Introducing: Damn Yak Dry Goods Axe Holster.

Fresh from the work bench is the Damn Yak Dry Goods Axe Holster. Simple in form, and strong to deliver. These are hand crafted one at a time in super thick 10 - 12 oz. Veg Tanned Tooling leather, upwards to 3/16" thick. There was almost two months in field testing to come to the final product put forth here today. It may look quite simple in design, but there was many needs to be met for such a straight forward application. The strong leather is flat brass riveted on either side by hand through all layers of leather equaling 1/2" thick. The flat rivets prevent marring on your waistband as well as your axe. The holster can accommodate up to a 2" belt. 

The para-cord keeper strap is 550# US made in a deep red colour. The cord lock is a US made ITW Nexus Ellipse, one of the best on the market. When the keeper is engaged rest assured your axe is safe. An early prototype had a leather strap keeper, and some testers liked the security it provided, some thought it was not necessarily required. To come to a perfect balance, para-cord was used as it can be removed if you are so inclined with no outward damage to the holster or can be left and pushed aside for quick in and out activities. The other bonus of the para-cord is its field serviceable. If for some reason it rips or breaks, a new cord and lock is easily installed, without any special tools. The inner diameter of the holster is approx. 2" but can be "ob-longed" up to almost 2.5" x 1". Once the holsters were constructed they were treated with a thorough hand massage of US made and time tested Obenauf's LP for some serious weather protection. 

This Holster does not need to be used just for axes like the Gränsfors Bruks Small Forest Axe which fits perfect, but can be used for almost all hammers, small travel tripods, and other tools that need to be at you side with a diameter of about 2". This holster is a stand up, tough as heck, piece of kit for every outdoors-men. These are available now for $36 US each. Shipping is $11 worldwide. Clicking the Paypal "BUY IT NOW" Button is for single purchases. Hit me up at damnyak(at)gmail.com with any questions, or to order more than one of these bad boys! Thanks for the support.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL FOR MULTIPLE QTY ORDER.

 

Custom Drop Sheaths.

Tim and Chris of COEC asked me to make two different sheaths for their matching knifes.  I am a fan of drop sheaths, their simplicity and lack of snaps and buttons make them fool-proof and durable. These bad boys are made form 10 oz tooling leather. They were wet formed over the knife and then stitched to the backing. Wet forming is when you soak the leather then place it over the item, and stretch it while it dries. I lay it on a slice of log and tack it down tightly around the knife (or any object) while it dries. This insures a custom fit! They leather, after dried and stitched is treated with a blend of waxes. My treatment for sheaths is 65% beeswax, 35% paraffin, this is a good balance of stiffness for the sheath, and for a good measure I threw in a dollop if Damn Yak Pine Pitch Salve for a bit of oil and the grip of pitch. I like the idea of the "Pancake" Sheath, this was the first time making this type of sheath, its tight to the body and does not get caught on thing as easily as a regular sheath would. The initial fit is super snug, but with use they will loosen up appropriately. These sheaths should provide years of hard use and dependability. Can't wait to see them in a 6 months, to see how they have weathered.

Estwing Hammer Rebuild.

I was asked by my Sister-in-law about a month ago to take on a task.  As she reached into her tool box she pulled out a beat up, rotted, grip less 16 oz. Estwing leather gripped claw hammer.  "This was my Dad's", My brother's remark was "Just tell her to get a new one!". As I put my hand up to my brother I ask what she want me to do, her reply " rebuild the grip, he had it for I don't know how many years and I would like to use it again." And so one of my favorite builds to date began.  I have made many leather gripped knives before, and have build some amazing things out of leather in the past 6 years, but none of this caliber, none that have been so sentimental that's for sure. And to see the handle come out of the massive stack of leather was incredible. No power tools were used, it was completely done by hand with no glue in between the stacks of leather. Instead of going into huge detail about the ins and outs, I will just put some comments down under the picture as to whats going on. I did used Spar Varnish on the grip, as raw leather (as beautiful as it would be) my Sister-in-law will actually be using this hammer in all conditions and to maximize the leathers durability I varnished it.  There must be a reason to it, as Estwing varnishes theirs as you can see on the 20 oz claw hammer I was using as reference.

The original I was handed, missing a few pieces, about 50 years old.

After removing end, and sliding over 40 stacks of leather.

Freshly peened rivets, snug tight.

After 20 min of cutting with Olfa knife, using my hammer as guide.

Final rough cut.

After some intense 120 grit sanding.

Final raw hammer, after 400 grit sanding.

Final raw hammer.

About to varnish, this leather was thirsty.

After eight coats of varnish.

Finished, ready to be passed down for many more generations.

Hides In Hand Tour.

Located in Rockwood, Ontario. Hides In Hand have been making superior leather goods for over 15 years.  The company was originally started as Marzo Glove back in the 50’s, specializing in industrial gloves and such. As the need for cheaper work gloves was needed, the majority of manufacturing moved off shore to China and Pakistan, decisions were made and people were brought on board to help save this long time company. They changed focus and decided to make products that would not be interesting, or relevant if they were made overseas. Which brings us to Hides In Hand.

For the past 16 years they have been making a huge array of products, ranging from purses, hats, slippers, traditional moccasins, mukluks, gauntlet mitts, driving gloves, as well as still manufacturing superior work gloves. All made using Moose, Deer, and Bison leather from local hunters that are tanned in a local tannery also in Rockwood. I recently had to stop by to get a slipper repaired, and had the chance to meet up with Hides In Hands creative designer Teresa Paul, and take a quick tour of their fine manufacturing facility. 

As we leave the showroom, we make our way down the “stockroom”, a dimly lit, cold hallway with the wonderful overwhelming smell of leather.  Lined with stacks of finely made everything leather, it was quite a site for the eyes and this was just the beginning. I was guided through the next door, we found ourselves in the main room. Greeted with smiles from the staff, and the curious nose of Moya, “Hides in hands” mascot pup!  The room is filled with a beautifully long cutting table, plenty of sewing machines, a bunch of press cutters and other specific use machines. I was guided to the back of the room, and shown the massive stacks of leather and cutting dies. Piles taller than me, all sorted meticulously by species and colour filled the area in which the cutters work.  A wall about 20 feet long is filled with the cutting dies from top to bottom like wallpaper. Organized by pattern and size.

Teresa explained that everything they get is as local as they can find. Nothing they use is from overseas; the furthest they have had to go for some of the deerskins is the US, but again its bought from the areas local hunters. You can tell in how everything was explained, in every attention to detail that is told to me, that this is one group who is proud of their goods from start to finish. 

As we make our way over to the sewing machines, to see soles being attached to the bottom of the moccasins. The Woman using the machine works it like it is truly an extension of her arms. She zips through the leather like butter and on to the next moccasin, in one fluid motion. From there we moved to the area where the soles are first cemented to the moccasin, before sewn to the bottoms. All hand laid while on vamps to make sure alignment was perfect, from there they are put in the “hot box” to cure, a homemade wooden box filled with lamps to heat the moc before sewing.  They also use the “hot box” for form the completed moccasins on vamps to give them some shape. As we finished up the walkabout, we check out the glove heaters that form the gloves and give them their final shape and make them look pretty.  The heaters look like polished metal gloves themselves that are as long as a whole forearm.

It was such a fantastic and informal little tour of their workspace. As I was getting ready to leave the main room, the staff was sitting down for their coffee break. Again you could tell that the bunch was close, and that they really had a great time doing what they do. With Moya running around letting me scruff her up, I said thank you to the group for taking the time to show me around a bit. The overall feeling of pride and friendliness from the staff was warming. Being such a small hometown place, it’s amazing at the quantities of quality handmade goods this group can put out. With about 16 employees total, they can really turn it out. After saying good-bye and thanks again, I did a quick walk through the fully stocked showroom where I picked up some nice shearling mitts for my Wife, and a pair of Moose suede gauntlet mitts for myself.  Hides in Hands are truly local craftsmen right in my backyard. Their goods can be had at their showroom, on their website, and at many other stores and trading posts across Ontario.  As well my good friends at Canadian Outdoor Equipment Co. carry a full line of the Goods online and both of their retail locations.

Also Check Matchstick Lake's Post on Hides In Hand.

For Sale: Damn Yak Dry Goods Wool & Canvas Possibles Pouch.

 

Damn Yak Dry Goods Co. is very proud to present this small run of Wool and Canvas Possibles Pouches. The Wool was purchased from Johnson Woolen Mill in VT, while on my way to Maine this past year.  The 12" x 7" pouches are lined with unbleached raw canvas, tough as nails!  The brass zipper is sure to provide years of solid use, and sewn with heavy nylon thread.  The twisted leather toggle and D.Y. logo is hand riveted on. The possibles pouch is meant to carry any items you may find essential to you, and to keep them all in one place.  I am using mine as a map case for canoe trips, and during the off season, small gears for day hikes. If you are a cyclist, you could store a inner tube, some oil and a couple tools no problem. The possibilities are endless with a possibles pouch.  I have given a few out and have only four three two left at the moment, with enough material for 4 more in the future.  So scoop one up now, as it might be the New Year till you see the last four.  They are $35, and flat rate shipping is $5 in CAN, and $8 US.  Shoot me a email damnyak(at)gmail.com if you are interested, if you require shipping Paypal only.

Sneak Peak - Men's Long Wallets

Here are some pictures of the new Men's long wallet.  Made from 4-5 oz tooling leather.  It is hand cut and stitched.  It has two pockets inside, and the back has an eyelet to allow the attachment of a lanyard or chain.  The first small batch of these wallets will only be available at Klaxon Howl in the coming week or so.  I will keep you posted when you can head on over and grab one.  In the mean time they still have some of the men's card holders, women's wallets, key fobs, and bracelets! Gosh darn go get one!

Damn Yak Dry Goods Co. Tote.

A couple weeks ago, I was commissioned to make a custom tote/purse.  I was sent a picture of the general size that she wanted, and left it up to me from there.  The entire body of the tote is 5 OZ tooling leather for a rugged bag that will stand the test of time.  the tote was hand dyed and stitched with artificial sinew.  The bottom of the tote was boxed and riveted, and the handles are waxed 6oz tooling leather.  The inside of one grip has a built in Sam Browne Button key holder, as the tote was is almost 22" deep and keys would be easily lost!  It turned out beautifully and will really weather well! Can't wait to see it in a year!

"Woodcraft & Camping" - Bernard S. Mason

Anyone looking for a classic book with small and large projects to make at camp, this really is the book for you. I found this book at a thrift store about 7 years ago, and has been one of my go to books for ideas for easy project. Originally called "Woodcraft" and published in 1939, it was re-released as " Woodcraft & Camping" in 1974. At a thick 596 pages its is chalk full 'o' fun. It shows the outdoor enthusiast how to construct things ranging from wood whistles, bark containers, knives, eating utensils, even Indian head dresses. After a quick search Amazon has a couple for sale so does eBay (1st edition). I suggest you pick this book up, as the knowledge is timeless, and slightly different then the hundreds of survival/camping books out there.

Weekend Wallets

This week I stumbled on a great site called Everyday Carry Via Art of Manliness. EDC words what their site is about as the following:

"Everyday Carry or EDC generally refers to small items or gadgets worn, carried, or made available in pockets, holsters, or bags on a daily basis to manage common tasks or for use in unexpected situations or emergencies. In a broader sense, it is a lifestyle, discipline, or philosophy of preparedness."

While looking in their archive I found a great picture featuring a Billykirk card holder. Looking for a smaller wallet for myself, I thought this fit the bill. I quickly drew up plans and set to constructing it with 5oz tooling leather and artificial sinew. A half hour later it was complete and looked Dynamite! After showing my wife my the finished cardholder and how beautifully simple Billykirk's design was, she asked if I could make a "double wide" version for her with a paper money section. So again maybe 30 min to draw the plan, and 1 hour to make it it was done. Two wallets, two days.

Sami Style Coffee Pouch.

The Sami peoples are the folk who inhabit parts of far northern Sweden, Norway, Finland and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. Their livelihood has and does still included coastal fishing, fur trapping, and sheep herding. Their best known means of livelihood is semi-nomadic reindeer herding – which about 10% of the Sami are connected with and 2,800 actively involved with full-time. They heavily rely on their passed down skills of hunting, Bushcraft, and means of survival. The Sami make a lot of their own items, Boots, clothes, knives, and general dry goods. One of the Sami items aside from their puukko and leuku knives, that has made there way into the Bushcraft scene is the coffee pouch. Traditionally used to hold coffee, flour, or any dry ingredient are now being used to hold tinder for fire starting.

These pouches would typically be made out of reindeer leather, and hand sewn, But now are being semi-massed produced for everyday people wanting to get there hands on one. However looking online at a couple pictures any crafty person could make their own out of some thin leather, or even canvas. I drew up some plans quickly and set to work. I chose a thin enough leather that I could just poke the needle through by hand, and in about 1 hour had my own pouch. The leather was fairly stiff as it is not reindeer, so a rub down with neatsfoot oil was in order. After the oil and letting it soak in the leather was supple and buttery! I have included some pics of my pouch as well as a picture of the pattern. The pattern is a guide as there might be a bit to cut off when you are finishing up one of the seams.

They make beautiful pouches for any item on the trail. I keep my fire starting equipment in it, but might line it with a plastic bag and keep some GORP in it?. Regardless these pouches make very handy, and traditional items to store and carry your dry goods. I hope you make one, and please send some pictures my way!