A "Tale" of two bags

[Rod Man]

A couple of weeks ago a thread was posted by "Oncewas" about "Possible Bag info". I made a comment that one day I was going to try and build one. Well I was cleaning out some things and came across some extra ticking and I had some scrap leather from Hobby Lobby, figured what the hey, lets give it a shot. I have never done anything like this before, I am certainly not an "Artist". Barely can draw a straight line with a ruler, which explains why this bag is crooked! . Basically, I just took Mr. Cutfingers bag and mentally took it apart made measurements and made a pattern, Then Eric Fleisher (Guy that made my "Fancy Smancy" Bag) gave me some pointers on how to put everything together. There are 4 mistakes that I know of, but thats OK, I am cool with it and will sport this Puppy!!!

Then there is the other bag, Well it is a "Fleisher" Bag, he is one of those featured CLA artist...All I can say about that is I have been wanting a "Real Bag" Since I was a Kid. Now that I am on the other side of a half a Century I can afford it. Very Happy with it as well.













And then the Artist, I can't say enough about Eric's work. He is almost perfect at every thing he touches. He was kind enough to send me a pattern for the patch knife he forged, so I could add it to the bag I made. Humble, Helpful and Patient, just an all around good dude. I am Irish and FK is the Cattle Brand My Dads Family used.

 

[user 48679]

I think you did real fine, making your own bag - CONGRATS ! !

The next bag (and there WILL be a next bag), I would respectfully suggest not using a white thread for stitching (you can stain the white stitches if you want).

However, there's no mistakes, just differences - it's the professionals who need to be mistake-free in order to sell their wares.

Remember, there were few professional bag makers on the frontier, so inexperienced folks had to make whatever they wanted/needed.

I'm no professional, but have made several different bags - this is the latest

This is my first, made 30 years ago

.

 

[Rod Man]

Thanks, first thing my wife said when she saw it was, "That Looks old..." Mission Accomplished! BTW those are Super Nice!!!

 

[Rod Man]

I went with the solid strap because I didn't have a proper buckle. The Buckles at Hobby Lobby were Taiwanese, and made of Pig metal and for a 1.5" forged buckle it was only $5 or so but $10 for shipping. Probably will pick one up someday and change it. It was fun, I learned a heck of a lot. One thing is my leather tools aren't really up to this kind of work so I had to figure stuff out to make it work. I just got a catalog from Crazy Crow they have a lot of stuff to make life a bit easier for someone wanting to do this sorta stuff. Yep, was a good learning experience for sure.

RM

 

[appalichian hunter]

I make all my own equipment (or at least as much as possible) especially the bags, waiting on a net game bag from Hugo, as then I will make the shooting bag to go with it for the fowler, nice job and you made it that's worth a lot.

 

[hanshi]

You really think you've seen and MADE a rough, amateurish, crude, less than perfect bag? Come to my house and you'll see work that could pass as a third grader's project. If I could do work as good as yours I'd be selling them!

 

[Rod Man]

Thank you for the compliment Sir! Much appreciated.

RM

 

[Nazgul58]

Looks nice to me!

Good job.

Don

 

[zerosprk]

I think you did fine. At the end of the day, if it works for you it doesn't matter what anybody else thinks IMHO.

 

[Rod Man]

^ Yessir, I agree. I think what it is though, you see the fine work that a lot of you fellas (like Mr Piertro) do on this forum, (and Man, there are a lot of talented people on this forum) and when one strives to hit that mark and misses or is off a bit it is easy to see. I have no problems with that bag, it’s the first time I even consider something like that. Up until this, the most I have done is sewed leather wraps on my self bows. So, yes Sir!, I am good with it and will sport that puppy like it’s cool next time I play “Cowboys and Indians!”. I am cognizant that there is room for improvement though and I got thick skin, got no problems with constructive criticism either. I learned a lot, perhaps when I get a new 40 or a 54 it will be a reason to give it another go and apply those lessons learned and I’ll have the proper tools. It’s all Good! I’m happy with it. Thanks Guys for the positive Mojo!

RM

 

[Booneliane]

I like that patch knife.

 

[Rod Man]

I like that patch knife.

I know right? That’s Eric, it’s like a miniature pig sticker! It’s a file that he took and worked out. Dude does a lot.

 

[oncewas]

Very impressive. very good work. You should be proud.