Handmake Your Leather Hunting Pouch

[@davidashmore3929]

What a friendly, caffeinated craftsman Brandon is. I imagine it would be such a treat to be an apprentice learning your trade with him.

[@mrwdpkr5851]

Off camera was a different story . Those English chaps NEVER forgive ! haHA !

[@jeccalou9894]

Townsends is one of the few channels that I look forward to watching. My kids are 10 and 7 and they also watch with me often. My 7 year old will sometimes ask me to put it on. The sound and cinematographic quality is superb. No one is loud or brash, and it's just really pleasant to sit and watch. It makes me happy in the same way as comfort food.

[@bristlewolf]

Love how you made hole punches from spade bits, great idea!

[@georgenewlands9760]

Yes, spade bits aren’t the best for drilling clean holes in wood (at least not in my experience) but they are a good base for projects like this. I modified one into a split nut screwdriver for working with vintage handsaws.

[@bristlewolf]

@@georgenewlands9760 I agree, I’ll use them for when I need a rough hole, but not for fine work

[@cammobunker]

Other things to do with this that are 100% period correct: For the flap, instead of a button, you can simply weight the front flap with a thin bar of lead or other metal. It is, in point of fact, rather difficult to open a buttoned flap on your pouch while holding your rifle upright, especially if everything is wet. A weighted flap makes this much easier, if slightly less secure. Place your bar (or small shot) of metal inside your rolled seam. I've also seen decorative weights sewn to the flap as well. Also, for a hunting pouch, it was very common to incorporate a knife sheath into the back of the pouch, so the handle protrudes above the top line of the flap. That way all you have to do is grab your pouch and you are ready for the day's hunt. Also, as hunting was a year-round thing in those days, water, in the form of rain or dew, was a constant hazard. Treating your pouch with a beeswax/tallow mixture, especially around the seams and heavily on the flap, was common. Also, many pouches feature a flap that may incorporate a chunk of beaver, bear or other fairly waterproof fur type to help it shed water.

[@Tipi_Dan]

I have an alternate solution for those who prefer a button or really want positive closure on a flapped bag. You know--- for like when you're running in the woods like Daniel Day Lewis. I don't like a lot of knots, so make one or two-holed leather washers out of thick latigo as jams. Sized just so they are adjustable but still hold, and create a less obtrusive presentation. Use 2 small crown stags cut flat and drilled twice to accommodate (and recess) a standard leather thong, 1 small stag tine tip drilled similarly. 1) One crown stag at base of pouch, centered: 2 holes in pouch then jam a short thong inside pouch, loose enough so a longer set of thongs can dangle through behind the crown. 2) Second crown stag on flap near bottom, attached similarly but thongs long. Dangle those long flap thongs through behind the stag crown on the bag, then slide the stag tip through both ends of the long thong and tie knots to retain it at an appropriate length. How long the bag flap thongs dangle will be choice of the wearer, depending on height, etc. 3) Thong should slide snuggly thought the holes in the tip to provide positive closure when you snug it up to the crown. For action, pull it down far enough to completely free the bag flap. The crown on the flap is mostly decorative and along along with leather washers, helps prevent the flap thong from pulling through the flap (like if you trip and fall down when you're running in the woods like Daniel Day Lewis.) You could, and I have, just punched two holes in the flap and tied a simple overhand knot in the thong behind it. Or, you could dispense with the stag entirely and just use leather conchos or larger leather washers.

[@OGSumo]

A option for people who want a hunting pouch that looks _fairly_ historically accurate but with modern conveniences might be magnets. A small button magnet covered by a square inch of leather installed on the inside of the flap with a matching patch and magnet on the surface of the pouch where you would like it to stay secured. Very durable and subtle I would imagine. You could also personalize how tightly the pouch closes by varying either the strength of the magnet or the thickness of the leather patches covering them, as more thickness would me more distance between magnets when they meet.

[@amistry605]

Did they use magnets in the 1700's?

[@OGSumo]

@@amistry605 Almost definitely no. While technically magnets did exist and have been used for things since ancient times, this is in very limited cases and could not be something installed in common pouches. Incorporating magnets into a design like this would mainly be a way to get modern convenience without ruining the historical _look_ of the pouch.

[@amistry605]

@@OGSumo Thanks!

[@oldschooljack3479]

Little helpful tidbit... When you start the stitch, start in the second hole from the end. Then go back to the first hole. Then proceed on to the second, third, fourth and so on... This makes the first hole (and last, if you double back one) a double stitch and lends a bit more strength to a high stress area.

[@TheHailacopter]

A stitching pony is another good project, and makes sewing leather less maddening.

[@jonathaneves5847]

Splendid tip Sir. Now, to source some leather.

[@k9six185]

@@jonathaneves5847 tandy leather

[@everdrakonis9587]

@@k9six185 the woods.

[@ronmcgovern6581]

OldSchool Jack. That's a good tip. I make the first and last two stitches in the way you describe. It's not much stronger really, but if you cut your threads off flush they do not come undone like a knot sometimes does in a higher stressed area. It also looks neater as you don't have to hide the knot. I'm not American but this is a fantastic channel. I've learnt a ton of practical skills from here. Thanks for listening. Cheers mate. Ron McGovern in Australia.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

As a long time leatherworker, I can honestly say this was an excellent job!🐝🤗❤️

[@genericpersonx333]

Sewing is such a grossly underrated and simple skill to learn. For years, I threw away good clothes and other stuff because it had a little damage here and there, when I could have just spent a few minutes with needle and thread to make it work again. Now, I may look like a walking rag-doll at times, but no one laughs at the guy who they count on to save their favorite shirt or purse when the shoddy factory threads fail!

[@matthewgalasso1087]

my jackets are patched, and my pants are held together by torn and then sown in bandanas, only every gotten complements.

[@wafflehoarder2666]

I’m so glad I was able to learn how to sew when I was 10! It’s been one of the most useful skills I’ve learned yet, for both functional and recreational purposes!

[@paintedwings74]

When I've repaired my jeans one time too many, they make a great base for a work-apron. Already got the pockets, and it's easy to get the size right. My favorite jacket is 25 years old. I made it back when I was 22 or so, and have repaired a few tired seams as needed. Sewing is one of those skills that every mountain man would have had. The idea that it was a "feminine" skill is a concept for the cities and the wealthy. Outside of civilization, it would be inconceivable that any man would not be able to repair his own clothing, or make his own leather goods. Even a certain amount of skill at cobbling would make more sense than relying on the skilled tradesmen left behind at the nearest town. And today, indeed, I save a great deal of money by being able to sew by machine and by hand. Right now I'm sewing myself a warm hat from a raccoon fur. Found the raccoon by the side of the road, took the hide and skull, tanned the fur myself, and now I'll get to wear the most sustainable, "cruelty-free," fur hat ever.

[@tristanl.2650]

Brandon is such a skilled and talented tradesman! He can sew, woodwork, blacksmith, and leatherwork!

[@TangoMoonStar]

Iconic

[@sir4978]

Brandon of all trades :D

[@anna9072]

Don’t forget working with horn.

[@georgevanhoose6333]

This man speaks absolute truth at 0:53 I hunt with a flintlock rifle, and the amount of stuff you need to keep it shooting in the field, even today in the 21st century, is considerable.

[@MbisonBalrog]

I read rifles back then not reliable which is why armies not use. The precision manufacturing needed not available back then.

[@georgevanhoose6333]

@@MbisonBalrog In my experience it's more to do with cleaning and keeping the moving parts properly lubricated. Black Powder produces an ungodly amount of fouling and soot, and it gets everywhere. A deep cleaning after every two or three shots in a flintlock rifle is best, but that's not always possible. At the very least one must keep the hole for the primer fire clean, and the primer pan. Smoothbore muskets could fire more without as much cleaning because their tolerances allowed for more fouling buildup than rifles.

[@tjippo8197]

The cinematography is really appealing! I love the subtle color grading and how the blue of his tunic stands out in the soft light from the window. This whole video is a treat for the eyes, ears and mind! Thank you John and co!

[@oregonbassboss98]

Wow, Brandon made that look easy but I'm sure that it wasn't and takes a skilled hand. Lots of skilled hands at Townsends. Thanks Brandon for a terrific lesson in leathercraft.

[@jim7217]

He did make it look easy, but I've just made my own version of this as my 2nd leather project ever based on his commentary (after watching this video several times). It has come out fairly well - I'm very happy with it and will make good use of it.

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

Great job sir! I love how you made your hole punching tools out of paddle bits. Thanks for keeping the old ways alive

[@erikhendrickson59]

You've been a wonderful addition to the channel! I think it's something about the process of MAKING THINGS in the 18th century fashion that I find so interesting. Doesn't matter if it's a leather pouch, a knife sheath, a full-size log cabin or a pumpkin pie.

[@benjaminmcclelland2464]

Ive been subscribed to you for years and yet you continue to surprise me with how amazing your videos are. Every time I see your notification on my phone I think that its too good to be true.

[@mikaears6787]

Love this kind of content, just fantastic. It honestly makes me want to try my hand at this myself, with zero experience!

[@cletushatfield8817]

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, or something like that.

[@jonathaneves5847]

Me too, I'll be joining you. So inspirational.

[@agimagi2158]

Yess me too!

[@rays5163]

Im pretty sure I remember Jon saying cinematography is one of his hobbies and i even remember some of the early Townsends movies being short films (was it a zombie movie?) Anyway Jon, I just want you to know you attention to production quality and camerawork is not going unappreciated.

[@TheBellmare]

Waxing thread also helps make the stitch holes more water resistant, AND if wax is combined with a little propolis, it makes the hemp twine/thread more resistant to rot (bacteria static)

[@jayst]

Excellent tip. Thank you

[@kuzadupa185]

Such a calming voice! Not sure why, but I had this image of a musket battle raging and this gentleman would be sitting on his porch and putting together a musket ball gun pouch for a soldier calmly without any hurry, and no reaction to the raging violence happening directly behind him. And when he finishes he calmly hands the pouch, filled with all its goodies, to the soldier who hurriedly puts it to good use!

[@gageangstrom7875]

I love that you repurposed those spade bits in to leather punches. That's a great cost savings for a new comer and it allows them to be part of the tool making process, which is so important. Some times you can't find what you need, or it will take too long to get, or it's just prohibitively expensive. Knowing how to make your own tools is some thing that needs to be talked about way more than it is.

[@chaosvolt]

This stitching method is one I wish I'd learned about sooner. I've never been good at finishing up a seam when I'm done, and this method pretty much entirely avoids the usual problems I'd normally run into.

[@HLBear]

That turned out beautifully. It'll hold a lot of vital stuff when you're out in the woods. Thank you for sharing your techniques!

[@shaunelrod5234]

It'll hold a lot of vital -stuff- nutmeg when you're out in the woods.

[@theeautisticartisan]

I love how little leatherworking tools have changed over the years, the tools work and so we keep using them, no need for change.

[@earlshaner4441]

Hi from Syracuse NY brother and thank you for sharing your thoughts and your experiences

[@ferdi5407]

Made my day when this popped up! Could watch and listen for hours. Thank you Brandon❤

[@sophial7872]

Got my coffee and just going to sit back

[@Cookingbutfailing]

These videos are so comforting, whoever shooting these knows what they're doing

[@peterheinrichs7634]

You made a beautiful pouch!

[@Nannaof10]

Oh my goodness that coffee ☕! Poor Brandon, lol 😆 went from tea-looking to super dark! Seriously though I really like these how to videos. He makes it look so easy

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

When I was younger I was assigned to an infantry division. It was common to see people carrying the Army Map Pouches (similar size and shape to the hunting pouches of old) not just for their maps, protractors, and overlays, but also to keep as a purse to carry notebook and pens and such at those times you didn’t want all your items that would otherwise be in the pockets to mess with the form and fit of the uniform (infantry guys in garrison loved their starched, pressed, parade look of their uniform and boots). It was common that on their map case would be sewn a mixture of the following: name tag, army tag, unit patches of either assignment or combat, earned badges (parachutist, glider, etc.), earned tabs (airborne, ranger, special forces), and rank (either just the current rank or all of the ranks they had served as). These would always be on the flap. I bring that up because I have been thinking of making a leather hunting pouch for my .54 front stuffers when moving around on my Alaskan property and hunting the neighboring islands, and was going to hand tool some leather patches for the three combat patches from my deployments, my rank I’m about to retire at, as well as name and army tags….. not very traditional to the time period, but traditional for my group (army)…. and again, I don’t go to rendezvous, this pouch will be for actual woods use. Make your hunting pouch what you want to carry and what makes you proud, the same as everything you do be it modifying your jeep or wearing clothes that make you happy.

[@asmith7876]

I have one of those map cases from the 80's when I was in the Army...works great to hold an iPad!

[@RethanHunter]

I had to pause and comment. The idea of making your homemade stitch punch is amazing! I want to get into leatherworking but don't want to spend a bunch to start out. I know my next project!

[@niros9667]

Words do not express how much I love these crafts videos, great work to all the team and Brandon especially!

[@agimagi2158]

I AM GOING TO MAKE THIS asap! This type of leather is actually the only one of which I know is sold around my place and I happen to be in need of a small crossshoulder bag. Just have to wait until the shops are open again! 😍

[@djdrack4681]

I really like the DIY holepunch made from those bits. That is a great piece to repurpose as they're thick enough to take a hammering +1

[@jamesvatter5729]

Good stuff, Brandon. This video served as a reminder I have a double pouch downstairs that needs finished for my fowler.

[@anthroderick5383]

Always start the day with a cup of coffee: solid advice since the 1770's!

[@orenmontgomery8250]

Also, coffee can never be too strong. 💪 ☕️ 👍 I like it when the spoon can stand straight up.

[@demastust.2277]

A while back I saw you first use a spade bit as a pricking iron, I loved it and copied it to use for my own leatherwork. It is very convenient and I've actually taken to putting the shank of the bit into a dowel and using my weight to push the cutting tines of the tool through the leather.

[@johnboleyjr.1698]

Hey Townsends, just to let y'all know, your Pemmican video is probably about to go nuts again. Pemmican is trending again, I've just had three new videos come across my feed. It was your Pemmican video that caused me to find your channel and subscribe, so your channel may be growing as well. Which frankly, is well deserved.

[@wolf_of_odin1602]

I’m not a seamstress so I didn’t understand a lot of what he was talking about, but I really enjoyed watching this and now want to go go learn how to work leather. I absolutely love this channel.

[@jason60chev]

Thank you. I have just purchased a simple bag, similar to this. I wish I had the time to learn the skills to do this kind of work. Being self sufficient is so important.

[@bannanaboy8]

I love this channel so much. Every video brings a smile to my face

[@libbyjensen1858]

The skills of everyone on this channel NEVER cease to amaze me!

[@jamesellsworth9673]

That pouch looks fine!

[@moniquem783]

Oh I thought the strip was going to be a gusset. Interesting. I’d love to see you make a pair of shoes one day.

[@Dr.Mrs.TheMonarch]

Great video Brandon. It's nice to see everyone's talents in the Townsend's crew.

[@kenmartin9106]

The one inch spade bit so easy wish I'd thought of it. Make do with what you have it's what my Dad did and his back to this time. Great job taught me something good day.

[@davidjams2596]

This is my favorite video this channel has ever made.

[@captainpotato76]

I love these leather videos please make more and keep up the phenomenal work!

[@SirFrederick]

I've made many a leather bag/pouch, but still love watching the making of one

[@Honest_Grifter]

Perfect project to keep me away from the in-laws this Christmas!! Great video, who doesn't need a great black powder bag?!

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Such a usable item. Would be a great gift for many celebrations ..

[@charlesrose7212]

Great video Brandon!

[@jamesdavenport1753]

Very nice pouch!!! You did a great work making this! I just want to sew same too! After I finish my fabric cartridge pouch.

[@TheBellmare]

To be frontier period correct, an awl be used to make the stitch holes, each one poked before each stitch, so that for forming leather around something be absolutely form fitting

[@sasukedemon888888888]

Why did you comment 4 times instead of just putting them all in 1 single comment?

[@TheBellmare]

@@sasukedemon888888888 I was commenting as the video was playing, and several subjects arose.

[@paraplegichistoricalsports5700]

That is the prettiest rifle bag I have saw to date.

[@deborahddenmark]

loved this! such clear explanations and such fine craftsmanship!

[@Tgauchsin]

Love that your 3 and 5 hole punches look like repurposed spade hole bits.

[@projekt6_official]

Nicely done. This channel is excellent. Thanks to all of you for sharing what you do!

[@JeffGloverArts]

EXCELLENT! More like this, please, and thank you!

[@cowmancheese]

This was so satisfying to watch!

[@Leon-cd3fg]

Awesome!!! Gonna watch this immediately!

[@TheArchaos]

I salvaged an old t-shirt and some jeans to make such a pouch, not as pretty but it worked out well enough for a 0$ cost.

[@MiscMitz]

Very nice. Haven't done leather work in a long time

[@josephinegibbs3902]

I burst out laughing when I saw that BLACK coffee. Had to stop the video and explain the joke to my husband. Great project!

[@schneedrachin]

I love how this came out! Makes me want to give it a try myself

[@juliannedispain1637]

This is the best video tutorial I have seen. The leather pouch turned out beautiful!

[@dj-kq4fz]

I always enjoy Brandon's work. Thanks guys! Dave J

[@jacksparow7545]

I'm an avid leather worker and I have done a few hunting pouches and had some fox head skins and always put it on the flap as decoration and waterproofing

[@meripederson8379]

That would make a great sewing kit pouch as well!

[@thehistoadian]

I've recently been wanting to make one of these, great video!

[@crisramsey6757]

I had a class in college as a prerequisite to entering Occupational Therapy school that had ceramics, wood working and leatherworking. I quite enjoyed working with leather. Maybe a future hobby when my daughter is grown and I am down to only one job....

[@campervanhelsing]

Man you are good at that. Because you made it look easy

[@Bayan1905]

Brandon, maybe for a simple project you can show them how to do a cow's knee to cover the lock on a flintlock long gun. I did one recently, a good simple project but you do a better job at presenting things than I would.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

This took me back almost 40 years ago. We called them Possible Pouches. I am sure you are using the correct name for the pouch. You did a terrific job with your pouch, thanks for sharing with us. 🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻✋🏻✋🏻

[@jonathaneves5847]

Briliant piece of work. Just what I've been looking for. Well done Squire. Yuletide greetings from Liverpool.

[@teogabrielsson4717]

Professional Leathercrafter here. There is a difference between stitching chisels and pricking irons. Stitching chisels is a rather new invention which allows you to punch all the way through the leather, making it easier to stitch. Pricking Irons marks the stitch line and requires an awl to puncture thru the leather. Pricking Irons have been used since around 1830s and mostly in Europe hence "French Pricking Irons". Prior to that we only used awls and thread to the best of our ability. The equivalent of pricking irons in USA was the stitching wheel. Which also served as a marker for the awl. No one used stitching chisels during 1700s, 1800s or 1900s. It's a rather new invention.

[@Bangalangs]

I like it. It’s close to my own belt pouch that I wear here in MI during deer season.

[@speedandstyletony]

"Possibles bag" this is the term that many mountain men used for this pouch. Called because you could possibly have anything in it.

[@CopperCityPatriot]

I use a leather hunting pouch, my Grandfather made in 1936. It's in great shape. Used one of the cattle-skins on the family farm. Keep my ammo, compass, GPS, mitts, and snacks in it. Always bag a deer or Turkey, wherever I take it.

[@heidih2887]

Beautifully made and functional! :D You make it look easy, even though it takes considerable skill, patience, attention to detail, and creativity! :D

[@tomr3074]

A Possibles bag . I made one ,same style as this out of my first trapped beaver. Good stuff .

[@DontTouchMyDucky]

Can't say I have everything I need but going to try a similar bag out of elk suede so I wont be working with as thick of material nor needing the heavy tools for this but definitely going to be handy for when I do lean more towards the thicker materianls. This was a smooth video, easy to watch not too fast but not droning on definitely subscribed since I may be making more bags. Oh and you can get prewaxed sinew for thread

[@stich1960]

You guys are getting kinda artsy these days, digging the one window light setup

[@OrderOfWoods]

For me the leatherworking, woodworking and steelworking are best artisan craftsmanship. I wish i knew how to craft something... ✌ Great video, great pouch!

[@amywright2243]

Wooo, that coffee looks like it would float a horseshoe! 😆 Beautiful video. I love learning your process. Were there leather products used by ladies other than hunting tools?

[@coreopolis]

Pleasure to see a great craftsman at work, good educator too, the music volume took away from it being perfect enjoyment however. Love this Chanel.

[@mikegrossberg8624]

I prefer to add a gusset to my bags. It makes it easier to get into and feel around for what you need

[@chasepetty5659]

Very beautiful leather work and great job on the stitching!!👍

[@CarstenGermer]

@townsends Really love your videos. Could you please try to level the audio closer together? The talking is often lower than the music and sounds (like punching holes in this one). It makes me fiddle the overall volume up and down to not disturb others in the house when it's late or early.

[@WaynJul]

Nice craftsmanship. That music makes me want to find a women wearing a Renaissance dress to dance around the room with.

[@augustingarnier4625]

Bravo!! That was a meditation to watch.

[@angelalamey8742]

Thank you for this video!! Love the music too , it’s perfect for your video

[@forthwithtx5852]

Sitting here, smoking some Captain Black in my Townsend’s clay pipe. Been many years. Gonna have to figure out how to pack it correctly. The hunting pouch is very similar to shoulder bags still used by militaries today.

[@griffin5226]

I've been on the fence about making a possible pouch. I think this is a sign

[@AndrewArndts]

also called a "Possibles" bag... and you might wanna give yourself a bit more room. Rule of thumb that I was instructed one to have is to be able to fit both of your hands inside without any overlap thumb to thumb. and tall enough to be in the middle of your wrist

[@KB4QAA]

No, this is a colonial hunting bag. Not a large type possibles bag favored today. Smaller size, no partition, no bellows.

[@jonahwoodstock818]

Leather tanning clarification: Veg tan refers to the tanning process not the hide. Elk hide refers to the type of animal hide, not the tanning process. You can have a veg tanned elk hide, which would be period and most likely what they would use for a bag like this. The thin pliable nature is because elk hide is a thinner hide than cowhide but any hide can also be softened during the tanning process to be more pliable. Other period tanning methods would be buckskin or rawhide. Most leather these days is made by chrome tanning which was invented in the 1850s and grew in use in the US in the 1900s.

[@pinetree9343]

A good rainy day project

[@alifr4088]

Oooh yess, i've been waiting so long for this

[@JMPK23]

Wow, the quality is awesome!

[@TimKoehn44]

Very well done Brandon!

[@fatherdex8174]

Man, Brandon really was born to wear those glasses. Homie has got the drip.