2nd bag build w/antler ball starter

[MIOutdoorsman]

As often is the case, doing something a second time means it goes a bit easier for me. This is my second hunter’s bag build. This one from oil-tanned leather in a dark brown color, versus my first build made from veg-tanned, then built and then stained. I admit that the oil tanned is more supple and easier to work with.

I inserted welting again this time, which required complimentary staining that piece. I also altered my pattern so that the back piece is also the front flap. I did insert a gusset again, which adds complexity but I think is totally worth it for the look and I like the shape & size. I also sewed in a little “holster” for the self-made antler ball starter.

I have a leather strap ready to sew on, but I also ordered a hand-woven strap that I may use instead.

My designs are simple, and my stitch work is far from perfect, but I truly enjoy making these for my own use.

Pics of bag (Brow tine button):

Antler ball starter:

A little hard to see, but on one end of the antler handle, I formed a concave indentation to start the ball, and in the other end I drilled out enough marrow for 90gr of powder.

 

[Brokennock]

Nice bag. Well done. That big antler starter doesn't get in the way reaching in the bag for other things?

 

[MIOutdoorsman]

Nice bag. Well done. That big antler starter doesn't get in the way reaching in the bag for other things?

Thank you. Actually, the antler has a bit of a curve to it, and while I haven’t hung the bag formally with a shoulder strap yet, it seems like it will be out of the way while in its holster. It isn’t as big as it looks in the photos either—I think there’s a bit of an optical illusion going on with the picture angles.

 

[Blogman]

Nice. I think I'm throw my hat in the leather making ring soon. Looking at all the thing you folks are making is giving me an itch for it.

 

[Brokennock]

What are you using for thread to stitch with?

 

[smo]

Nice work , I like it!

 

[MIOutdoorsman]

What are you using for thread to stitch with?

Wax coated braided thread... from Tandy.

 

[MIOutdoorsman]

Nice. I think I'm throw my hat in the leather making ring soon. Looking at all the thing you folks are making is giving me an itch for it.

Do it! I got my start using this book:

Recreating the 18th Century Hunting Pouch https://www.amazon.com/dp/0976579715/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KnXjEbDDS96MR

This is nicely illustrated and has patterns in the back. I found the patterns to be a little on the small side (I suspect limited by the size of the book pages), but it’s easy enough to enlarge them or creat your own.

 

[Grimord]

I have made a few antler ball starters in the past. I make a powder measure in one end so the item has a two fold purpose. Powder measure & ball starter all in one. Just one less item to carry in one's bag.

 

[renegadehunter]

I just made the same a while back, antler short starter that is. Instead of a powder measure hole though, I drilled a hole in one end so that the handle can be used as a palm saver (my PRB combo is fairly tight). It is deep enough that a little torque can be applied to it and it will also pull the rod back out of the bore nicely when swabbing. I know the hole isn't deep enough to hold a full charge, but perhaps I could modify it to hold a 1/2 charge? Good thought. Then I'd have a short starter, powder measure, and palm saver in one. For the nub to start the PRB into the barrel I set the head of a modified unmentionable case into the side of the antler.

 

[Artificer]

Nice. I think I'm throw my hat in the leather making ring soon. Looking at all the thing you folks are making is giving me an itch for it.

Go for it!!

One of the most often mistakes of stitching leather when folks begin is the fact they don't know how to make those nice, clean, uniformly repeatable stitches. I didn't know it when I began, but discovered it along the way, as I did not do a leather working apprenticeship and did not have a mentor close by to help me. I had sewn a line of those nice stitches and then had to figure out how I did it. Simply put one thread from one side has to go over the other thread every stitch. In case that is as clear as mud, the following is a great video by Neil Armitage on saddle stitching. BTW, Neil has many videos and I try to watch all of them, they are that good!



Gus

 

[Blogman]

Awesome, thank you Gus.

 

[Artificer]

Awesome, thank you Gus.

You are most welcome.

Gus

 

[Artificer]

TXFlynHog,

Looks like you are improving!

BTW, is the flap inside the pouch at the bottom or is it just the way it seems from the pics?

Gus

 

[hanshi]

Very cool, all around.

 

[Lige]

Nice work with traditional materials.

 

[MIOutdoorsman]

TXFlynHog,

Looks like you are improving!

BTW, is the flap inside the pouch at the bottom or is it just the way it seems from the pics?

Gus

Thank you Gus. A compliment from you means a lot to me!

I’m not sure I follow your question though... I did make a “holster” of sorts for the ball starter. It is literally just a rectangle piece of leather sewn town on each of the longer sides in such a manner that the ball starter fits snuggly through the middle. Is that what you are referring to?

 

[MIOutdoorsman]

Go for it!!

One of the most often mistakes of stitching leather when folks begin is the fact they don't know how to make those nice, clean, uniformly repeatable stitches. I didn't know it when I began, but discovered it along the way, as I did not do a leather working apprenticeship and did not have a mentor close by to help me. I had sewn a line of those nice stitches and then had to figure out how I did it. Simply put one thread from one side has to go over the other thread every stitch. In case that is as clear as mud, the following is a great video by Neil Armitage on saddle stitching. BTW, Neil has many videos and I try to watch all of them, they are that good!



Gus

I tried one of those stitch punches a few times, but ultimately gave up on it because I prefer to kind of poke & sew as I go, holding various pieces in all sorts of contortions. The punch just never seems to be practical to me... but my stitch lines certainly aren’t as straight as I wish I could do!

 

[Blogman]

Hey TX? Is this a multiple 'thread' (pun intended) if so it might 'string' out a bit. Mind if I chime in with something I made a couple weeks ago or would it be easier to find things with a new thread?

 

[Artificer]

Thank you Gus. A compliment from you means a lot to me!

I’m not sure I follow your question though... I did make a “holster” of sorts for the ball starter. It is literally just a rectangle piece of leather sewn town on each of the longer sides in such a manner that the ball starter fits snuggly through the middle. Is that what you are referring to?

My eyes must be focusing better today as I see the bottom of the flap, or "the back" if the flap was a separate piece, is rolling inward: but I think that is due to the softness of the leather. So I just answered my own question, but thank you for asking.

Gus