I am nearing completion of my “large strop”. I realize more and more - tools are not sharp you might as well give up the craft.... I can’t get mineral spirits here to mix with the “green polishing / stropping compound” (per the building a giant strop video) here in California. It’s illegal here apparently. Home Depot carries it but, not in the Golden State. What would you choose as the replacement to mix with the green compound to properly build the strop? Thank you for your input! Mineral Spirits Substitutes #1: Acetone. For many years, acetone has been a popular solvent that is often involved in cleaners. #2: Denatured Alcohol. Denatured alcohol is also a type of solvent cleaner whose function is quite similar to mineral spirits. #3: Turpentine.

Hello, is the “Greyboard“ that Phil refers to in many videos (I.e. the watch case video for one example) obtainable in the United States? Is it called by a different name? Where have you found it? This is for parts that require “rigidity“ on some projects - but, I believe it is advisable for creating patterns as well - which is what I am after right now. Something more durable that may have more longevity. If not “Greyboard” Anybody have suggestions for what they like to use? Thank you!!! Gus

I usually feel like I have no business being amongst you all. I am a true beginner. Now, I do have some very nice tools and if it were not for having to show progress leading to a finished project one could look at the tools and my wife could look at the expense so far and think I was quite a leather success. My wife and I - and now all of you now know the truth. I think Phil is amazing and I am a very visual learner. Phil‘s style is thorough, calm, well thought out and super smart. I am really enjoying his teaching! So, I have watched many many hours - most courses multiple times... soon, I am going to give this craft an honest go and see if I can’t at least make my wife something that she would love to own. A well executed Turenne bag for her is most definitely a goal I hope to achieve in the near term. By day, I work in Data and Cybersecurity. It is one of those jobs that if done right you are pleased for about a minute and then someone hacks your code. Never being able to say “I did that or I finished / finalized something” going from hero to zero instantly and not having anything to show for your work is maddening. I see leatherwork as an outlet away to really say, I did that. I created this - It is done to the absolute best of my ability at this point and get better and better... and have something to show for your work / time invested - something well-built that actually could last decades... Anyway, happy to be hear. I am happy to be with all of you as this for me will take a village and I appreciate the help and or companionship from all of you while we pursue this under Phil’s expert teaching. Best to all in 2021! Gus

FC Goods makes wallets and small goods using small pieces of vintage baseball gloves. Their Limited Editions go for more than $600.00 i thought it was fascinating as these are being bought (and cost more - because of horrible blemishes, marks and wear) the stitch lines are awful - they may be trying to use original stitch holes but, it just goes to show - they created an apex $5 Million dollar a year business doing the exact opposite of what we try to do - I.e close to perfection - or bespoke. The leather goods from FC Goods would be quite a bit easier for me to make with my current skill level - lol... I thought if you did not know the brand - you might find this reference interesting.