I've watched at least several dozen beginner how-to videos over the last few weeks, and yours is the best that I have seen at breaking it down to the simplest possible form of: start with this, then get these, and you're good to start. Plus, after watching a few too many "masterclass" videos with some slicked-back-hair dude in an immaculate shop with hundreds of tools on the back wall, your laid-back vibe is refreshing (the just-use-saliva tip was friggin' priceless). Nicely done.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Oh rad! So glad you enjoyed the content

...top tip on the cheap pricking irons (4mm). The Leatherman multitool has a diamond file that fits neatly between the prickers. Smooth down the rough edges with the file and then use a strop to polish the points. The pricking irons will be like a knife through butter going in and out of the leather.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Oh rad!

Love your sense of humor and the fact that your not afraid of making mistakes. Thanks for the education.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Great vid. Love the Humour!!

I was lucky AF to find someone just ditching all their gear. Found a free listing on CL by searching for leather, thought it was bs but replied to it anyway, lo and behold a decent starter set of leather crafting tools and some bits of leather to muck about with.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

That's so rad!

You are the GOAT of tool reviewers! Thanks!

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Wow, thanks!

Great info for those of us considering leather craft as a hobby. Thank you. Don’t quit KZread!

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Jason!

Great vid Michael. I think this is an awesome idea. I took leathercraft in high school about 300 hundred years ago and really enjoyed it. This video made me think maybe I should consider dabbling in it again.

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

You totally should!

Great video! Thank you for sharing some of your expertise.

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

THIS WAS INCREDIBLE! Honest very relevant insight on a tool kit. Didn't even realize I needed this video as a beginner until I saw this. Great personality too that keeps you engaged. Thank you for the vid @mgbcustoms!

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

aw thanks man!

Thank You 🙏 and please do not Quit KZread. I know for myself you’re helping me and I’m enjoying your content. Thank You again.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

ok ok I'll keep going. New video soon!

I LOVE that you love your dad❤ what a sweet boy. A mom here, I'm very proud of you, luv.

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Good honest review by a realist with personality. Nothing to dislike here. Hope you didn't quit as I would watch more.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Thank you! More videos soon

This is a good review video, however something in your shop is giving a high pitched inconsistent squeak that makes your audio painful to listen to

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

so sorry! I'll fix that

@monikasturm2575

7 ай бұрын

Lol I thought I had a cricket in my garage that was making this noise while I was watching 😂

awsome video, i have learned a lot, thanks man

@Opensealeather

3 ай бұрын

Glad to help

I really like your videos, you are to the point and there is something to be said about that. Great content and keep it up

@Opensealeather

Ай бұрын

I appreciate that!

You were great in your video for beginners because you were authentic. No, don't stop doing videos. Just do you, be you. I like you.

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

No don't quit. I am learning your video is helpful

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Ok I won't!

Very enjoyable video! I tried leather working many years ago and I have decided to try once again. This was a helpful video for me and I’m sure for others as well. 👍👍😃

@Opensealeather

3 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Thanks for the information

@Opensealeather

Ай бұрын

My pleasure

Thanks for the entertaining video and informative on tools. Thank God I got your real OS wallet in Oahu, HI! It really rocks. Love it!

@Opensealeather

2 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it!!

I really enjoyed your video! Just getting into leathercrafting and this is really helpful. Please keep making videos!!

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

That's awesome! New videos soon

@Kit-Alpha

4 ай бұрын

@@Opensealeather Sweet, thanks!

Very well done video. Thanks.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

thank you!

I'm thinking of taking this up as a hobby (as if I don't have enough!) and found your video extremely useful. I looked at the toolset before seeing your video. You confirmed what I suspected about the toolset. Now that you given us a starter list I thing I'll just self-sources as required. I would love to see a video about the use of a stitching pony.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

I got you! kzread.info/dash/bejne/e36tk5WgftedYbg.html&lc=UgyP38NNnGg_t_83lnR4AaABAg

This was really useful.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

I'm so glad!

The cuticle pusher is great as a glue spreader or an edge paint paddle.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

oh nice! didn't know that

Great video! New to leather work. I have not purchased tools yet. Your video is great! Thank you, Ron

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

I'm so glad you liked it Ron!

Keep doing what you're doing, it's really good the way you approached the making of this video. Very informative and easy to follow. I make mainly Knife sheaths with tooling, it's a not-for-profit hobby for me. I like your style of explaining things.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

actually made me so happy. i bought one of your wallets like 2 years ago and its one of my prized possessions to this day. you said open sea leather and i was like ‘no way this guy is the guy that made my wallet’!

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Haha that's dope!

Keep doing vids! I started leather about 9 months ago, and made every mistake possible, the first was buying an "all you need" tool kit.... surprise! One purse, couple wallets and two knife sheaths later things are slowly coming together........😁

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

That's awesome!

I’m just getting into learning leather working. This was very helpful in deciding to get a kit vs building my own starting set. I will be making my own, I would like to limit the fluff of tools I will never use. ❤

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@larrycumba2741

8 ай бұрын

In tool selection it is helpful to know what you want to make. Simple things like the wallet in the video is covered well. Do you want to tool your project? If so, then other tools are needed. There again it is not necessary to blow a bunch of money to get started. A site such as this is highly recommended to ask any and all questions. The leather community is full of great people that love to help each other.

Ive been watching many beginner tool set videos the last couple weeks. This was very helpful. Im just going to buy my tools separately.

@Opensealeather

3 ай бұрын

Oh good! We have a leather selection video we filmed today. Keep your eye out for it by the end of the week

Yeah, we need a video on how to make the stitch pony.

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Will do!

You are doing fine and have many good ideas. I liked what I saw today and liked and subscribed.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Just found one of your wallets in a random review video. You’ve definitely got glowing reviews. I’m going to have to pick me up one soon. Awesome video. I’ll be dabbling in leather craft myself soon hopefully. Also… for only being 5 videos deep at the time of this video… you definitely seem like you know what you’re doing lol. Hope to see many more videos from you sir.

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@user-ts7hf2cc3y

5 ай бұрын

Supper ❤

16:35 LOL, good job dude ! I am impressed... not really but I respect it and appreciate it.

Thanx!

Carving and stamping veg tan is what got me into leather work. Try it you'll like it.😎

@Opensealeather

3 ай бұрын

Great idea!

Excellent Vid.

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thank you! I really appreciate your views and opinions. Plus your advice. I have decided to rather purchase the tools I will need individually as opposed to a random set. I can then look at the quality of the tools as well. I don't want tools lying around which are useless. A video on how to make a pony would be very welcome. I look forward to your future videos. Regards Mark Maddison, Durban, South Africa.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

aw thanks so much!

Really enjoying these videos. Can we get a “buy once, cry once” tools video? Maybe a top recommended tools type video?

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

100%

Thank you for this good video. I'm not a newbe but this is great for those who are.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Aw thank you!

Awesome video, perfect for beginners like me! I'd love to see a video in the future about tools under $100, or some good types of leather to start learning on.

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

You got it!

@sonicblue20

Жыл бұрын

@@Opensealeather Please also include a section for those who want something under $200! And don't quit KZread :)

@jholden0

9 ай бұрын

​@@sonicblue20docs.google.com/document/d/1Hu_UihZyrHoO6WibYPqc4jkGxmXhL7xlth4mBX7eiF4/edit?usp=drivesdk

Would love to see the what-to-buy at X budget videos if you ever get around to it. $100 seems like a nice entry point, but you could always start there and then include what you would add/upgrade with another $50 or whatever. Thanks for this great video as well!

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Great idea!

Never quit , you've only begun and I'm looking forward to more so .... I need something to do as I go to retirement . lol

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

I won't! New video coming soon

They have other kits. Starting anything I get kits. Electronics I go with a kit f/ Jameco, Chem kits, Light kit for optics and ya know the more you use it then ya can upgrade stuff. At least you learn about the different tools and how they work and stuff. Geology kit when I want to look for gold. Good vid.

@Opensealeather

3 ай бұрын

Thank you!

tip, go get a #3 scalpel handle with a box of blades of 100, altogether mine cost 6 bucks

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Good idea!

Definitely don't stop Utube videos. I like your no-nonsense approach. It's awesome that you're not the... You gotta use this brand cuz I'm paid to tell to. Funny thing was I was recently looking to start a project using leather. My dinning room chairs feel like they're made of concrete. So I want to pad them. I seen a video using cloth. Umm food and drink over cloth. So not good idea. Vinyl looks cheap.. so... Ahh leather !! You can guess my reasons for leather. So I just seem to start very simply and within a few thoughts it turns into a major project. But in my defense of my OCD toward every project. I usually good amazing results that I'm proud of. Ok simple project cover chairs that originally were not covered. OCD project cover seat portion and both sides of the back of chair. Yes if course all in leather. To beat down the price I bought on Facebook marketplace. A 3 cushion leather couch. Spent a whole day removing a gazillion staples form my $50 couch. I seat seems to be the only one the previous owner ever used but the rest of the couch is in very good condition. Honestly probably should've kept it and found a different one or maybe resold it. But what's the fun it that. So I'm now in the planning stages. Original goal was to do as little sewing as possible and still is. The seat portion will be stapled. The back I'm thinking about making a sock and stapling underneath. I have 6 chairs in total but only plan to do 4 chairs. Although being a full size 3 cushion couch. It's only leather were it shows. And the cushions are not separable. Like the cloth type counter part. Hence the 4 chair plan. As for the leather thickness.. it's about the same as a jacket. So I'm assuming it should be fairly easy to work with. Unfortunately the couch has lost awesome leather smell and I have zero clue on how to bring it back. Or if it's even possible. Nonetheless, I'm waiting on a few things to get out of the way first and figuring out the necessary tools I'll need. I'm hoping I have enough large pieces of leather to complete all four backs. If not I'll be making several projects out of the leftover leather. Ok I'm sorry for this novel I just texted you all.

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Good luck with the project!

Another great video! Could you maybe do a video on how to pick leather to use for a beginner/on a budget?

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

For sure!

@AnnieO100

11 ай бұрын

I have a leather love seat couch thats old. I plan to rescue the leather.

Stitching pony would be great to make my own. 😊

@Opensealeather

20 күн бұрын

I have a video on that!

When I began buying leather tools, I invested in Palisanto for edge bevellers. I just felt it was a tool that needed to be high quality. Knives on the other, you do not need to invest. Any knife with the snappable blades is perfect. With regards to glue, I swear by Aquilim 315. No bad smells and never an issue with it holding.

@Opensealeather

Ай бұрын

Great advice!

Can we get a video on that first bag that you made for your dad? Would love to see how it has held up over the years!

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I’ll try and get some footage over Christmas!

I totally have this in my cart lol

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Haha!

Great video. Don’t stop The Tube

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Just lick it bro 😂 that was great made my day! Not related to this video but I've been using your Topsider bi fold wallet exclusively for all of last year and it is hands down the best minimalist wallet design ever made. I'd watch you make your main wallet designs all day!

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Glad you love it!

What about a comparison video for leather thickness/ weight? Which thickness is most common for wallets, watch straps, bags, etc. Maybe, which type of leather works best for different projects. My fear is investing in too much of the wrong leather for the projects i want to create. I have no local shops that sell quality leather, i have to order everything. Thanks for the content!

@Schmodin

10 ай бұрын

I'd also love to see this!

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Will do!

Most ganite suppy yards have samples or scrap you can get really cheap sink cut outs and the like...if you know someone getting counter tops ask them to request the sink cut out then its free.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Totally!

😂 when you licked the edge of the leather, it reminded me of when Ben Abbott first competed on forged in fire and he was running out of time, so he used his nose oil to shine his handle.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Ha that's amazing

Thanks I'm just starting hobby only not looking to get rich.I would sooner spend extra few bucks for quality tools and leather.As far you being a youtuber think your great the honesty is best part.Oh ya like that I can clearly understand your English and you don't mumble like you have mouthful of marbles cheers.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Could the edge skiver be polished with a stropping strap to take the rough edges off the metal? I've sometimes been able to bring my POS back to pretty good doing that. Harbor Freight is good for picking up an inexpensive mallet (with 3 screw-in rubber heads), retractable blades (I always pick up one of the skinny $1 blades while checking out), cork-backed rulers (keeps the ruler from sliding), and cheap wood chisels (for making the long cuts between hole punches to create a clean elongated opening for a buckle tongue). Looking forward to watching your videos about budget tools.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Yeah I'm sure you could sharpen it!

Here are the questions a beginner has: What leather do I buy? What do the weights mean? What basic tools do I need to start? What hardware do I need on hand? What chemicals do I need?

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Vegetable tanned leather. Stiff for wallets, softer for bags. Wallets, 2-3 oz. Single layer bags, 5-6oz unless you want them floppy. Weight is just the thickness of the leather. No hardware is needed and the video highlights the exact tools you'll need!

“If you just kinda lick it, it works really really well”…. 🤣😂

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

FACTS

Hi Michael, great channel and love Open Sea! (Just bought my first wallet!) Is there a set of letter/number stamps you recommend? Idea is to stamp something on the inside of the flap (on the rougher leather). Like an inscription or quote for a gift or an if found Name & Phone #. I’ve seen some expensive brass stamp sets well over $100, and cheaper ones under $20. Is there a set or technique you recommend? Thanks!

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

If its just for a few items here and there I'd get the cheap craft sets

Really enjoyed this. I got started when my wife bought me a similar Amazon kit, then I just kept upgrading. I still use the Stitch awl from the set. Love the videos man. Mind if I ask what size thread you usually use?

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I love 0.6mm for saddle stitching and .08-1mm for the cross stitching you see on our wallets at open sea leather co

@erichaggard9288

Жыл бұрын

@@Opensealeather Thanks! For some reason I’ve struggled with what size to stick with haha, much appreciated.

@adamrobertson2048

Жыл бұрын

​@@erichaggard9288 he uses Tiger thread if you were wondering as well ☺️ Buttero leather one of my favorites 😋

The edge beveller and the pricking irons can be improved by sharpening them with fine grade wet & dry paper; it's easy enough, there are YT videos

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

For sure!

the second you'd said that you loved your dad, a moment later I'd clicked the bell button. Also it was an honest review of what is often crap,nd when I heard the price in US Dollars (I'm a Britt) I near choked on my juice!, Too much for nowt as we say up north (lot o french interspersed...... 8D

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

aw thank you!

Awesome video, subbed! I’ve recently gotten into knife making and have been wanting to make sheaths along with the knives. What type of leather should I use?

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

5-9oz veg tan

@KPWelds

Жыл бұрын

@@Opensealeather thank you!

You should make a video based off of this one. In which you list, in order, which of the tools you kept that you would upgrade. I just bought my first set of basic and cheap leather working tools off amazon based off the recommendation of a different KZread channel. But now I’m wondering what is the order of priority for upgrading my tools.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

I love that idea

8:44 We always use spit and polish on our boots and belts etc.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

hell yeah!

Thumbs up for using metrics :)

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Trying to start a movement over here ha

thank you 5 star

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Nice video young man! I have been working as a saddler for many years, and finding tools that you really enjoy working with can be a challenge. There are quite a few things you can do to improve cheaper tools. I recommend using a bench polishing machine to sharpen edge bevelers, hole punches, stitching forks etc. This gives the tool a good surface and also helps with the next step: Hardening. I always re harden the tools so I know they are both hard and tough (given the tool isn't made out of chinesium). If you have an edge beveler that needs sharpening, I recommend a string rubbed with polishing compound, and then the string is used to strop the beveler groove. Works very well. Greetings from Sweden

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Great advice!

Can you show how you sharpen that skiving knife? Is it different than just using some veg tan and stropping compound?

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

I will! I sharpen with a whetstone once in a while, but will always strop before a project

😆 at the leaking spit from Germany thanks for the vid I got this set and when I opened the box I was like wtf?

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

ha glad you got a laugh

Thanks for this video. Now I'm in a dilemma, do I purchase a cheap set or do I buy individual tools?

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

I vote individual but depends on your budget

Definitely need different price point tool sets!

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

Agreed!

Quick question: Where did you get the hat?

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

It's a little mexican restaurant here in hawaii called Encore!

Make a stiching ponny

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Will do!

5 videos? Na that's not a fair test run. I'd say somewhere between 15 to 30. By that time you will have either got you stride worked out or you will be thoroughly sick of it. Anyhow I think that you did a good job on this one, so no need to give it up just yet.😁

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

I'll keep going! More videos soon

yes Stitching pony

What’s the weight of the mallet that’s actually trash? Is it because it’s too light?

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

I couldn't tell you how heavy but yes it is super light

Sorry, but you lace the needle on the other side or just one side?

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

You thread the needle through the eyelet and then pierce the short end with the sharp end of the needle then pull through.

Show how to make a stitching pony

@ltgornon

5 ай бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/e36tk5WgftedYbg.htmlsi=bYb30pOVVAxpyXqw

Great video and very informative. Thank you.. mybe for your next video you should pay your cricket less cuz he s doing to much in the background

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it!

What's with the Crickets?

@Opensealeather

9 ай бұрын

Not a KZreadr or audio engineer lol

What is your intro song?

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

hmmm I don't even know!

what is that weird background cricket noise that runs through the entire video, are you recording in the woods or is that a mechanical thing? after a few minutes it is all I I heard :(

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

working on sound proofing:/ not a real youtuber yet:/

😂 Lick it before you slick it!! Love it!!

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

hahaha

Lick it, before you slick it! - T-shirt idea. You are welcome for that one!

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

love that!

@stronglikemonkey

Жыл бұрын

@@Opensealeather Keep being you Brother! Your personality will bring your audience. Loving the channel. Binge watched almost the entire catalog so far since Taylor mentioned you in his latest video. Truly great stuff!

Cool video but what’s with the squeaking in the background? Made it really hard to watch

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

crickets:/ working on sound proofing ha

this guy seems to know leather but dont take his advice on metal and tools and tooling😅 you can polish the end of your punch in just a few minutes and you can sharpen your beveler(you have to often even with the nicest beveler)

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

You're not wrong haha

NO

@Opensealeather

Жыл бұрын

Elaborate

@Gbhmagic

Жыл бұрын

no what?

I love the fake hundreds. No truer comment has ever been spoken. Leathercrafters do not make real money.

@Opensealeather

4 ай бұрын

haha