Hello, my name is Rob and I’ve recently come across leathercrafting as something I want to become more involved in. I enjoy working with my hands and learning new skills. I do a bunch of woodworking with hand tools only and am currently learning how to build a violin with hand tools. I’m seeing lots of cross over between tools and techniques with woodworking.
One thing I like is less dust and less noise. Another feature is the ability to sit in the passenger seat while we go for long drives and sew and have a conversation at the same time. Additionally, in this COVID world, I can sit in the car working on stuff waiting for the kids to complete their music lessons, since I’m no longer allowed in. I’ve done a few kits to begin with to get a feel for it prior to making the plunge and loving it. I’m mostly interested in making small leather goods, up to and including various bags and happy that I’ve come across the video lessons.
Already learned so much in the first one on stitching. Looking forward to learning and creating more. Out of curiousity, if anyone has good recommendations for tool stores in Canada or that ship to Canada for relatively low cost, that would be great. Almost everything I’ve found around here is focused mostly on saddles, stamping and all things western - of course I do live in Cowboy country.
Hello Rob, I am in calgary too and having the same problem finding leathercrafters outside of the western 'Cowboy' goods. have you had any success and how is your learning coming along?
@denalicat Hello Rob, welcome to the forum!
Looks like you are off to a great start here 👍
Thanks Moe for all of the additional information. Appreciate the quick responses from everyone and looking forward to connecting with the community more as I dive deeper into this interesting craft. I started looking at the WUTA tools through Amazon, but the delivery times were a month plus out and I wanted to get my hands on something sooner.
For any others that may be in Canada, some additional information beyond what Moe and Matt have already provided. Online I found https://www.longviewleather.com/, which is about an hour from Calgary, physically. Looking forward to stopping in there one weekend. Also came across the wholesaler in Calgary at https://www.buckskinleather.com/ . Will have to check them out as well to see what they offer.
If anyone is interested in purchasing CS Osborne tools, the cheapest place I’ve seen in Canada is based in Nova Scotia, at https://www.leathersmithdesigns.com/. Prices were about 20% cheaper than what I found locally. Just trying out my first order from them.
Hi Rob,
https://www.oaleathersupply.com/ I really like the leathers that this company has
https://www.lonsdaleleather.com/ Lonsdale in Vancouver has some good leathers too and a lot more accessories, tools and edge paint by Giardini
https://seymourleather.co/ Thanks Matt for the heads up on Seymour, I’ll be checking them out! I like their option for winter shipping as the freezing temperatures destroy glues and edge paint
WUTA leather tools on amazon.ca - Amazon, the old standy. Wuta has some great looking stuff. I’m waiting for my first order to come in.
http://www.warkov.com/catalog/index.php Haven’t ordered from them yet, so I’m not sure of their quality
https://www.nappaleather.ca/ This is a new one for me and I haven’t ordered from them either. Their leather looks to be premium stuff
Hope you enjoy it here, lots of great lessons to learn.
Moe
Hey Rob, OA leather is in Canada and they have a great selection and good customer service. I've bought from them a few times. I also believe seymour leather is in Canada as well, I haven't bought from them but hear good things.