Hey Ace, you might want to try something I've been doing lately (you might already have done so) I've been carving the same design over and over again, focusing on trying to improve with each attempt. Then when I think the one I just did doesn't look too hot, I go back and look at the first one, and I can see where I've gotten a little better.
I'm not totally happy with the roses I've been carving, but the 20th one looks a lot better than the first one! I notice my swivel cuts and beveling have improved since the first one. I'm also learning not to bevel until the leather is dry enough, and that makes a big difference in quality. By nature I'm always in a hurry, so this has forced me to slow down a little, and I get better results.
Like WC said, he's been at this long time, and it sure shows in his work.