A biothane collar I made a while ago in 1inch strap. Its nice stuff but it wont replace leather. I did make a 10 foot strong lead for someone though which was useful.
No dont use a file. I use emry on a flat surface like plate glass. Go on youtube 'sharpening awl blades and then look for Nigel Armitage. You need to spend time on it until it will slide through the leather.
Yes they need to be worked on mate, and when you think its getting sharp try pushing it through bridle leather. You need to polish it to get a mirror finish on it.
Thanks mate, yes I did my own pattern. I wanted to make one a bit wider and come down to a inch and a quarter strap. ive just got some thick card which is better than using paper I think.
Have you been upto anything yourself lately?
I stopped having it when the peddlers and book sellers completely took over. Ive seen the last copy and not much has changed. I found DH to be a nice bloke to talk to and if I had ever dug with him I would like to think I wouldnt talk out of school and slag him off in public in an attempt to make myself look like a real terrier man.