Tools of the Trade: Leather Workers

This film was produced as part of the ACE funded firstBASE project 'Tools for the Trade'.
This film looks at the different tools used in the leather trade and in particular the processes gone through to make a dog collar. Filmed with and at Walsall Leather Museum visit their website to find out more cms.walsall.gov.uk/leathermuseum/
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[@thomashverring9484]

I loved that so much!

[@bordenfleetwood5773]

Wonderful video. I'm a self-taught American leather crafter, and always pay respect to those that came before. I would like to ask the museum here to look to their demo tools better, however. That poor woman's awl was DULL! A sharpened awl would have sped the stitching, and I'm certain she could have put a machine to shame.

[@gergemall]

Thank you

[@johnsmyth6283]

Not worked much with leather, I'm an upholstered by trade, but appreciate the skill and recognise some techniques. Wonderful video. The three participants were great, more so due to their ages the first and last. Thank you.

[@seathrunmagaoinghous4119]

Well done

[@bubba7531]

Valuable information. Fascinating. I reflect on how long it took to develop the fine leather trade tools a craftsman needs. Thank you for the video. Paz

[@nicolaquintavalle2476]

Hello, nice video, Thank you so much! Wich is the thread used from the Lady?

[@kingsolomon8946]

We’re can I buy one of there strip/ strap cutters ?

[@tonyy5482]

Interesting. Bodging with the awl! There is quite a debate about where the word "bodge" comes from with respect to greenwood working & chairmaking - I wonder if this use of "bodge" in leather crafting is related? I'd never hear of a "Hockle" before, looks useful though - like a simpler version of the J. Dixon palm perhaps? Hope to visit the museum one day. Thanks ;)

[@MichaelRCarlson]

I've never heard of a Hockle either, but I'd like to give a set a go, looks like a real hand saver!

[@rickschuman2926]

Yes, bodging took me by surprise also. I will have to do some follow up on that.

[@lx95020]

Not sure why the lady, for all the experience she has, was using a dull awl.....I got anxiety watching her struggle to puncture the leather. I like the video for the history and tools which I think was the point. Thank you!

[@kingsolomon8946]

We’re can I buy one of these strap cutters ?

[@lx95020]

Look at Blanchard Vergez. They make them.

[@levi-pn4rn]

Im from walsall

[@DodgeCity111]

Phil from Eastenders second job making collars.

[@AlexanderMason1]

Haha he was “burnishing” dry leather. 😂

[@jimc4731]

You forgot the loop for the leash. JIM

[@bazlur-Vancouver]

It's not fancy work, but how people worked with leather before. in the Indian subcontinent to all over the world, people worked by hand, not a machine, and the quality was dependent on individual craftsmen.

[@Dan_Gleeballs420]

Ever heard of using water to burnish, also that stitching turned out really uneven, I suggest finding a new career. a sharpened awl would really do wonders!

[@jasonb4350]

I hope those weren’t actually collars they sell because those looked like crap.