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Ask Kevin- How Many Rabbits?

Another customer question for Kevin!

I plan on making my grandfather a pair of rabbit fur mittens. I was wondering if the rabbit hides you sell are real and if they are the same color as wild rabbit? Also I’m not sure how many hides I’ll need for this job. I know how to do this, but any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Here’s what Kevin had to say:

Hello Aaron,

Our rabbit hides are indeed real, and we have ones called “natural” which are the color of a rabbit in the wild.                

Keep in mind that the actual skin of the rabbit is very thin, and not tough at all.  It might be difficult to make a durable pair of mittens from it.  You might have to make the mittens out of cowhide that are lined with rabbit…. In any case, you’d need no more than 4 at the most.

Thanks,

Kevin

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Ask Kevin- Which Sewing Machine??

Here’s another great customer question for Kevin!

I am wanting to purchase a sewing machine and am not sure which would be best. I make some totes, shoulder bags, and smaller leather goods (pocket knife slips and journal covers) using leather that rarely exceeds 4/5 oz. (thus the sewing thickness is usually two layers of 4/5 oz leather). I will probably put only five hours of time on the machine per week.

Do you have a suggested machine that would do the trick?

Thanks so much!

Mike

Here’s what Kevin had to say:

Hi Mike,

For me, it would be either a Cobra Class 20 or a Class 26.  The 26 is a a bit more versatile because of the cylinder arm, and if I could have only one machine, that would be the one that I’d have in my shop.  The class 20 is a small bit less expensive, but in my opinion the 26 is it! 

If you need more info, let me know and I’ll get it to you.

Thanks,

Kevin

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Ask Kevin- Edges Be Slicked?

Often we get great questions from customers. The web based questions are directly from customers to Kevin, he’s always happy to answer! Check out one of the most recent inquiries below:

Hi Kevin!

I would like to have this cleared up so I want to know if the crazy horse leather edges be slicked? I have seen some debate whether this is possible or not. Some say only Horween Chrome XL can be burnished.

I would love your expert opinion

Thanks,
Kelly

Here’s what Kevin had to say:

Hello Kelly,

Yes, it can be slicked, but only with the right stuff.  Various paints can work, and there are other products as well, but they’re not commonly available as yet.  We have several shipments on the way to us from Japan and China  that we intend to add too our line for that very purpose.  I’m expecting to have things in hand within about 10 days.  But as I said, the answer to the question is yes, it can be slicked.

Thanks,

 Kevin