Leather ? Mast protection

[Swg]

Hello, the shackle pin on the throat block has payed havoc with the mast. I will sort the pin by replacing with an appropriate size machine screw but want to protect the mast and cover the damage. I can't see wood filler matching well enough so thought about a leather collar for the mast - any thoughts, including where to buy leather mail order and (presumably) lacing technique?

 

[Rum Run]

From distant memory, you will want either vegetable tanned or chrome tanned cow leather for weather resistance, some waxed linen thread, two suitable needles, a pair of smooth pliers, an awl and strong fingers. I seem to remember also that the correct method is called baseball stitch. YouTube will probably be your friend in seeing how to do that part.
Some people use a row of tacks to hold the leather the leather on, which is reckoned to be a rot trap.

 

[DoubleEnder]

Always lots of useful off cuts on ebay

 

[Tranona]

Sailmakers are a good source of leather off guts and thread as they use it for chafe protection. Chromed leather is normally used but that is grey. You might also try Traditional boat supplies who may stock the brown variety.

However, the permanent repair is to glue a graving piece in the damaged area. If it is a long gouge then routed it out and gluing in a spline would work.