Bean. Based in Freeport, ME, the privately held, family-owned company offers casual outdoor apparel and gear. “Their core boot has a distinct leather, of which we are the sole supplier,” he explained. Other customers include New Balance, based in Boston, and three Maine-based shoe and boot companies that make hand sewn footwear — Quoddy, Inc., Justin Highland Shoe Co., and Rancourt & Co. Shoecrafters. The
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Driving the surge for U.S. finished leather, he noted, is the demand for U.S. manufactured footwear. “Insoles, shoes and the made-in-USA brand are really strong globally. That is what is driving the opportunities.” Military leather currently makes up 70 % of their sales. “The military leather is steady, but it is not growing. Our growth opportunities are being driven by the demand for footwear production in North America. A lot of finished footwear is being made in Mexico and Dominican Republic. Our Hartland facility services those companies also,” he said. An employee processes wet blue hides prior to finishing.
tannery also services Justin Brands of Fort Worth, TX. “One of the leathers we make for New Balance goes especially to footwear targeted for the Japanese market for high-quality sneakers,” he said. Tasman Leather Group also works with subcontractors for Cabela’s, outfitters of hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear, with corporate headquarters in Sydney, NE, and with H. H. Brown facilities, based in Greenwich, CT., a company renowned for its men’s shoes and boots. And, they service The Frye Company, makers of American handcrafted leather boots, shoes, bags and accessories, with headquarters in New York, NY. The Hartland tannery’s parent company, Tasman Industries, Inc., is a giant in the world of leather. Founded in 1947, it has twelve facilities in the U.S., one in China, and one in Mexico. They supply cattle hides and also produce finished leather and leather goods with a weekly production of 160,000 hides, according to their Web site, www. tasmanindustries.com. “Since Tasman [Industries] purchased the tannery, the company has gone through restructuring, so we can compete globally. We’ve changed the business model, made personnel changes, and introduced new manufacturing efficiencies to better compete. . . .We’re doing well,” Nadeau said.
SURGE IN DEMAND FOR U.S. LEATHER With Tasman on board, the tannery experienced a sales increase of 10 to 15 % in non-military leather production, a growth that Nadeau anticipates will continue. “It’s picked up a lot of steam in the last year and a half and is here to stay,” he said.
To date, international sales make up less than 10 percent of the tannery’s income, but it is a market they are looking at, he said. “Our focus is to support American manufacturing. Made in USA — made in Maine — is our rallying call. . . . Our total volume — military and non-military leather — is up to 15 million feet of finished leather per year. I would say that our sales continue to grow as the demand for finished leather increases in the U.S. In comparison to five years ago, the demand for U.S. finished leather has increased between 25 and 30%,” he said. Nadeau sees a shift from Asian to U.S. markets. “As Asian labor and environmental costs are going up, the advantage of producing in Asia is being reduced,” he said. Looking back, he noted that the big exodus of U.S. tanneries occurred in the late 1990s to the early 2000s, an explosive trend triggered by inexpensive Asian labor. “Those who could adapt new styles of manufacturing have been able to position themselves so as to be part of the increased demand that has come back to the U.S. Tasman is in the forefront of that. If it wasn’t
“Our total volume is up to 15 million feet of finished leather per year. . . . . our sales continue to grow as the demand for finished leather increases. In comparison to five years ago, the demand for finished leather produced in the U.S. has increased between 25 and 30 percent.”
— Conrad Nadeau, executive vice-president, Tasman Leather Group, LLC
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the leather industry ever since, he said. When Prime Tanning closed in Berwick, he went to work at Union Specialties Inc., of Newbury, MA, a company that produces finishing chemicals for leather tanning. For five years, he traveled back and forth to China as a sales rep for the chemical company. Nadeau lives in Guilford, ME, is married and has two grown children. As someone who has seen manufacturing in China first hand, Nadeau observed that companies there are eager to purchase U.S. material, finished products, and leather. “The U.S. is still renowned for being a quality trend setter in the leather industry,” he said. Giant tanning drums at Tasman.
for the demand [for finished leather] coming back, this tannery, as well as those who weathered the initial storm, would find it difficult to continue,” he said.
A TANNERY TRADITION Nadeau has been with the Hartland tannery for one year. He was raised in New Hampshire, in a family involved in the leather tanning industry. “My dad worked in a tannery [the former Prime Tanning Co., Berwick, ME] for 40 years. And my two brothers, an uncle, cousins, nieces, and nephews all found their way, at some point in their lives, to work in a tannery. . . . We’re so proud of this workmanship, that it gets into your heart and into your soul,” he said, in a promotional video produced at the Hartland facility by New Balance. He worked in a tannery during his teenage years, left for a number of years, came back, and has been in
“Military leather is steady, but it is not growing. Our growth opportunities are being driven by the demand for footwear production in North America. A lot of finished footwear is being made in Mexico and Dominican Republic. Our Hartland facility services those companies also.”
— Conrad Nadeau, executive vice-president, Tasman Leather Group, LLC
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He also commented on environmental and chemical waste solutions which long have been major issues for U.S. tanneries. “We’re using water-based, lowVOC (volatile organic compounds) technology for our finishing systems. We’re looking at new energy sources. We’ve adopted compressed natural gas instead of burning oils,” he said. Currently, the tannery has 130 employees. They hire mostly Maine residents, are looking to offer opportunities for returning U.S. veterans, and are seeking to attract people interested in learning the tannery trade, he said. “We’ve got a good team and a good bunch of young kids who have come up to help. We have an internal training program. We’re working with the state to offer a more comprehensive training program that will help employees meet the required skill sets to help grow our business.”
LOOKING AHEAD One of Tasman Leather Group’s long- term goals, Nadeau said, is to establish a Tasman line of finished leather goods, such as gloves, garment leathers, footwear, handbags, and briefcases. “It’s beyond the drawing board phase, but at the moment, we’ve got nothing ready to publicly announce. We have some beautiful American flags made out of leather — a prototype. We have produced several and haven’t marketed them yet. So far, they’re being well received,” he said. He praised company vice-president of marketing and brand development, Whitney Tinsley, for her “keen instinct on trends, footwear, clothing, and accessories. We have several briefcases — men’s and women’s prototypes — made out of bison. Tasman
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Natural Pet line — collars, leashes and food articles — are already part of Tasman Industries,” he said. “We’re up there with the finest leather workers in the world,” he said, of Tasman Leather Group. “I’ve had the opportunity to visit many tanneries in the world, and I’d rank this one with the finest — the best,” he said. All photos courtesy Tasman Leather Group, LLC.
Finished hides awaiting shipment.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF TANNING IN HARTLAND, MAINE The small town of Hartland, first settled along the Sebasticook River in 1800, has been a site for leather tanning operations stretching back to the era of water-powered mills. In 1886, a state gazetteer reported that, among the other manufacturers operating in the town, such as a carding factory and lumber and gristmills, two tanneries were also hard at work producing finished shoe leather. One factory tanned leather for soles, the other for uppers. Then, Hartland Tanning Co., established in 1936, dominated Main Street. Later known as Irving Tanning Co., the facility was one of the largest, side leather tanneries in the U.S. In its heyday, Irving employed more than 500 people, with a capacity to produce over 30 million feet of leather annually. It manufactured leather for footwear, accessories, and upholstery markets worldwide. But Irving’s economic history was not a smooth one. In March 2001, the company filed for bankruptcy, blaming “shrinking U.S. shoemaking capabilities and soaring cattle hide prices because of a supply shortage linked to mad cow and foot-and-mouth diseases,” according to an August 14, 2002, article in the Bangor Daily News. In 2002, a federal judge accepted Irving’s reorganization plans. In 2007, Prime Tanning Co., which operated one facility in St. Joseph, MO, and another in Berwick, ME, merged with Irving. Between its Berwick and St. Joseph plants, Prime was the largest, vertically integrated, wet blue and side leather tannery in the U.S., with annual capacities of 30 million feet and 125 million feet, respectively. They employed 450 people. Prime’s Berwick facility was similar in size to Irving’s. After the merger, Prime moved its Berwick operation to Hartland. But, in the face of a rapidly downsizing U.S. economy, the merger did not work out as hoped. In March 2009, Prime Tanning-Missouri, suffering from financial losses, sold its assets to National Beef Leather. In 2010, Prime Tanning-Hartland filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, in the hopes that restructuring would increase production volumes and maintain their 176 person work force. At the time, Prime Tanning was making a profit with annual sales revenue of approximately $30 million, according to a November 16, 2010, article in the Bangor Daily News. Most of Prime-Hartland’s financial troubles stemmed from the closure of the Berwick plant, which took longer than expected. Prime’s problems were exacerbated by major increases in the cost of energy and chemicals and also by litigation expenses associated with its former facility in Missouri. Prime-Missouri was one of six original defendants involved in a class action lawsuit filed by a group of farmers in December 2009, over alleged contamination caused by the chemical hexavalent chromium. The lawsuit reached a settlement in 2012. Prime operated its Hartland site until 2011, when Tasman Industries, Inc., based in Louisville, Ky., purchased the tannery. CONTACTS Tasman Leather Group, LLC, 9 Main St., Hartland, ME 04943, 207-553-3700, Fax: 207-938-5100, cnadeau@tlghartland.com, http://tasmanindustries.com/locations/tasmanleathergroup.html Tasman Industries, Inc., 930 Geiger St., Louisville, KY 40206, 502-587-0701, Fax: 502-581-0697, Email: info@tasmanindustries.com, http://tasmanindustries.com/ Shop Talk!
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Update on Volatile Leather Dye Prices by Virginia Daffron, Staff Writer Projecting price trends in the global commodity markets is an art and a science, with analysts tracking changes in supply, demand, and market behavior to form their best guesses about where prices may be headed in the short-term and over longer business cycles. It’s all very analytical and methodical, until sometimes, in an instant, it isn’t. During the second half of 2014, all bets were suddenly and perplexingly off when it came to the price of black leather dye. While prices have since moderated, the price of this dye increased 50% while the available supplies became limited almost overnight. This unexpected price surge sent leather chemical distributors scrambling to lock in supplies of dye, while tannery owners worried about the availability of this crucial material and the impact of the increases on the finished price of their goods. Don Pine is the president of Chem-Tan, a New Hampshire-based developer, producer, and distributor of leather processing chemicals. Pine says that the price of H-acid, a component of black dye, spiked suddenly last summer in response to new environmental control regulations announced by China and
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India, where most of the world’s H-acid is produced in small- to mid-sized manufacturing plants. H-acid (1-amino, 8-napthol, 3,6-disulphonic acid) is one of the leading dye intermediates, or organic compounds used to synthesize dyes. Producing one kilogram (2.2 lbs) of H-acid results in 50 kilograms of waste. The waste is toxic, non-biodegradable, deep red in color, and resistant to conventional treatment. Despite the highly polluting nature of H-acid production, the chemical is still widely used in creating black dyes, and alternative products have been challenging to develop. China’s and India’s new environmental control regulations cut the amount of H-acid that chemical manufacturers are allowed to produce by half, leading to concerns about reductions in available supply and corresponding price increases. Another challenging aspect of this price spike was the logistics of negotiating purchases and transporting goods from a larger number of suppliers in a variety of locations. Prasad Inaganti, Chief Operating Officer for Pennsylvania-based Wickett & Craig, says that during the supply crisis, he had to go beyond his established suppliers in China and India
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to find alternative suppliers in Mexico and Europe. At the same time that scarcity made the price of the chemicals higher, ordering from a larger number of suppliers also increased freight costs. Shep Hermann, the fourth-generation leader of the Hermann Oak Leather Co., notified his customers of the factors affecting the company’s 2015 price increases in his September 2014 pricing letter. Of black leather, Hermann wrote, “If someone is using our black leather, that will increase more. Dye costs in general are increasing 10%, but black is up 50%.” Hermann Oak publishes pricing letters as a service to its customers and to the leather industry. Based on trends forecasted six months or more in advance, Hermann’s St. Louis-based company tries to help leather product manufacturers plan their short and long-term purchases and to project how market conditions may affect the pricing for their own finished leather goods. Even as Pine, Inaganti, Hermann, and many other suppliers and tanners were working to lock in pricing and orders for 2015, the prices suddenly reversed themselves. Chem-Tan’s Don Pine says that the price of black dye has returned to within approximately 5% of its previous level. Pine points out that the cost of brown dye also rose over this period, but less dramatically than black. As we enter 2015, the cost of both black and brown dye has dropped back to near previous levels. While lower prices are good news for chemical distributors and tanneries, some in the industry have found themselves left holding the bag with dye supplies or price contracts purchased at the peak level. The costs of price volatility can extend past the crisis period to affect overall business conditions as the market absorbs the impact of the price swings. Another industry observer who asked to remain anonymous attributed some of this recent volatility to “cartel-type activity.” The observer said that chemical producers in China and India had engaged in a bitter war to corner the market for dyestuffs, with producers undercutting their competitors’ prices until most companies were forced out of business. Once the remaining producers had consolidated the
market, they raised prices “through the roof.” While the surge in dye prices was undoubtedly responsible for an uptick in the blood pressure of various players in the leather industry, it is important to note that the portion of the cost of a finished leather hide attributable to the chemicals used in tanning is relatively small. According to Don Pine, leather chemicals account for approximately 10% of the cost of a finished piece of leather, and the cost of leather dye makes up about 20% of the chemical cost. Once again, this latest episode of price volatility in a small but crucial commodity in the leather trade illustrates the truly global nature of today’s leather market. Whether the recent price swings in the cost of black and brown dye are the result of environmental regulations or aggressive business tactics (or maybe a bit of both), the resulting volatility is one of many challenges facing leather manufacturers and leather product manufacturers as they respond to the factors influencing the cost of leather.
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4
Leather Worker of the Month! Our first “Leather Worker of the Month” is Shawn Fox, currently residing at the Oregon State Prison. Shawn will receive a check from us for $49.94 PLUS a free year’s subscription to ShopTalk! What a lucky guy! Now—if you’d like to be considered for this monthly honor, please send us a picture of yourself, a couple pictures of your work, and a few words about yourself—that’s it! If you can’t send a picture of yourself for whatever reason, that’s OK. Please send your information to: Shop Talk!, P O Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816, e-mail: shoptalk@proleptic.net.
Here’s Dave Hansen at Langlitz Leather in Oregon, posing with a seat that Shawn Fox made for this company. Dave says that Shawn does great work which can be seen at: sites.google.com/site/shawnfoxleather/home. You can also see his work on the site for the Oregon State Prison Hobby Shop at www.osphobbyshop.com. Look at the “Workmanship” pages. Look for number 43.
And here’s our winner, Shawn Fox—
You may contact Dave at: Daves.spot@ gmail.com. Thank you, Dave, for letting us know about your friend Shawn.
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Fiebing Still Strong After 120 Years
by Jennifer Fulford, East Coast Bureau Chief
L
ong since a hotbed for tanneries, Milwaukee remains the headquarters of one of the oldest leather and horse care product manufacturers in the country. Fiebing turns 120 years old this year.
“We intend to be in business for a long time,” says its vice president of sales, Scott Kravetz. For a company with more than a century of history, its longevity informs its future. Overall, business is competitive. Many tanning factories used to populate Fiebing's neighborhood, Walker Point's, which, over the years, has been gentrified into restaurants, hip destinations, and housing. Fiebing's facility, a nondescript manufacturing facility, is the stalwart throwback in the neighborhood’s renaissance, but nonetheless a strong business with plans for growth. Brand recognition drives Fiebing's business, Kravetz says, but nitty-gritty financials are also important, as are new markets and staying on top of industry changes. “We know who the players are,” says Kravetz, who has been with the company for fifteen years. “In the leathercraft business, and even in the horse business, I've seen brands come and go. They think they have the next new special horse conditioner for mane and tail, and they spend a lot of money on marketing and advertising, and a couple of years later, they no longer can be found. It's tough to get it out there and get it sold.” Customers of Fiebing recognizable yellow brand are wholesalers who supply tack shops, farm supply stores, and leathercraft shops. Shoes stores and repair shops also Shop Talk!
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carry a line of Fiebing's products designed just for shoe care. Lately, the most promising area of growth is in horse sports – from competitors and hobbyists. When Kravetz first started, Fiebing was still selling most of its horse care products to people who actually used their horses for work, such as ranchers and farmers. “Our customer base has shifted to the hobbyists, the equine enthusiasts, who have horses because they want to, not because they need to for their livelihood,” Kravetz says. “Because of that, we've had to change the way we marketed our products so that we can appeal to that customer base—people who maybe pay to have their horses boarded, maybe who do events, and are used to seeing a little fancier look and feel to their products.” Though product and packaging enhancements are a
part of any good business model, Fiebing is staying true to its history. Many product formulas never change. The brown logo— a mounted Calvaryman in profile on the yellow label—isn't going anywhere either, he says. First developed at the turn of the 20th century, the logo tells a story about the company's history when its founder, John Fiebing, developed a popular saddle soap. On the company's website, the story goes: “Fiebing's Saddle Soap soon became so popular that the U.S. Cavalry at Fort Riley, Kansas, used it exclusively to clean and preserve their saddles, tack, and other leather equipment. Due to the overwhelming use of Fiebing's products in the U.S. Cavalry, the company designed a logo portraying a mounted Cavalryman; a logo that stands as a symbol of integrity and quality to this day.” The logo isn't going the way of New Coke. Besides the brand, the company's strength comes from selling products in three separate markets: horse care, leathercraft, and shoe care. Long standing products such as its saddle soap and hoof dressing, are good sellers as are leather dyes and finishes. The company even handles the occasional request to match colors and finishes. Because Fiebing maintains an in-house lab with chemists on staff, custom product development is possible. Fiebing recently took one customer's suggestion to create a special English bridle leather dye, and, so far, sales have been pretty decent. Founder John Fiebing bowed out of the business around 1929 and sold it to his chief marketing officer
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L to R: Vice Presidents Jason Chase, Scott Kravetz (Sales), and Clayton Chase.
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Albert Chase. Four generations later, the Chase family is still running the show. Great-grandsons Clayton and Jason are executives who oversee operations and finance, respectively. The company, which enjoys revenue of more than $5 million a year, takes sales analysis seriously, Kravetz says, and growth is an objective. For the last twenty years, that's included worldwide exports. In the 1980’s, then CEO Richard Chase bought out two strong regional shoe polish brands in the Northeast – Kelly Company of Lynn, MA, and Snow Proof of New York state. Chase kept the brand names and product lines. They are sold side-by-side with the Fiebing brands. Over the past twenty-five years, the company has offered private label manufacturing of shoe care and leather care products to other companies. Fiebing manufactures, formulates, and packages a diverse array of products for other labels. Perhaps the best recent development has been the company's ability to sell directly to consumers. Its conventional model for sales—through distributors
468 CANAL ST., STE. 201, LAWRENCE, MA 01840
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and retailers—changed when Kravetz got a call about five years ago from a company called Shopatron out of California. A little skeptical, Kravetz decided to listen anyway.
stocking the products on those orders can look in there and say, 'Okay, I have all this in stock. I can ship it today.' And they press that they have this in stock, and each day the Shopatron systems resolves the orders and sends a notice to the quote 'winning' retailers, based out of region.”
“We always thought it would be great to sell stuff (online), but we didn't want to go direct to the consumer. It wasn't a good strategy for us,” he says. “Well, this company that calls us says they have this tool that allows manufacturers in old industries to sell direct to the consumer without cutting out their retailers and distribution. And I thought they were full it, to tell you the truth, but I listened to them.”
Even if a retailer or distributor doesn't end up landing the sale, everybody in the supply chain can see trends and respond by stocking high demand items.
Shopatron was already working with companies that had the same issue. Now Kravetz is a believer. Direct-to-customer sales are a snap, he says. Retailers who sign up for the program have access to Fiebing's online orders. “These retailers don't need to pay a cent to be involved. They can sign up for free, and they have access to see all of our online sales. They can see what's been sold that day,” he says. “Whoever is
H
With about forty workers in the factory and a half dozen or so office types, Kravetz still considers the business small. The building, originally surrounded by tanneries, is a history tour all its own with old wooden floors and an operating freight elevator. There aren't robots packing boxes, and kettles and drums are used for mixing chemicals. A few of the dozen or so productions lines are custom built to manufacture products just right. Fiebing’s tries to stay modern and incorporate new production techniques and machines whenever possible.
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“We're still vital,” Kravetz says. “The brand may be old and the products may be tried and true, but the way we formulate them and fill them and all the things we do in the manufacturing process are all really as cutting edge as they can be in this industry. We're upgrading our machines, we're upgrading our quality control, we're upgrading our abilities to come up with new products . . . We are doing a lot of neat things around here, and keeping ourselves as current and modern as possible while still maintaining the quality and integrity of our product.” To shop, find a retail outlet, or to research products, check Fiebing's website, www.fiebing.com. To reach Fiebing's by phone, call (414) 271-5011 or (800) 558-1033; by fax, (414) 271-3769; by mail, P.O. Box 694, Milwaukee, WI 53201. To email, try custserv@fiebing.com or sales@fiebing.com. Many thanks to Fiebing's designer Nick Hardrath for providing all of the above photographs.
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In Its Centennial Year, Walsh Continues Expansion in Europe, Develops New Products by Jennifer Fulford, East Coast Bureau Chief
There’s old news and good news for Walsh Products, Inc. The old news is that this Wisconsin-based harness, halter, and specialty sport horse manufacturer continues to hold the position of the granddaddy of standardbred and equestrian products for discerning consumers and world class riders. The good news is the 100-year-old company is not sitting on its laurels. Every stitch at Walsh Products reeks of prestige. Just take a look at its new website, launched in December, and peruse the multimedia – links to a Youtube video and a radio interview. The message is clear: this company’s got its game on. Owners Paul and Thea Treiber (pronounced TRYburr), both in their mid-40’s, have steered the company since 2002, combining their passion for equestrian sports and their business acumen. “Everyone knows Walsh’s quality,” Thea says by conference call from their manufacturing facility in Brookfield, WI, just west of Milwaukee. “The one thing we are known for across the discipline and
the industry is our quality.” “Our whole model at Walsh is work hard, play hard,” says Paul, a five time World Champion rider in his younger days. Thea and their 15-year-old daughter are no slouches either; they ride American Saddlebred every week south of Milwaukee. The Treibers work hard, enjoying more than $4 million annually in sales. The Treibers also play hard, owning or leasing more than four or five horses for pleasure. The benchmark for success at Walsh is to produce the best handmade products for many different markets: standardbred racing, saddlebred, equestrian, hunter/jumper, dressage, polo, thoroughbred, and show horse. Each item is manufactured in Walsh’s 40,000 sq. ft. facility which has been their headquarters for the past eleven years. Everything with the Walsh name is made entirely in the USA. Research and development is crucial and that’s what Paul is responsible for. He’ll fly to Europe four times a year and take many more domestic trips
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to equestrian centers and sporting events to see what the market needs and whether Walsh products pass muster. In twelve years as the company’s owner, Paul has brought on fifteen sponsored riders and eleven drivers. They are particularly proud of their association with Laura Kraut, the US show jumper who won gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. “I’m constantly meeting with our riders, keeping track of industry trends, attending any International or North American trade shows, and always listening to our sponsored riders and other riders on products that Walsh is looking at producing and making,” Paul says. “Most of the time I’m working with the grooms or second trainers, the ones who work with the horses everyday, getting the horses ready, and that’s where I spend a lot of my time doing research and development. That’s what’s helped Walsh grow its business.” The standardbred market is the company’s strength, and it’s reaching deeper into European markets, using five dealers overseas. The company’s worldwide expansion efforts have been bolstered by Wisconsin’s Export Tech program through Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership as well as grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Walsh’s exports have increased 30% since 2012. Paul also searches for European products he can bring back to the states that suit Walsh’s customers. “When we are traveling,” he says, “I like to find unique products that we can get the North American distributorship. So I try to find products that are different than Walsh but are on the same quality level.” Taking into account colors and skews, Walsh sells literally thousands of products— harness, halters, bridles, breast collars, martingale straps, girths, back straps, line and hand holds, and anything a rider or driver might want
8149 Twp. Rd. 662 | Dundee, OH 44624 Ph: 330.359.0147 | Fax: 330.359.0196
Z Manufacturers of Z • Old Style formed steel eveners • Pipe Eveners & Neck Yokes • Clevis & Tongue Hardware
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eel Rule Your St Specialist Die Clicker
We build custom open face, brace reinforced Clicker Dies “Earning our customers’ trust - one die at a time…”
two shops Bolivar, MO (417) 683-7670
Bells, TX (903) 821-2704
www.cutritedies.com
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to compete. Everything, that is, but saddles. Walsh buys leather from Wickett & Craig and uses Biothane when synthetics are called for. The Treibers anticipate growth to continue for the company–celebrating its 100th year–particularly in the equestrian market. Their goal is 15 to 20% growth. “The equestrian market is completely different than the standardbred market,” Thea says. “When you hear equestrian, people just automatically assume it is anything related to the horse, but it’s primarily riding horses, whereas the standardbred are your driving horses. Thoroughbred is the racehorse, and then you’ve got show horses. They’ve developed over the years.” To meet these trends, Walsh has released new products. “We have a whole new training line for the equestrian market,” she says, “from martingales to training bridles, but as far diversification, we’ve developed a centennial line of belts and dog collars in the last year and a half.” To celebrate a century in business, the new lines for riders and pets seem a good fit for Walsh customers. Dogs and horses? They just fit together, Paul says.
“We really find that the average horse person has two dogs,” Paul says, taking an armchair approach. “It is very common in the horse world for people to have dogs as their partners or companions.” The new products must meet the same high standards as the handcrafted horse accessories. Quality control is rigorous and starts with the craftspeople, some of whom have worked 25 to 30 years for Walsh. One even has celebrated his 35th anniversary with the company. A lot of the work that needs to be done still remains in the craftspeople’s hands. There’s no automation to speak of in the factory – no hydraulic clickers – and the most coveted pieces of equipment are their100-year-old sewing machines. They won’t say the brand because … well, just because. “When it comes down to trimming the pieces of string that come off the halter, we have people who cut those strings by hand,” Thea says. Paul and Thea are both horse people, as are many in the office. The Treibers met as adolescents while competing in shows. Paul convinced the previous Family Owned and operated Since 1970 Wholesale Leather Distributor Featuring:
7155 Hwy B, PO Box 342 Belgium, WI. 53004 920-994-9464 Customer Service 920-994-4099 24 hour FAX 800-993-2889 Orders service@leatherunltd.com email
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Oak sides & Double Shoulders Garment Leathers Deerskin Rawhide Snake Skin Furs Leathercraft Tools Black Powder Gear Leather Dyes Leather Goods Steel Clicker Dies & Mallet Dies
Free NEW 92 page wholesale leather supply catalog with order. ($5 w/o order)
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owners of the company to sell the business to him in 2002. He’s so good at salesmanship, he’s in charge of, you guessed it, sales. About 28 employees work in the manufacturing side and another dozen or so in the office, where Thea is in charge. Last June, they organized a 100th anniversary party and drew attention from the state of Wisconsin for the business’s longevity. The company was started by inventor James Walsh in 1914 and owes a lot of its early success to the popularity of Walsh’s no-buckle harness. Soon, the no-buckle harness became the standard for farmers though its usefulness has since passed. In the 1950’s, the company moved into halters and standardbred racing equipment under the leadership of Arthur “Art” Elsner. James Walsh’s niece and her sister came to the centennial party as did Gov. Scott Walker. To reach the Treibers and the folks at Walsh Products, Inc., contact Kevin Mleziva, COO, at Kevin@ WalshProducts.com or Thea at Thea@WalshProducts.com. Products can be viewed online at www. WalshProducts.com. Or call (800) 558-5515 or (262) 797-9888. The company is located at 2735 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield, WI, 53005.
SUN BIAS, INC.
INDUSTRIAL SEWING SERVICES 1718 N. 1ST. STREET ** MILWAUKEE, WI. 53212 Serving the needle trades 90 years. POLYPROPYLENE WEBBING Firsts & Seconds. 28 colors on Firsts 59/60” NYLON FABRICS Firsts & Seconds Urethane Coated. 60 colors on 1000-Denier & many other fabrics. HOOK & LOOP Sew on 1/4” to 6”, some widths in 35 colors. P. S. (Stick on) 5/8”-5” Rubber & Acrylic. SPECIAL Hook/Loop. Call for prices ELASTICS Woven H D 1” thru 3” & Ex H D, also knitted & braided types. PLASTIC & METAL HARDWARE for webbing & miscellaneous items Grommets Washers 3 colors & Snaps 39 cap colors.
Firewood Bundle Webbing Handles Automated Hot/Sear Cutting on webbing, Elastics and Hook & Loop. For no-fray ends use Hot cutting on webbing for belt tip ends. 2-1/4” Electric Webbing & Rope Cutters for cut it yourself. Self-Locking Nylon Ties (Cable Ties) 4” thru 15”. BIAS or STRAIGHT CUT fabric binding tape slitting SINGLE & DOUBLE folded Bias Tapes * 200+ colors. CORD EDGE PIPING 200+ colors & Asst. Cord Fillers for horse blankets.
Up to 200 Catalog color pages available. Save paper order as needed from our catalog index pages and the latest changes by e-mail in the same day to sales@sunbias.com (or USPS mail takes longer) TOLL FREE NATION WIDE 1-800-425-4747 • FAX 1-414-265-5353
MOST IN STOCK MATERIALS ARE SHIPPED WITHIN 24 HOURS. MASTER CARD,*VISA,*DISCOVER & E-CHECKS
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Walking the Denver Market by Dan Preston, Peripatetic Correspondent I do it every year—it comes time for the Denver show and I can’t! Don’t have the time. Don’t have the money. Don’t want to. Too much stuff to get done. Can’t, won’t, don’t. And what an idiot I’ve been! I finally got off my big butt and jetted out to Denver where I learned more in ONE DAY about that’s happening in our industry than I would in six months sitting around the house and searching the stupid Internet. And what a pleasure it was! What a great time I had seeing people I hadn’t seen in years, stopping, chatting, getting all the latest gossip. I mean it was FUN. And educational. There’s so much stuff going on and so many new companies to find out about so it was well worth the effort! You know—you can get a little stale, sitting around the shop and never getting out. There are all kinds of things at Denver that will make you THINK, products that you might like to buy for inventory
but you’ve never thought about. Someone was selling all sorts of old looking wooden signs and there were several I wouldn’t mind having in the office, like, “Free Ice Cream Tomorrow”. And I thought that might be a kind of gift item customers would get a kick out to buy for their homes, offices, or barns. Something a little different Think about! You know—you cannot do the same old same old. You need an occasional change-up to get and keep customer’s attention. That’s one reason I’m always looking for new books to sell. We might not make a lot of money from them but they’re something NEW. Wow—you would not imagine all the boot companies at Denver. There was everything from the refined to the overly gaudy with lots of glitter, sparkle, and shine. But there were DOZENS of manufactures with dozens upon dozens of different styles and price ranges so there was something for everyone. And lots of new names.
Chap, Saddle & Tooling Leather! The best grades from the best tanneries! Hermann Oak #1, or A & B grades only! Skirting, Harness, Strap, tooling, etc. Large clean sides of chap leather! Same types and colors always in stock! Work, Rodeo and Show!
Outstanding service! Real leather sample cards available!
Goliger Leather Company 800 423-2329 Fax 805 650-1742 email: service@goligerleather.com Visit our website: goligerleather.com
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Lots and lots of saddle companies. Of course, everyone knows Garroutte, Billy Cook, Reinsman, Circle Y, and Action. They were all there. But have you ever heard of Double S Saddlery, HR Wholesale Saddles & Tack, Nash Leather, Dakota Saddlery, Sulphur River Saddlery, Diamond A, or San Saba Equine Supply? You may not have but they are out there and they are all doing good work and always doing something a little different. These smaller manufacturers tend to be hungry for new business and they are good people to talk about private labeling and doing short runs for items you don’t have time to make yourself. Diamond A specializes in fancy breast collars and headstalls— Good working tack and fancy spur straps may be found at San Saba. There was a lot of nice silver work at Denver this year but, for my money, the best work I saw were the saddles done by Dale Chavez—the saddle are exquisite and the silver matches the quality of the work as well as the overall design of the saddle. Here’s a big fancy saddle from Sulphur River Saddlery— They have other styles as well. The place to go for rawhide, aluminum, and brass stirrups (any style, any size) has got to be Chino Tack—see “Goods & Services” for a complete review of their products. Nice people! If you are looking for hair ropes and braided rawhide tack, then talk to the folks at Rawhide Dist. They have a big selection and very nice workmanship. Here’s an equitation saddle made by Dakota Saddlery:
Here’s a Mule: Here’s a Wade:
Now if you’re wanting a Don Butler quality saddle— something very high end—then you must see the work being done by Henderson Saddle Co.—wow! I certainly got a kick out of visiting with the folks at Characters Unlimited. The guy I chatted with was so friendly and jovial, he kept laughing the whole time and saying, “You got that right, pardner!” What a pleasant fellow. They have all sorts of animated people and critters that will liven up your store and guaranteed to scare the daylights out of small children. I didn’t know that American Heritage Equine had such a big catalog—over 100 pp. They are heavy on pads, spurs, and bits. Also lots of barn supplies. If you’re looking for a supplier of handbags, wallets, phone cases, buckles, ball caps, belts, toys, and gift items, get a catalog from Western Fashion Accessories. Rockin’ Y Leather Works is an Amish shop out in Montana—are there Amish in Montana? Should they be called Mamish—Montana Amish? Anyhow, Monroe is doing some nice work. He’s got a lot of the usual stuff as well as leather covered canteens— He has saddlebags, cowboy cuffs, and some handsome purses. It looks like he really excels at making fancy chinks and chaps:
And here’s a cutter:
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Then was another Amish crew from Berlin Custom Leather all the way from Millersburg, OH. They have a catalog for leather tack and one for BioThane. They use only Hermann Oak and make strap goods that are going to stand up to the hardest use. Nice selection of headstalls, reins, and breast collars: Now if I hadn’t gone to Denver this year I would have never known that Ray Holes Leather Care has been purchased by Jeri Mae (Holes) Rowley and her daughter Sarah. The two gals are breathing new life into the company which is great to hear since Ray Holes makes such fine leather care products. They were sharing a booth with Colleen Watt from Jeremiah Watt Products while Jeremiah has been riding around the world on his bicycle. Colleen showed me some new tools they’ve come out which, as might be expected, are gorgeous. They also have a new line of bits that are equally well made and handsome.
I got to see the new lace beveler from Nettles Country—
Somebody was thinking when they designed this thing. You control how much bevel by making the Sbend the lace goes through more or less curvy. Very slick. Very. And if I hadn’t made my way to Denver, I would have never known! Here is a new stirrup buckle— This Rider Safety Buckle and Rider Safety Sleeve are being made by Jim Rider at High Tech Tack. There is a steel tool spring inside that locks the stirrup buckle in place—kind of like on a bed frame or scaffold bucks. Comes in 2”, 2 ½”, and 3”. You can find out more about them at www.HighTechTack.com. I got to visit with Judith at Just Merino Sheepskin (JMS) and she told me all about her “Human Comfort” line of sheepskin products—armrest pads, seatbelt covers, camera pads, guitar pads, rifle sling pads, exercise gear pads, walker handle pads, wheelchair armrest , crutch covers, and more! Of course, she has a line of saddle pads as well. And there was sad news as well at Denver where I
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learned of Fred Hermann’s death in January from Shep Hermann, Fred’s son and President of Hermann Oak Leather. Similarly, Rich Haas at Walsall Hardware let me about the recent death of his own father, Richard Haas, Sr. Our sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to both men and their families. While chatting with Rich at the Walsall booth he let me know about a new catalog that he’s in the process of printing and a new line of packaged hardware perfect for retail stores—snaps, rings, chains, etc. If you’re unfamiliar with Walsall, you need to get a catalog. They carry lots of hardware for different industries including saddlery hardware (English and Western), harness, and hardware for pet goods, including different weights and sizes of chain. If you’re wanting slightly better quality hardware than you’re currently using, talk to Rich. So that’s a quick run through of maybe a 10% of the people I chatted with at Denver and see all the useful stuff I learned! I had a great time and YOU will too so plan to attend either the one this coming fall or next January. You’ll be really happy that you did—I promise!
Contact Information
American Heritage Equine P O Box 145 Durant, OK 74702 (580) 924-7979 www.ahequine.com
Characters Unlimted 709 Foothill Ct. Boulder City, NV 89005 (702) 294-0563 www.CharactersUnlimited.com
Dakota Saddlery 1556 County Road 141 Flat Rock, AL 35966 (256) 632-3303 dakotasaddlery@farmerstel.com
Berlin Custom Leather Ltd. 5942 Township Road 310 Millersburg, OH 44654 (330) 674-3768
Chino Tack 1925 E. Missouri St. El Paso, TX 79903 (800) 696-4649 www.chinotack.com
Dale Chavez Saddles P O Box 468 Temecula, CA 92593 (951) 303-0596 www.dalechavezsaddles.com
a r n H e s A s Shop d n a N Request your Catalog today!
6009 Township Road 419 • Millersburg, OH 44654 • Voice Mail (330) 893-1024 • Fax (330) 893-0112 Shop Talk!
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Diamond A 71032 Merritt Ln. Elgin, OR 97827 (541) 437-1100 www.diamiondacowboy.com
Just Merino Sheepskin (JMS) 5090 W. Horseshoe Ln. McNeal, AZ 85617 (800) 323-9665 www.jmsproductsusa.com
Double S Saddlery 2210 Hwy 34 Greenville, TX 75401 (903) 455-6629 www.doublessaddlery.com
Nash Leather P O Box 125 Bryant, AL 35958 (256) 597-2598 www.nashleather.com
HR Wholesales Saddles & Tack 3050 Private Road 5309 Farmersville, TX 75442 (972) 784-7680 www.hrwholesales-saddleandtack.com
Nettles Country 1087 Nettles Ln. Madisonville, TX 77864 (936) 348-6541 www.nettlescoungtry.com
Henderson Saddle Co. P O Box 226 Rigby, ID 83442 (208) 745-1985 www.hendersoncustomsaddles.com
Ray Holes Leather Care P O Box 736 Grangeville, ID 83530 (888) 983-3017 www.rayholesleathercare.com
Jeremiah Watt Products HC 1, Box 34 Coalinga, CA 93210 (559) 935-2172 www.ranch2arena.com
Rawhide Dist. 2240 Main St., #3 Chula Vista, CA 91911 (619) 575-1937 www.rawhidemfg.com
Rockin’ Y Leather Worksd 30 Double Tree Ln. Forsyth, MT 59327 (406) 784-2965—let ring San Saba Equine Supply 2408 W. Brown San Saba, TX 76877 (800) 562-6083 www.ssesdealer.com Sulphur River Saddlery 10290 Hwy 37N Talco, TX 75487 (903) 632-5458 Walsall Hdw. 7831 E. Greenway Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (800) 925-7255 www.walsallhardware.com Western Fashion Accessories 215 Hickman Dr. Sanford, FL 32771 (407) 330-0523 www.westernfa.com
Custommade Knives & Tools for Leatherworkers
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Bogle Greenwell Machinery Corp. Since 1953
3100 E. Main, Grand Prairie, TX 75050 (972) 262-8652 or (972) 262-3101 Fax (972) 262-3251 Leather Machinery, Dies & Supplies Representatives & Distributors for:
Indusco Acme Staple Co. Adler America Inc. Chandler Machine Co. Manufacturers Supplies Co. Campbell Bosworth Machinery Co.
Consolidated Sewing Machine Corp. Hudson Machine Co. Randall Leather Machine Corp. Western Supplies Co. Quick Roll Leaf Mfg. Co., Inc. Schaefer Machine Company, Inc. Ferd, Schmetz Needle Corp. Fortuna Machine Co. New England Needles Inc. Jado Machine Co. Pfaff Pegasus of USA, Inc. Juki AmericaSinger Machine Co. & many more
Sale or Lease of New & Used Machinery www.boglegreenwell.com
Buena Vista Blankets It’s AwePads Neew Deep “V” Curve Breast some! w Item N ms
Ite
Collar Pad 5 Reflective Harness Pads 5 Split
4
All Types of Horse Blankets Custom Made Harness Pads S-L-O-W Feed Hay Bags Give us a call: (717) 442-0164
5857 Buena Vista Rd. t (BQ 1"
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News, Notes & Queries
Business and updates and happenings
Leather Workers Behind Bars
Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you.
Shop Talk! has a number of readers who are guests at a variety of state and federal prisons, and we’d like to find out more about their lives as leather workers behind bars. What’s it like? Are supplies hard to come by? What about machinery? How did they become leather workers? What do they do with the work that they produce?
45th Annual Harness Makers’ Get-Together: A Report
We’d like to hear from you. If it’s possible for one of our writers to interview you by phone, please let us know. Or please send us your story along with any pictures you may be able to send to: Shop Talk!, P O Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816, (828) 505-8474, e-mail: shoptalk@proleptic.net. WhatHermann Oaks Sm Text ever you send willAd_BW03_12_Layout be returned. 1 3/4/13 8:13 AM Page 1
The following was provided to us by the folks who serve on the committee which organizes the GetTogether each year—many thanks! The Get-Together was held at Chupp Blacksmith Shop in Fredericksburg, Ohio, on July 18, 2014. The hosts were Wayne and Anna Chupp. The meeting was called to order at 10:45 by Kevin Yoder. The hosts were introduced. Wayne welcomed the crowd and gave a short talk about their auction. Committee members introduced were: Kevin Yoder of Nappanee, IN; Atless Yoder of Sugar-
Skirting • Harness • Latigo • Bridle • Holster • Belting • Rawhide • Tooling
CARVES LIKE BUTTER–STAMPS TO AN INCREDIBLE DEPTH
FIRM–STRONG & FLEXIBLE–BEAUTIFUL
THIS IS HERMANN OAK LEATHER! Our leathers are tanned in the United States using only the finest North American Hides. For wholesale service, contact us at 1 (800) 325-7950 or fax us at (314) 421-6152 Or contact the nearest distributor listed below: El Paso, TX, Bowden Leather Company 915-877-1557 Ventura, CA, Goliger Leather Company 800-423-2329 Napa, CA, Hide & Leather House 707-255-6160 Billings, MT, Montana Leather Company 406-245-1660 Portland, OR, Oregon Leather Company 503-228-4105 Amarillo, TX, Panhandle Leather Company 806-373-0535 Sheridan, WY, Sheridan Leather Outfitters 888-803-3030 Mt Hope, OH, Weaver Leather, Inc 800-WEAVER-1
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Springfield, MO, Springfield Leather Company 800-668-8518 Calgary, AB, Canada, Caledon Sales Ltd 403-252-0232 Botany, NSW, Australia, Birdsall Leather 011-612-9316-6299 Toowoomba, Qsld, Australia, Toowoomba Saddlery 011-617-4633-1855 Suginami-ku, Tokyo, Japan, Craft & Company Ltd. 011-81-3-5698-5511 Taito-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, Kyoshin Elle & Co., LTD 011-81-3-3866-3221 Maniwa, Japan, Star Trading Company 011-81-8-6742-8004 What Firminy, France, Logis de Cordes 33-04-61-19-16
St. Louis, MO Since 1881
Legends Are Made Of. www.hermannoakleather.com
MARCH 2015
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creek, OH; Mose Beachy of Baltic, OH; Andrew Hostetler of Arthur, IL; Mark Brenneman of Springs, PA, and James Stoltzfus of Honey Brook, PA. Reuben Byler of Middlefield, Ohio, was absent. Former committee members introduced were: Eli Schlabaugh, Dan Lapp, Abe Miller, and Eli J. Miller. Deaths in the last year were Jacob Miller of Baltic, Ohio, and Eli Miller of Middlefield, Ohio. The minutes were read by Atlee Yoder. He also gave a short talk on how he got started in 1969. Also on
how the Harness Makers’ Get-Together started. Tanners recognized were: Bill Alles of Philadelphia Leather; Matt Bressler from Wicket & Craig; Jim Cox from Moser Leather; and Jeff Ballard from Thoroughbred Leather. Also recognized was Jeff Massare from Triple H Magazine. Also a special thank you to Ethan Boron from BioThane for paying for the tents. * Longest in business was Ora Knepp—1959. * Newest in business was Amos Graber, Country Lane Shoe & Harness—January, 2014.
Western Leather & Equipment Show Consignments: Adler 373 GK, several sewing machine heads including Singers, top feed Fortuna Bell Skiver, 3+1 Landis, #2 Standard Riveter, Assorted hand tools including Osborne hand skiver, gold foil machine, manual hot knives, Randall Strap Cutter parts - spacers, assorted creaser parts - Creaser, Tippman embossing wheel, Union Lockstitch sewing machine with table and motor, creaser with table, copper brad riveter, Italian top feed strap cutter, hand tools, Juki LU563, Osborne bench splitter, complete cutting dies for the old Bighorn 465 saddle, also original brass press plates, assorted headstall cutting dies, top blade strap cutter, pony saddle dies, asst. saddle and other dies, saddle trees, Western art pictures, Western décor items, antique kids holster set, pistol whips in vintage Bighorn Leather boxes, Old Southern Saddlery catalogues and pop displays, 50+ harness sides/backs in mostly Golden color - some black, Cobra Machine will have several machines on display. Moser Leather is now a dealer. any tanneries will be represented, as well as finished Mproducts for both days, including Moser Leather • Newman Leather • Wickett-Craig • Auburn Leather • Smith’s Tack Shack • R&C Country Tack • Southern Saddlery • Tandy Leather • Hillside Harness Hardware • Larry Fonseca Rawhide Stirrups • Saddle Trees and Western Decor • Rocking 'S' Tack and Saddles • William Smith Tannery • and much more
William Smith will be hosting a hands on tanning seminar (for a small fee). Tandy will be hosting a basic carving seminar. Seminars will be held Saturday.
Show and Auction starts at 9 am on Friday Show on Saturday starts at 9 am till 4 pm Check out our website at www.moserleather.com For auction items visit www.auctionzip.com, enter our ID number 8433 or look under Cox Auctioneers. For Hotel Reservations: 888-936-9360 • Group Code 0314WWL
See Auction Zip for terms of sale and updated consignments. Mention Western Leather and Equipment Show for French Lick Hotel discount or call Lanes Hotel for their discounted rate of $69.95. 812-936-9919
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* Most miles travelled was Harold and Sons Harness from Mt. Vernon, Alaska. * Oldest man present was Brad Warnken Also a special thank you to Perry Yoder for donating the use of his field. Shops present: IN 6; MI 2; IL 3; PA 17; OH 37; KY 4; Canada 2; NY 2; SC 1; AK 1; IA 1; VA 1; MO 1 The next Harness Makers’ Get-Together will at Miller’s Harness Shop in Arthur, IL on July 17, 2015. A new committee member will be introduced to replace Atlee Yoder. Kevin Yoder thanked the Chupps for hosting the auction and Get-Together and closed the meeting in silent prayer. The meal cost was $7.00 per person. Kevin Yoder is the Chairman and may be contacted at: G & M Enterprises, 9621 W 1200 N, Nappanee, IN 46550, (888) 259-9448. Harness Makers’ Get-Together 2015 Gary Miller at Miller’s Harness called into let us know the correct number to contact him about the
Get-Together is (217) 543-3238. The address is 431 N County Road 100 E, Arthur, IL 61911. The consignment auction is scheduled for July 16th and the Get-Together is on the 17th. Nocona Revisited—Again! It seems like someone got a bit too quick off the draw last month on p. 54 where I wrote: “Thanks, Wes! Would that be the Ronnie Creek who was one of the “C’s” in Triple C Leather—now American Leather Direct?” Someone’s head will roll! Mid-Winter Tool Sale Oh me, oh my! It’s been a chore getting everything ready but the sale should be ready to kick off on March 10—only online at www.proleptic.net or call (828) 505-8474. We’ve been cleaning out the corners and do we have some DEALS for you!! Time to move this stuff so we don’t have boxes of tools accumulating. So we are pricing everything to sell and sell fast. I promise you this—you will be tickled so get ‘em while the getting is good.
New Both Sides Vinyl in 8 Colors
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Thanks and enjoy. Where Are You, Australia? We’ve gotten several nice letters from folks in both the US and Down Under, letting us know that—yes!—there are quite a few good leather workers in Oz. Now all we need is someone to do a story for us! We’d be happy to hire a freelance journalist there to put together a nice story. So please—someone give as a shout! Please email: shoptalk@proleptic.net. Thanks. What Is It?
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The Weaver Auction is scheduled for June 17-18, in Mt. Hope, OH. Makers’ Get-Together will be held on July 1617 at Miller’s Harness Shop, 431 N. County Road 100 E, Arthur, IL 61911, (217) 543-3238.
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The next Custom Boot & Saddle Makers’ Roundup will be this coming October 2-3, in Wichita Falls, TX. For all the details, please contact Eddie or Kathy Kimmel at 2080 County Road 304, Comanche, TX 76442, (325) 356-3197, www. bootandsaddlemakerstradeshow. com.
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15th Southwest Leather Workers Trade Show will be held at the Prescott Resort & Conference Center in Prescott, AZ. Hosted by The Leather Crafters Journal, 222 Blackburn St., Rhinelander, WI 54501, (888) 289-6409. Our good friend Robin Bolander sent us these pictures recently and asked, “What are they?” Can anyone help? You may contact Robin at Bolander Shoe & Harness, P O Box 65, Gorrie, ON N0G 1X0, Canada, (519) 335-3316. Thanks!!
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22nd Rocky Mountain Leather Trade Show will be held in Sheridan, WY, at the Sheridan Holiday Inn, May 15-17. Hosted by The Leather Crafters Journal, 222 Blackburn St., Rhinelander, WI 54501, (888) 289-6409.
Wholesalecrafts.com Sets Record Sales Wholesalecrafts.com is an online marketplace for retailers to source handmade American and Canadian crafts. Total sales for 2014 were $5,942,869—a 5.9% increase over 2013, and the highest recorded annual online sales amount to date. There were 21,181 orders placed online— a 2% increase from 2013. The web service also reports 1,256 new retailers enrolled in 2014—a whopping 40.3% increase from 2013, and 1,227 current artist members to date. Wholsalecrafts.com is the producer of the American Craft Retailers Expo (ACRE) shows held annually in Philadelphia, PA, and Las Vegas, NV. The next show is in Las Vegas, May 28-30. For more information, visit www.Wholesalecrafts.com or (888) 427-2381. Mark Your Calendar!
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March 20-21—French Lick Indiana Trade Show/Auction in French Lick, IN. For all the details about attending, consigning, or exhibiting, please call (513) 889-0500.
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Classifieds
Buy or sell or trade
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 April issue must be in our office by March 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 Wanted: Brown polyester thread. Bonded. Sizes 277-346. Contact: Ed Smith. E-mail: silverrose@tctwest.net, (307) 765-2735. Wanted: New subscribers from Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa. Now is the time to renew! Give us a call at (828) 5058474, 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. Wanted: Equestrian and Western work including prints, post-
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ers, paintings, etc. Contact: Shop Talk!, P O Box 17817, Asheville, NC 28816, (828) 505-8474, www.proleptic.net.
For Sale For Sale: Master Stamper Collection. Tad Mizwa’s treasures. Don King belt, 7 pcs. By Ray Pohja, 1 each by Don Butler and Chester Hape. These 10 for $9,000 delivered. Six more by Ray Holes, Bill Gardener, Lloyd Davos, Eddie Brooks, Jeremiah Watt, $1,500 delivered. E-mail: TadSMizwa@aol.com. For Sale: New blades for 6” hand cranked splitters; Standard Rivet #2 spot setters with staple dies; A-G flip top embosser; Fortuna top feed skiver; and more. Call for complete list of sewing machines and equipment. Buy, sell, trade. Can deliver. Contact: Roy Peakes, 5 Sibley St., Auburn, MA 01501, (508) 769-8899. For Sale: Liquidating entire inventory. 7 hvy. Duty sewing machines—Cobras, Artisan, Juki’s. 2 embossing machines. 12”
MARCH 2015
Shop Talk!
USMC splitter. 12” Aperture band knife. 2 creasers. Singer 112 dbl. needle. 14” strap cutter. 3 Standard Rivet spot machines. 5 nylon hole burners. 2 chap machines. 5 cargo trailer container loads of saddles, bridles, halters, leads, etc. No reasonable offer refused. Contact: Ben Day, Western Specialties, 3106 Cedardale Rd., Mt. Vernon, WS 98174, (360) 708-4201. 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. Custom manufacturing available for leather or synthetic products serving the equine, pet, and related industries. Quality and personal service for your project. Contact: Mud Creek Leather, 9415 W 300 S Topeka, IN 46571, (260) 593-0044. (R&B) 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 ProConcho 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. Wholesale Harness & Supplies! Brahma web, PVC sheeting, PVC belting, nylon webbing, nylon thread and hardware. We manufacture a full line of synthetic harness parts. In stock for immediate shipping, including blinds, gig saddles, molded curved crowns, cruppers, winker stays, and lots of die cut parts, etc. Ask for your FREE catalog! Contact: Countryside Mfg., 504 S. Humbert St., Milton, IA 52570. 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: Tools for the Professional—Ol’ Smoothie swivel knives, blades, stamping tools, and more. Contact: Chuck Smith Tools, Smith & Co., P O Box 2647, Valley Center, CA 92082. (760) 749-5755. Fax (760) 749-5355. E-mail: olsmoothie@ sbcglobal.net. (R&B) www.theleatherguy.org for all your leather, tool, and supply needs. Friendly, helpful staff at (507) 932-3795. (R&B) For Sale: Schwabe clicker. Double head. $4,500. Also 100 ton leather press, $1,000. Located in Bryant, AL. Phone (423) 9390284, e-mail: cltolliver81@yahoo.com. For Sale: Belts, phone cases, suspenders. Free samples to bona fide retailers. Send request on letterhead or include business card. Contact: Mose Gingerich, 173 Marcella Falls Rd., Ethridge, TN 38456. For Sale: Mast hand-operated clicker, $500.00 (OBO); Model C clicker, A1 working condition, extra cutting pad, new, $1,200; Randall 14” strap cutter, model 132, nice, extra rollers, and blades, $1,800; Randall 20” strap cutter, model B-20, nice, $2,400; Consew 226 R walking foot, $500; 6” power strap cutter, ¼” to 2 ½”, all attachments, good machine, $1,500; Atlas 8” power strap cutter with attachments, $1,000; Randall creaser double flat and single line, top quality, $825; Power single line creaser, $300; Box stitchers w/ 3/8” to 1” square boxes, all sizes available; punch presses; riveters; walking foot sewing machines; 2 Mast strap cutters with all attachments, both mounted on 1 stand; cheap nylon of all weights, colors, and sizes. Call on products and pricing. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, and 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Contact: Schrock’s Harness Shop, 8375W 300S, Topeka, IN 46571, (260) 593-2713
Shoe & Boot Total shoe repair equipment for sale. All supplies go with it. Price $5,500. Contact: Gerald Manor, Portland, IN, (260) 7264172 or (260) 726-4343. Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri. Noon to 4 pm
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)
The “Word of the Day” is erstwhile. Shop Talk!
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ADVERTISERS INDEX American Leather Direct....................29 Artisan Sewing..................... back cover Beachy Blacksmith.............................45 Beiler’s Mfg. & Supply........................24 BioThane.............................................57 Bogle Greenwell Machinery Corp.....53 Bowden Saddle Tree..........................43 Brayer..................................................44 Brodhead Collar Shop........................48 Buckeye Engraving..............................9 Buckle Barn USA................................41 Buena Vista Blankets.........................18 Buggy Builder’s Bulletin....................19 C.S. Osborne.........................................5 Campbell-Randall.................................7 Center Square.....................................15 Chino Tack..........................................10 Chuck Smith Tools.............................26 Chupp Blacksmith Shop.................... 11 Chupp Brothers Wholesale...............18 Coblentz Collar...................................22 Cut Rite Dies.......................................45 Danny Marlin Knives..........................53 E.C. Leather.........................................14 Fairview Country Sales......................38 Fiebing Leather...................................27 Fine Tool Journal................................42 Gfeller Casemakers, Inc.....................41
Goliger Leather Co., Inc.....................48 Hadlock & Fox Mfg. Co......................25 Hand Plait Leather..............................58 Hansen Western Gear........................42 Hastilow . ............................................47 Hermann Oak......................................54 Hide House..........................................43 Hillside Harness Hardware..back cover International Sheepskin.....................56 Kalico Products....................................6 Kelly-Larson Sales.............................15 Keystone Leather...............................50 Landesman Brothers..........................53 Landis Sales & Service......................14 Leather Crafters Journal....................40 Leather Machine Co., Inc., The..........63 Leather Unlimited...............................46 Lewis Sales Co...................................41 Maine Thread......................................28 Milton Sokol........................................17 Moser Leather.....................................55 Mud Creek...........................................12 Mules and More, Inc...........................44 N & A Harness Shop...........................51 Nettles Country...................................13 Nick-O Sew..........................................59 Ohio Plastics Belting Co....................19 Ohio Travel Bag..................................21
Classified Ads
20 words or less $26.50 Additional words (each) $ .65
Display Ads
Advertising
Perfectex Plus LLC.............................20 Precision Saddle Tree..........................2 Proleptic.....................................28, 35, 40 RJF Leather.........................................21 Raphael Sewing Machine/TechSew...10,24 Rural Heritage.....................................16 Sam Troyer..........................................16 Sew What!?.........................................14 Shelton-Reynolds, Inc........................20 Shetler’s Collar Shop.........................20 ShoTan.................................................23 Small Farmer’s Journal......................22 Smoke & Fire Co.................................56 Southstar Supply................................21 Springfield Leather.............................60 Standard Rivet....................................39 Steel Stamps.......................................10 Sugar Valley Collar Shop...................13 Sun Bias, Inc.......................................47 Sweat Pad Shop..................................56 TechSew/Raphael Sewing Machine... 11,24 Texas Custom Dies.............................50 Toledo Sewing......................................3 Troyers Harness.................................19 Wayne Jueschke.................................46 Western Mule......................................53 Wickett & Craig...................................52
$45 each additional page. Event flyers must be inserted 60 days in advance. All inserts must be shipped directly to printer.
Full Page $485.00 Half Page $271.00 Reduce - Reuse - Recycle Quarter Page $147.00 Recycling old magazines, catalogs, and Eighth Page $78.00 newspapers is one of the (Color and guaranteed placement addi- easiest ways to help the tional) environment. To increase the supply of recoverable Setup Charge wood fiber and to reduce the demand $60 per hour with a $18 minimum. Line art on regional landfills, Shop Talk! urges may be inserted at no additional charge. $10 its readers to support recycling efforts in per photo. their communities.
Deadline for advertising copy is the 5th of the month prior to the month of publication. Invoices are due upon receipt. SHATA members who display the SHATA logo in their advertisement Shop Talk! is printed only with inks receive a 5% discount on display ads. 6 or Inserts $399 for one page — made from vegetable oil. 12-month prepaid advertising contracts receive a 5% discount. Discounts may not Maximum trim size: 8-1/4” X 10-3/4” be combined (advertisers may receive Shop Talk! • published by Proleptic, Inc.• P.O. Box 17817 either a SHATA discount or a prepaid Asheville, NC 28816 • email: shoptalk@proleptic.net contract discount).
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MARCH 2015
Shop Talk!
COBRA Class 4 Specifications: *16 1/2” Arm *Best and most versatile presser feet in the business *Sews from 6 oz. to 7/8 ” *Thread sizes from 69 to 415 *Triple Feed mechanism *Reverse stitches in same holes *Stitch Length from 3-22 stitches an inch *Sews leather, pads, blankets, webbing, canvas, upholstery, bio-plastics, & other materials *28 LED Super Beam Lamp *Heavy Duty Speed Reducer *Digital DC Servo Motor *Accessories
FINALLY!!
An open toe center foot for maximum visibility, only available on the Cobra Class 4 or Cobra Class 3... it’s about time!
*Complete Accessory Package FREE!!
$2,695.00 Complete Christopher Andre (Slickbald Custom Leather) 1st. Place in the Holsters and Gunbelts category in Sheridan, WY., using his COBRA CLASS 4
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY ON ALL COBRA MACHINERY!!
LEATHER MACHINE CO., INC. www.leathermachineco.com * cobra@leathermachineco.com
Shop Talk!
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Shop Talk!
with Boot & Shoe News
P.O. Box 17817 • Asheville, NC 28816 (828) 505-8474 • FAX (828) 505-8476 www.proleptic.net
March 2015 12 Monthly Issues $36 Canada & Mexico $39US Other Countries $54US SHATA Members deduct $4
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Check your renewal date today!
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!