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Requirements January 1984 until January 2003

1. Collect samples of five different kinds of leather. Learn the chief characteristics and best uses of each.

2. Make an article of leather which uses as least four of the following:

(a) Transfer of a cutting pattern or tooling design.
(b) Cutting leather.
(c) Decoration of the leather by tooling or stamping.
(d) Applying dye and/or finish to the project.
(e) Punching holes.
(f) Lacing or stitching.

3. Recondition or show that you take proper care of leather shoes or other leather articles such as hiking boots or a baseball glove.

4. Do ONE of the following:

(a) Learn how to tan, cure, and finish leather.
(b) Tan or cure the skin of a small animal.
(c) Plait or braid an article of leather. Make a terminal Turk's-head.
(d) Visit a leather shop, tannery, saddle shop, or a leather goods manufacturer. Find out how they use leather and report what you learned.

Requirements January 2003 until January 2014

1. Identify and demonstrate to your counselor the safe use of leatherworking tools. Show correct procedures for handling leathercraft dyes, cements, and finishes. Know first aid for cuts, internal poisoning, and skin irritation.

2. Explain to your counselor:

(a) Where leather comes from
(b) What kinds of hides are used to make leather
(c) What are five types of leather
(d) What are the best uses for each type of leather

3. Make one or more articles of leather that use at least five of the following steps:

(a) Pattern layout and transfer
(b) Cutting leather
(c) Punching holes
(d) Carving or stamping surface design
(e) Applying dye or stain and finish to the project
(f) Assembly by lacing or stitching
(g) Setting snaps and rivets
(h) Dressing edges

4. Recondition or show that you can take proper care of your shoes, a baseball glove, a saddle, furniture, or other articles of leather.

5. Do ONE of the following:

(a) Learn about the commercial tanning process. Report about it to your merit badge counselor.
(b) Tan the skin of a small animal. Describe th safety precautions you will take and the tanning method that you used.
(c) Braid or plait an article out of leather or vinyl lace.
(d) Visit a leather-related business. This could be a leacthercraft supply company, a tannery, a leather goods or shoe factory, or a saddle shop. Report on your visit to your counselor.