As a struggling young novice rodeo competitor in the late sixties, I couldn't afford a pair of chaps for competing in the rough stock events.  Being of Scottish ancestry, I decided the most economical way of acquiring a set would be to make my own. After some research, I became friends with the manager of a local Tandy Leather store and bought my first basic set of leather carving and stamping tools. I proceeded to make my first pair of chaps, as well as a trophy belt, with my name carved (not stamped) in the back. (see photos) By the time I attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie, I had improved my skills to the point that my rodeo team-mates and fellow school-mates started giving orders for trophy belts, chaps, and purses and wallets for gifts for family members; This proved to be a big help in supplementing my finances as a "starving college student"; Leather work continued to be an avocation through the years, with it becoming more and more of a vocation as time went on. After a move to Arizona in the 90', my leatherwork became a major part of my life, in addition to being a Western retail store manager, cowboy poet and storyteller, and pursuing my love of the authentic old West. I now specialize in authentic recreations of 1880's-1890's leather goods, particularly holsters, gun belts, gun buckets, wrist guards, etc. that appeal to Cowboy Action Shooters and others wanting to recapture the flavor of that period in our U.S. history. While this is the primary focus of my work  these days, I will be happy to create whatever custom work that will meet your needs. Please call so that we can discuss how I may best be able to help you in obtaining custom crafted leather items that will bring you years of enjoyment and use.