Carl Hayman's "Scarlet Goat" Project

Carl Hayman has mentioned his "Scarlet Goat" project a number of times in the comments section, so I asked if he'd snap some photos and share a write-up of the overall experience. He chose Mechling to do the work, so this should be of interest to anyone contemplating a similar undertaking. I'll turn it over to Carl, then pop back at the end with a remark or two:

The Scarlet Goat

This Bible “reborn” comes courtesy of Mechling’s Deluxe Rebinding package. The Bible began life as an Oxford KJV large print, but after only about five years of relatively easy use, it was having signature issues in the first and last signatures.

Additionally, the factory cover, although “genuine leather,” was stiffer than the proverbial British upper lip. I have heard of soldiers’ lives being saved by their pocket-sized Bibles deflecting or slowing bullets. If that be the case, I would’ve been safe from a high velocity armor piercing round! So, I was looking for an upgrade.

Thanks to this site, I was introduced to (and subsequently bought) an Allan’s ESV, and was forever spoiled. Assuming (correctly) that Mark wouldn’t put a bindery link on here unless it was top-notch, I decided to give the folks from PA a whirl.

To say that I am extremely satisfied would be an understatement. First of all, the package comes with a “2 Week Rush,” and I did indeed have it back in two weeks. You have the choice of several cover colors, several different colors for imprinting, the choice of two ribbons in various widths and colors, and some other niceties. Another price-included feature is raised bands on the spine, giving the Bible a classic look. Other options (with a slight price increase) include double horizontal stamped lines at the top and bottom of the spine, and a cross stamped on the cover, both of which I chose.

The scarlet color is beautiful, and contrasts well with the silver imprint. The leather’s grain feels wonderful, and has that wonderful smell associated with quality. The black leather lining is perfect, and looks great contrasted with the scarlet.

The repairs were done expertly . . . I cannot tell where the signatures were coming apart at all.

I heartily and enthusiastically endorse the Mechling Bookbindery for any of your Bible projects. As for me, I have something blue in mind for my next project, and I assure you it will be going back to the good folks at Mechling.

As an aside, and in case you’re wondering, I call this Bible the Scarlet Goat because that’s how it was referenced on the invoice . . . and once I saw it, the name just stuck.

Thanks, Carl, for the photos and the explanation. I'm glad your experiece with Mechling was so satisfying. As everyone knows, I have a weakness for red, too. My biggest regret about the ESV Thinline I had Mechling rebind way back when is that I didn't specify raised bands on the spine, which I think is essential for the "leather Bible" look. If anyone has questions for Carl about the project, feel free to post them in the comments!

Comments

[matt]

looks very nice carl...the red is tempting. I pre-ordered my first ESV personal size bible and it may be getting a red cover after I get it :)

Did mechling use a red leather lining? or thin boards?

[Carl Hayman]

Thanks, Matt. It is a black leather lining over (per Mechling's website) very thin boards.

[threegirldad]

When I click on the pic of the open bible, all I get is a window with a black background. Is anyone else having that problem?

[dongale]

Ok, two questions...1) The binding is sewn, correct? 2) How much inside margin did they take out? I'm asking because...if I have a Bible with inside margin references, will they get cut off or pinched inside? Thanks.

[PDS]

Cool stuff -- thanks alot for sharing Carl.

[Carl Hayman]

Dongale - 1) Sewn; 2) I can't see that they've reduced the inner margins at all...it looks the same as it always has. I don't believe your inner margin references would get cut off or pinched. However, just to be safe, you could always drop Mechling's an email with your concerns. I've found them to be very prompt in responding to questions. I've also spoken to Al Mechling over the phone, so I guarantee you can speak to "The Man" if you need to.

[Rod]

Looks great. Looking forward to getting my deluxe Chocolate Goat (Cambridge NIV Wide Margin) back from Mechling. Had to be redone.

[Nathan]

threegirldad- I also can't see the link. I added a .jpg to the end of the link and it still wouldn't work.

These images have finally gotten my curiosity up in regards to red-bound bibles.

[Jesus Saenz]

That is a great color! As many black Bibles as I have, I will definitely be interested in having a Bible done in red!

[Nick Mackison]

Wow! That Bible looks amazing. Do Mechling offer a service to change the gilt edge colours? I would like to rebind the TNIV Reference Bible, but it's got silver gilt edge pages which looks naff.

[matt]

mechling does not change gilt edges. Mcspaddens will for an extra $100...it is not the easiest process from what I understand.

[Michael Swoveland]

Carl, it looks like Mechling did a great job on that Bible. I like that you chose a color that is not one of the two commonly sold in Bible bookshops. I also think silver printing on red is an unusual choice that seems to work well, I never would have thought of silver except perhaps on a blue leather. If you do a blue one, I hope you'll share photos here!