Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Learn how the pros at Weaver Leather Supply break down a side of leather with minimal waste and maximum yield. In this step-by-step shop demo, Jim Weaver shows Chuck Dorsett how to evaluate a side, mark defects, plan eight-foot reins, set up the strap cutter, and convert offcuts into useful parts like tips, curb straps, and keepers. You’ll learn how to avoid butcher cuts and staple holes, why pairing reins matters, when seven-foot reins still save a cut, and how to choose the right part of the hide for browbands, cheeks, and heavy-duty straps.
You’ll learn:
• How to read grain and flesh sides to spot defects and veins
• When to rip a straight edge vs. follow the contour
• Strap-cutter hand placement for clean, consistent widths
• Why pairing reins from the same area yields a matched feel
• Planning for clicker-cut parts and managing waste on the belly
Tools & supplies featured:
Hermann Oak® Old World Russet Harness Leather weaverleathersupply.com/products/hermann-oak-old-world-russet-harness-leather
Master Tool Leather Round Knife, 4-7/8" weaverleathersupply.com/products/master-tool-leather-round-knife-4-7-8
Master Tool Draw Gauge weaverleathersupply.com/products/master-tool-draw-gauge
Chapters:
• 00:00 – Intro & Goal: Breaking down a side efficiently
• 00:20 – First Step: Measuring for eight-foot reins (“make weight”)
• 01:02 – Straight Edge vs. Contour Cuts: When to follow the hide
• 01:54 – Inspect & Mark Defects: Blemishes, veins, butcher cuts, staple holes
• 03:36 – Bench Setup: Trimming tannery staple marks; planning the cut
• 04:24 – Maximizing Eight-Footers: Routing around defects for yield
• 05:55 – Strap Cutter Technique: Fence setting, hand pressure, smooth feed
• 07:34 – Pairing Reins: Matching weight and feel; rubber-banding sets
• 08:21 – Curves & Correction: Turning through bends; rescuing under-width straps as 7’
• 12:29 – Tallying Yield: Eight 8’ pairs + multiple 7’s; tips from offcuts
• 13:12 – Belly & Waste: Realistic waste targets and why they vary
• 14:06 – Material Strategy: Which parts to cut from which areas
• 16:35 – Blocking to Length: Measuring cheeks, browbands, throats, liners
• 17:32 – Clicker vs. Straps: Spacing and waste considerations
• 18:27 – Small Parts from Offcuts: Keepers, tips, curb straps
• 19:16 – Wrap-Up: From full side to handfuls of scrap
Learn how the pros at Weaver Leather Supply break down a side of leather with minimal waste and maximum yield. In this step-by-step shop demo, Jim Weaver shows Chuck Dorsett how to evaluate a side, mark defects, plan eight-foot reins, set up the strap cutter, and convert offcuts into useful parts like tips, curb straps, and keepers. You’ll learn how to avoid butcher cuts and staple holes, why pairing reins matters, when seven-foot reins still save a cut, and how to choose the right part of the hide for browbands, cheeks, and heavy-duty straps.
You’ll learn:
• How to read grain and flesh sides to spot defects and veins
• When to rip a straight edge vs. follow the contour
• Strap-cutter hand placement for clean, consistent widths
• Why pairing reins from the same area yields a matched feel
• Planning for clicker-cut parts and managing waste on the belly
Tools & supplies featured:
Hermann Oak® Old World Russet Harness Leather weaverleathersupply.com/products/hermann-oak-old-world-russet-harness-leather
Master Tool Leather Round Knife, 4-7/8" weaverleathersupply.com/products/master-tool-leather-round-knife-4-7-8
Master Tool Draw Gauge weaverleathersupply.com/products/master-tool-draw-gauge
Chapters:
• 00:00 – Intro & Goal: Breaking down a side efficiently
• 00:20 – First Step: Measuring for eight-foot reins (“make weight”)
• 01:02 – Straight Edge vs. Contour Cuts: When to follow the hide
• 01:54 – Inspect & Mark Defects: Blemishes, veins, butcher cuts, staple holes
• 03:36 – Bench Setup: Trimming tannery staple marks; planning the cut
• 04:24 – Maximizing Eight-Footers: Routing around defects for yield
• 05:55 – Strap Cutter Technique: Fence setting, hand pressure, smooth feed
• 07:34 – Pairing Reins: Matching weight and feel; rubber-banding sets
• 08:21 – Curves & Correction: Turning through bends; rescuing under-width straps as 7’
• 12:29 – Tallying Yield: Eight 8’ pairs + multiple 7’s; tips from offcuts
• 13:12 – Belly & Waste: Realistic waste targets and why they vary
• 14:06 – Material Strategy: Which parts to cut from which areas
• 16:35 – Blocking to Length: Measuring cheeks, browbands, throats, liners
• 17:32 – Clicker vs. Straps: Spacing and waste considerations
• 18:27 – Small Parts from Offcuts: Keepers, tips, curb straps
• 19:16 – Wrap-Up: From full side to handfuls of scrap
