Good Looking Dopp Kit

[solloron]

So I saw this dopp kit that I think is really good looking

http://www.contextclothing.com/item.php?id=1315

But the price is a little too high for my tastes. How hard do you guys think it would be to DIY. It cant be that bad right? I dont know I've never really worked with leather. Any thoughts or insight would be great. Or if you've done something like this before let me know. Thanks!!!

 

[Spivey]

I have an older version of the Duluth Trading Co.'s toiletries bag. The new one looks pretty nice. Award winning, apparently. However, it's not as stylish as the link you provided....

 

[Jooky]

If you have something like a Tandy Leather store near you I would imagine that they could show you everything you need to make this yourself. I would guess that for the size that probably has about $10-$15 worth of leather in it. Buy a utility knife to cut the leather and a punch to make the holes to lace it and you are most likely looking at around $30 all together to make it yourself. I mean hell, there aren't even any grommets, snaps, or buckles on it, there is no stamping or tooling of the leather either. This is as basic as leatherworking gets. If you really knew what you were doing when it came to leather working I bet you could even add straps or loops on the inside to hold your razor or toothbrush or whatever.

That said, I do like it, it is very simple and clean looking. Personally I would prefer it in black with a buckle strap instead of the tie around, but that's just me.

If you don't have a Tandy Leather near you, they do have a website. Just do a google search for Tandy Leather.

 

[solloron]

If you have something like a Tandy Leather store near you I would imagine that they could show you everything you need to make this yourself. I would guess that for the size that probably has about $10-$15 worth of leather in it. Buy a utility knife to cut the leather and a punch to make the holes to lace it and you are most likely looking at around $30 all together to make it yourself. I mean hell, there aren't even any grommets, snaps, or buckles on it, there is no stamping or tooling of the leather either. This is as basic as leatherworking gets. If you really knew what you were doing when it came to leather working I bet you could even add straps or loops on the inside to hold your razor or toothbrush or whatever.

That said, I do like it, it is very simple and clean looking. Personally I would prefer it in black with a buckle strap instead of the tie around, but that's just me.

If you don't have a Tandy Leather near you, they do have a website. Just do a google search for Tandy Leather.

Thanks Jooky!!! Another question, What kind of leather do you think they used? And also is there a better leather that will age well and be able to take wear and tear?

 

[Jooky]

Thanks Jooky!!! Another question, What kind of leather do you think they used? And also is there a better leather that will age well and be able to take wear and tear?

I am not a leather expert, but I would guess that the kit in the picture is maybe 4-5 millimeters thick. That would make the leather used somewhere between a 10-14 ounce leather. In my non-expert opinion that should be a sturdy enough leather to last a lifetime with decent care. It would be easy enough to make in a thicker or thinner leather as you would prefer though.

 

[Austin]

The stitching looks interesting.

 

[seadug]

I ordered a Tandy catalog yesterday. Just read an article on wet molding leather too. The wheels are turning. Guess this answers the other question I had.

 

[insomb]

I heard kangaroo leather is the toughest. They sell it a Tandy, it's more expensive though.

 

[markb]

So I saw this dopp kit that I think is really good looking

http://www.contextclothing.com/item.php?id=1315

But the price is a little too high for my tastes. How hard do you guys think it would be to DIY. It cant be that bad right? I dont know I've never really worked with leather. Any thoughts or insight would be great. Or if you've done something like this before let me know. Thanks!!!

I love the minimalist design but I have to agree, that price is a little steep...

 

[solloron]

I love the minimalist design but I have to agree, that price is a little steep...

I would say it is more than a little steep. Thats why I want to make my own. Plus than it has that sentimental value to it as well

 

[Jooky]

I would say it is more than a little steep. Thats why I want to make my own. Plus than it has that sentimental value to it as well

If you really want to give it a try I would suggest getting a piece of poster board and cutting it out. That way you can tweak it to YOUR specifications without ruining some good leather. Then, once you find out how you want it to be, you have a template to trace out on your leather. It will also let you know exactly how much leather you will need. All it is is one piece that's been folded and then stitched together. I think that after going through this thread I may have to give this a try myself.

 

[Leche]

That's a cool looking kit, I like the raw minimalist design. As has been pointed out, the price is ridiculous. A local leather worker would be able to whip that up for well under half that price.

 

[solloron]

If you really want to give it a try I would suggest getting a piece of poster board and cutting it out. That way you can tweak it to YOUR specifications without ruining some good leather. Then, once you find out how you want it to be, you have a template to trace out on your leather. It will also let you know exactly how much leather you will need. All it is is one piece that's been folded and then stitched together. I think that after going through this thread I may have to give this a try myself.

Thats a great idea...i would have gone ahead and tried it with leather...this makes much more sense...Thanks!!!

 

[mliguori]

I heard kangaroo leather is the toughest. They sell it a Tandy, it's more expensive though.

I was unaware that they made leather out of kangaroos...

 

[arghblech]

Some call it "spartan" or "minimalist". I call it a beginner project with an enormous price tag.

 

[Dewaine]

A nice alternative:

http://www.amazon.com/Premium-LEATHER-Shaving-Toiletry-Handle/dp/B000WB07S2/ref=pd_sim_dbs_a_2

 

[seadug]

Well I just got home and looked in my archery gear. I have enough brain tanned deer hide to make a bag. This leather is very soft so I will most likely try making one that can be rolled and tied. I made 3 plains Indian style quivers a few years ago. I laced them together with the same leather as the quiver cut in narrow strips. I used spiral lacing in punched holes. The lacing needed to be 3x the length of the sides. I will try to post some pictures when done.

 

[solloron]

Well I just got home and looked in my archery gear. I have enough brain tanned deer hide to make a bag. This leather is very soft so I will most likely try making one that can be rolled and tied. I made 3 plains Indian style quivers a few years ago. I laced them together with the same leather as the quiver cut in narrow strips. I used spiral lacing in punched holes. The lacing needed to be 3x the length of the sides. I will try to post some pictures when done.

That would be great if you could post pics and maybe mention some important things to look into when making something like this...Thanks!!!

 

[dpmtherrien]

It looks good, but man that buck ten is awful high.

 

[doesnotcompute]

I heard kangaroo leather is the toughest. They sell it a Tandy, it's more expensive though.

I was unaware that they made leather out of kangaroos...

Used in high end motorcycle leathers - it has high strength and abrasion resistance than cow hide of the same thickness. Which is good in situations where you need flexibility and protection.