Hello, everyone. My name is Edward and I am from the United States. I first got involved with leatherworking many years ago, when I was trying to get an $80 leather satchel repaired after a few years of use. Because I was amazed that few shops were interested in repairing such a bag, and the ones that were wanted to charge more than the cost of the satchel, I started researching what tools and skills would be necessary to make a similar satchel.
Now, three walking-foot machines, ever-accumulating hand tools, and many years later, I understand why so few shops were interested in making the repair and why the ones that were wanted to charge so much: the requisite work takes time, skill, and patience.
@Edward Hello, and thank you for joining the forum and introducing yourself to us here.
You are right about repair costs! Back in the day I used to do repair work to supplement my business, quoting someone who wants a new handle on their vintage case their grand father gave them was always an eye opener!