Handmade leather pipe pouch, the early years

[Lostmason]

I read an article about using wd/40 to soften leather made me think of glove oil, for baseball gloves,might make it more supple.

[Lostmason]

The stitching and alignment on this one are so sloppy and poor that I wouldn't even give it away. It works as a prototype/lessons learned I guess. Will let you know if one works out at some point. I like the concept, but the execution needs major work.

I really like this one, looks more personal and stylish.

[Gunther7912]

I'm not sure if it will help or not but when I played baseball and needed to soften a new glove I would rub Vaseline on it and then put in a warm oven for a bit then wipe off the excess. Worked like a charm for me.

[Billb1960]

Hey Tim, as we discussed by PM my Dad did leather work as a hobby for quite a few years. He had the same issues with stitching as you so he got one of these:

http://springfieldleather.com/42795/...iam-pt%2C6Png/

Much easier and faster than an awl. One shot with a rawhide mallet and you get 6 perfectly aligned holes.

[Cardinal]

Hey Tim, as we discussed by PM my Dad did leather work as a hobby for quite a few years. He had the same issues with stitching as you so he got one of these:

http://springfieldleather.com/42795/...iam-pt%2C6Png/

Much easier and faster than an awl. One shot with a rawhide mallet and you get 6 perfectly aligned holes.

Thank you! I just got one of those a couple weeks ago, and it makes an enormous difference especially with the softer leather. Where before the leather stretched and keeping a straight line was almost impossible, now I can punch really nice, tidy lines. I still enjoy using the awl on veg-tanned leather, but the chisel is great for the softer stuff I've been working on lately.

Speaking of, here's my latest iteration of a roll-up. I got a really awesome, pliable, distressed leather and worked on fixing the flaws from my prototype. I got my measurements about right and I'm happy with the results. That top flap folds down for protection and the whole thing rolls up pretty tight.

[Branzig]

Speaking of, here's my latest iteration of a roll-up. I got a really awesome, pliable, distressed leather and worked on fixing the flaws from my prototype. I got my measurements about right and I'm happy with the results. That top flap folds down for protection and the whole thing rolls up pretty tight.

You're pumping these things out like a boss!

I dig the doubled-up storage pouches on this one. Ever thought about trying to line the inside of one of the pouches to hold raw tobacco?

[Cardinal]

You're pumping these things out like a boss!

I dig the doubled-up storage pouches on this one. Ever thought about trying to line the inside of one of the pouches to hold raw tobacco?

I haven't really. Now that you mention it, I'm having trouble picturing how to do it. I could line one of the pockets with a thin, smooth leather and add a flap. That would probably work better on the first pouch I made. If you have a vision let me know, I'd like to improve on these things.

[Branzig]

I haven't really. Now that you mention it, I'm having trouble picturing how to do it. I could line one of the pockets with a thin, smooth leather and add a flap. That would probably work better on the first pouch I made. If you have a vision let me know, I'd like to improve on these things.

I guess I envision something like sewing 9 mil plastic into the inside of one of the pouch. I think that would work well. Then you could just dump whatever blend you wanted to smoke that day straight into the pocket and away you go. The 9 mil is thick, so it would hold humidity fairly well and if you roll the pouch up tight I think it would seal off fine for at least your day out and about.

The only other thing I could think of is sewing in a latex bag inside the pocket as well. I think higher end pipe pouches have latex liners in them...

Just spewing out ideas from the top of my head here

[Cardinal]

I guess I envision something like sewing 9 mil plastic into the inside of one of the pouch. I think that would work well. Then you could just dump whatever blend you wanted to smoke that day straight into the pocket and away you go. The 9 mil is thick, so it would hold humidity fairly well and if you roll the pouch up tight I think it would seal off fine for at least your day out and about.

The only other thing I could think of is sewing in a latex bag inside the pocket as well. I think higher end pipe pouches have latex liners in them...

Just spewing out ideas from the top of my head here

Thanks, that's a good idea and I think it would be pretty easy to add. I'll try one like that.

[Emperor Zurg]

Just my 2 bits...

I don't like latex. It's great at first but it has a tendency to dry out and crumble to dust over time. I hate that. I'd go with the thick plastic. Would be awesome if you had a heat sealer and could heat-seal a seam just inside of the stitch line on each side. You could also try leaving a plastic flap sticking up on one side, then maybe a guy could tuck the flap down over the top of the open end and slip it between the plastic and leather so it would help keep the baccy from spilling out.

Just a thought anyway...

Another thought: have you considered some other leather than cowhide? Pigskin is pretty supple and goat skin even more so. Might make for a less bulky roll. I believe you can get whole pig hides, tanned for pretty cheap.