Custom Tooling Patterns

If you're looking to buy a custom saddle, one of the choices you'll get to make is the tooling design you'd like. In a previous post, we discussed the different tooling coverage patterns. Now it's time to discuss the patterns themselves.

Most custom saddle makers have a collection of tooling patterns in their repetoire for you to choose from. These will be the patterns that they've mastered and are usually their original designs or their original variation on a design. Most makers patterns will include flowers  a geometic  shape(i.e. basket weave)  They'll have samples of each design for you to evaluate and choose from. This can be a surprise for some buyers who expect to be able to have an unlimited amount of choices or to be able to create their own unique design.

Some saddle makers will create an original custom design for you, but the costs can be quite high. Additionally, since this is a new design for them, it may not be at the same quality level as their standard designs. So, we recommend that if you'd like a custom design, you first evaluate other custom designs the maker has created to see if the quality will be at the same level as his standard designs.

Tooling themes are only limited by the imagination of the customer or the saddlemaker. Traditionally, however, there have been some common themes used throughout the years. Capriola's, one of the classic saddlery shops, presents a representative collection of stamping patterns. You can also view some remarkable examples of flower stamping housed at the Western Folklife Center.

• Flowers - Flowers are the most common tooling theme, with roses the most popular. Less common flowers are poppies, daffodils, orchids, irises, lilies, and cactus flowers.
• Leaves and Stems - The oak leaf and the acorn are the most common non-flower theme, however a wide variety of foliage types can be found.
• Geometric Patterns - The most popular geometric pattern is the basket weave.
• Barbwire - a popular western theme
• Scenes - Often include animals or scenes of rodeo or ranch life. Less common than the others.

 

 

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