Up coming "How to\'s"

[Decimus Apollonius]

Paullus,

As far as leather tools go. I have found you can never have too many lol. However a good start up kit would be like this one. http://www.geocities.com/legio_tricesim ... rtools.jpg This is a kit that on RAT member has for making Caliga. He has a leather punch, cutting board, Bee's wax for waxing thread, heavy duty leather needles and a good leather glue. I like to use sinew for thread but that's me. He also has Awls, pencils and razor / hobby knives. Then of course leather. If you have never worked with leather before get some cheaper stuff to play with first, then the nicer stuff. Leather is pretty forgiving for the most part.

One tip I can say is to make sure you have a very sharp knife and punch when working with leather. If you don't you will end up with a real hard time and sloppy edges. I would say for a Caliga project you will probley go through 3 hobby knife blades.

Another tip: When sewing leather before you punch hole or use an awl to push hole, lightly mist the area you are going to work on with warm water from a spray bottle. Just until the leather gets a little darker. This will make the work a bit easier as well as keep the leather from tearing(if your using thin stuff) as easy. Remember to wax, wax and re-wax that thread while you are sewing it will make life alot easier for you.

Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like. I have worked with leather a good bit and can at least get you through the basics.