Wallet looks great! I love the design. I have a love/”dislike“ relationship with zippers. I love the usefulness and functionality they provide. I dislike the installation process. I almost always feel it could have gone better.

I had to watch video twice to see the wrinkles. My point is that they aren’t what you notice when you look at the bag. I noticed a great looking leather bag.

@Dave Magic congrats on gadget bag. It looks great! The welt and piping look wonderful. I can’t wait to see project 6.

@krismana91 I’m glad it helped. Analyzing your own business and adjusting the strategy is always difficult. It is hard to step back and make objective decisions. I’ve found adding structure to the process helps me.

@Anders from Jävlar thank you! This was a fun project. I used 6 mm and 9 mm plywood around the edges. I wanted to make sure it was sturdy and had a lip for the lid. Next version I’m going to try just 9 mm around outside and router the edge to create a lip. 6 mm seems to work well for the top/bottom (large flat areas). I purchased an old Hartmann suitcase and took it apart to see what they used. It’s a combination of paperboard or cardboard, and some plastic and metal in corners and for edges. Doesn’t look like anything I can recreate easily.

@smithdal Thank you! As you can see, I was making up the woodworking piece of this as I went along. And is probably why the suitcase weighs as much as a baby elephant. I’m designing a bigger trunk and I’m going to be more careful with weight.

@andimh I’m sorry I missed this! Thank you! I’m starting to design next trunk. Looking at airline industry for ideas is a great idea. We love Hilton Head. Daufuskie! Not many people even know about Daufuskie and few can claim they have family there. We go there often and find it peaceful and a complete change of pace. Let me know if you visit this area and we can meet up. Again, sorry for late response.

I use W&C English Bridle regularly and love it. If back is finished I usually hit it with sandpaper and use Aquilim. I have never had an issue.

What material are you using for lining? It might make a difference. I’ve used both contact cement and Renia Aquilim 315 with equal success for different linings. I like the Aquilim 315 because it is water-based and doesn’t stink.

Hi Mark and welcome to the forum. I followed you on Instagram and two comments. You have acquired beautiful tools! I have some serious tool envy going on right now. Love, love, love the pink alligator wallet. Phil’s courses are great! He motivates me to keep raising my expext for myself.

@Maru Tuchi I love it! Anything that works is perfect.

Hey Maru! New stamps look great! I like that the “Handmade in Spain” stamp is separate. I wish I would have split my stamp into two. How are you heating your stamps?

Latest row of stitching looks great! I like how the Roke 3.38 and 532 looks. I’ve done what feels like a mile of practice stitching on scraps similar to yours. Anytime I see someone doing something I haven’t tried or read about a different technique I break out the scraps and give it a try.

I think 532 thread and Amy RoKen 3.38 would look great. Here are a couple pictures of a duffle I just started. I’m using KS Blade 3.85 irons and #5 Vinymo thread and casting the stitch. No. 5 is .60 mm so it is close to 532. I haven’t used Amy Roke irons but I’d imagine they are close to KS Blade. Back Are you casting your stitch on back? I was casting on the above images. To achieve consistent stitching I focus on: + cast thread on back when stitch will show and I don‘t want a straight stitch line + consistent hand/arm angles when I tighten - this consistently puts thread in same place in hole. + I pull the back thread tight first, this seats the front thread up into top of hole Edited to change irons to 3.85. I forgot I changed my mind from 3.38 to 3.85.

I like your briefcase. Two items to consider. Both are subjective based on the overall design, so not meant to be a criticism. Thread looks like .8 mm Tiger thread. You could go with a smaller thread diameter and something “softer”, like Fil au Chinois "Lin Cable" Waxed Linen Thread size 432 or smaller. This would change the style some and may or may not work for your customer. The other item I might consider is changing the handle tabs. They look squared off. Rounding the ends or maybe an English point would add a little more visual interest. Two options your customer may or may find interesting.

@Max Sandrone I use a fingernail file for sanding. I can get them into tight spaces. They last along time and they are cheap. Some boards come with a coarse side and a fine side. I think they would work for your edges.

Gussets always make me scratch my head, ponder and question my numbers. I’ve made them short, long and just right. Nothing more satisfying then when your gusset calculation produces a gusset that fits perfect. Your wallet looks great! I use the pointed end end of my burnisher when I want to burnish an edge that is close to something else. I hold it like a pencil and have found I can get into fairly tight places.

Hi Maru, your pouch is beautiful! I love the use of cork! I have wanted to try to incorporate cork into a project. Your project motivates me to give it a try. Thanks for edges information. Good to know to be aware that edges could be an issue.

@Philip Thank you! I appreciate the kind words. I did learn some lessons. The finished case weighs just over 12 pounds! The equivalent Louis Vuitton case weighs 8.6 pounds. I feel the need for a diet before the next case project. More on this thought when I do my project wrap up post.

@Adil thank you for the design. I’m in need of a new wallet and this is looks great.