5The Leatherman's Protocol Handbook is not only about some of my personal journey since 1968, when I was collared to Master in "Old Guard" days, but also the changes that have occurred through the decades since then. A lot of our "Old Guard" leather history is documented in this book. It contains the protocols, positions, hand signals, and defines the differences between rituals, etiquette, and protocols. Included in the book are copies of ceremonies such as the gauntlet ceremony, various collaring ceremonies and the ultimate cover ceremony of Jeffrey Alan Payne, IML 2009. This book is not meant to be the bible of protocols but the documented history of my life with the "Old Guard" protocols that I personally can attest to through my journey. It will define the various leather titles and how they were achieved during those early days in "Old Guard". Much of this book has never been written about but only talked and fantasized about. Now, here is the documentation of what I lived for all to learn from. It tells of the hierarchy that once existed among the leather organizations. I discuss how to train a boy and how the "Old Guard" shows respect even to today's title holders and events. It also explains many of the military to leather protocols and compares them so all can understand how and why they existed. Since those early days of leather many things have changed. We lost so much of our history due to the HIV, HEP C and the Crystal Meth eras. For the first time we now have it all in one place with references to those early days by someone who has survived to write about it. Learn the three "S"s of leather life and watch how it will change your life forever!