Saddlers Clams: English Vs French: Which is better? - Leathercraft Masterclass

In this video I help you make a more informed decision about which style of clam works best for you and your work. This was shot for IGTV - Instagram's version of KZbin, hence the portrait 9:16 format. So be sure to follow / leathercraftmasterclass there too! (best content). After receiving many questions recently about the differences and which one is best, I thought it would be easier to understand by showing you.
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[@labrat7357]

In the early 1970's, i used to work with a man who had lost his leg in WW2 and then trained as a saddler. He used a saddlers clam fitted with a stirrup on a webbing strap that passed through a slot in one side of a pair of english style clams. The bottom of the clam located in a leather loop bolted to the base of his stool. His stitching was the most perfect I have ever seen. All the best.

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Adapt, improvise, overcome. That's a really great story! Thanks for sharing.

[@christinebevan8093]

I used to be a saddle seamer and stitcher in Walsall and my clam had a stirrup we used them up against a table that had a piece of wood sticking out that the clam leaned up against. I loved stitching saddles

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

What wonderful memories! Thanks for sharing Christine 😊

[@kenoturk]

First Class clams, both first Class in the special way ,I would love both ,, great work Thanks for the video 5*

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Thank you. Glad you like them Ken 👍

[@CantrellLeatherGoods]

Fantastic information. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain these two. Very valuable information.

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

You're welcome!

[@notafan1275]

Thanks a lot for this explanation! I've just done a bit of stitching on a home-made stitching pony (the really simple version) and I'd like to try a French clam. Seems like moving the leather would be quicker in those (I have a butterfly nut to open and close - and for the thread to get caught up on...)

[@friscokid66]

I wonder if any of these type of clams will be suitable for stitching larger satchels. Currently none of my stitching ponies are able to accommodate any of my satchel designs. So I end up stitching them without any kind of clamping mechanism--which can be cumbersome. BTW--thank you for this informative video. Cheers!

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

English clams won't be much good, however French will accommodate no problem. When stitching the outside of your satchel, you can take a block of wood wrapped in a clean rag and place it inside. This will give the clams something to hold without crushing the bag. Hope this helps.

[@tonykillingsworth9247]

Clamp as deep as you can ...then clamp from the ceiling with a string clamp or two that will give you stability to complete your projects more efficiently.

[@tonycobb1895]

These seem simple enough to make.. any plans online?

[@ianknight2053]

I have an English clam but it makes my legs ache! I use a home made table clam for most of my items.

[@alexdorand]

perfect. What's the height on English style? If you are working on a briefcase with English Bridle Leather, which one would you choose?

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Probably both, English for the handle and French for the bag body

[@alexdorand]

@@LeathercraftMasterclass Thank you. That makes sense. Would you use the same stitching techniques (diagonal) for the bridle leather?

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

The kind of leather makes no difference to what clam you use, just what technique you are most comfortable with. To clarify though, 80% of the time using English clams I am stitching on a diagonal. I just stitch upright when I really need to.

[@rebeccaj5601]

Hi, Just wondered if you could share Jermome Davids site only I can't seem to find anything under his name.

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Hello Rebecca. He doesn't actually have a website but you can buy his clams on Rocky Mountain Leather Supply (under their own brand). Hope this helps :)

[@enricohernandez8356]

I need some of these ,I’m in the states , how much is 65 euros in dollars? I’m sure shipping cost would hurt

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

No idea, we don't use Euros here. Try asking Google. However, I'm pretty sure shipping costs are going to hurt..

[@Slipsch]

Did u stain your clamp? or did u get it like that

[@LeathercraftMasterclass]

Yes it is stained but it will require a pre stain. This is explained in my course 'Details Make Perfection - Clam Finishing' available on my website 👍 www.leathercraftmasterclass.com

[@oo-wr4pq]

I've found that my car door works quite well...