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A bandolier is really nothing more than a belt with pouches or bullet loops on it. Likely curved where it goes over the shoulder so that it lies flat. I should think there are patterns out there, several on Etsy, but it shouldn't be too difficult to create your own pattern. Start with paper and an idea, move on to a prototype, et voila, you're a bandolier maker. When you say "heads", do you mean the projectiles? Probably expensive in GB, but reloading bullets are available. Or if it' just for decorations, turn some on a wood or metal lathe. It's crafting time!

Ooofff.. My replies have been merged. 🤔 Anyway, I tried on my phone, and got even fewer buttons. And I tried the angle brackets on my laptop, and inserted an html code block, which is not really what I'm after.

@bjr, Thanks for the stories. I sold that saddle about a year ago to a guy in Wyoming. I seem to recall that he knew Mr. Steiner, but I can't find any communication to confirm that. He was sure pleased to get it. Randy

Trying on my phone browser now. Even fewer buttons 🤷 <h1>A title!</h1> The angle brackets next to the smiley face allow me to insert a code block with syntax highlighting. Not really used much on this forum 🤷‍♀️

Home Depot does have them for $32. Definitely not US made. Wiss is part of Crescent Tools now. Using those as a base I could sell the Mega Leather Shears at $100 + shipping. I can't compete with China. That would cover my grind time and materials. Have to figure out a faster method of making serrations. I used a tungsten grinder with a diamond wheel for the prototype. I sacrificed a new, probably Chinese, pair for the prototypes. I'd feel a little bad using a nice older pair.

When I looked earlier, Home Depot listed w22w wiss for around $32. I note that the extra w may be a typo or some cheaper version for Homedepot.

I came across a tin full of spent 17 Hornet cases and I thought if I can find the heads it might be interesting to put some around a hat or maybe make a bandolier. Does a bandolier have a "pattern" or just make it up? Might have some .223 around somewhere also.

I can buy the new WISS 22W's for around $60 wholesale. Not sure where they are made anymore. Might be China. Older, better US made ones are on eBay for usually around $50 plus shipping. I'll make a few pairs and throw them on eBay to see if they get any interest. I like the set I made so much I just thought somebody else might like them as well. I thought about making fancier ones from the older HUGE tailor shears with the more elaborate handles, but there are not as many of those available, and they go for way more money if they are in decent condition at all. I refurbished a pair recently where the lower blade had split on the lamination line between the edge steel and blade body. They turned out pretty well, but I can't adjust the curvature of the lower blade without risking shearing the epoxy holding it together.

Try the brackets next to the smiley face in the middle. I don't think it's anything to do with rank. You have 16 little buttons on top of your editor, I only have 6. Maybe I'm being gypped ...

Beautiful work!!

This is a purse pattern from an old Tandy pattern pack - believe it’s the “traveler” almost done with the double cordovan stitching! I’m probably going with a plain strap but there’s always the urge to do something extra. Maybe a simple border stamped strap.

I carry mine on my hip. I use it for lighter leathers, cutting patterns, snipping thread, etc. Not sure if I would use one with serrated edge. If I can still use then on other things I may go for a set.

Thanks!

I've been seeing a lot of ratchet belts and a few people have asked me about them. My usual comment goes along the line of "I haven't made any and I'd have to do some research on them". So here I am looking into them. I started looking for ratchet tracks and a lot of companies make the ratchet belts but the tracks are really hard to find. I found a couple people selling them on Etsy and Ebay but they are the same brand. I can't find an actual company that sales them directly. If anyone knows of a direct source I would appreciate that info. The tracks that I ordered through Ebay are pretty good and the seller was great to deal with. I gave him a call when I had a few questions and he was really helpful with tips to mount them and what buckles work well with the track. https://www.ebay.com/itm/277241899676?itmmeta=01K0SQE5R03ZHFJ6Y637CP450F&hash=item408ce7aa9c:g:ycwAAeSwrd1oYYOR The biggest issue I have is that I would like to sew them in instead of gluing then in. I used a #23 needle but the track is too narrow for the needle. I also tried using a pricking iron and I don't like how close to the edge of the leather it is. I put one together with just glue as a test. 5oz black harness leather and 5oz vegtan liner. The area that has to latch onto the leather is skived down to a total of 5oz so the clamp can actually close. I'm looking for buckles that can actually close down on 10oz. So, does anyone know where I can find these tracks wholesale? What can I do different, if anything, to secure the track better?

I have old chubby hands and like to cut with scissors. Don't think I would care about the long pair but short scissor I would be interested

Hmmmm I don't have that option. Is there any way I could get elevated user status in order to get the "source" button.

Beautiful workmanship! The white stitching really shows it off.

I have 9” Craftool serrated scissors that I really like for trimming light weight leathers. Tandy doesn’t sell them anymore, so yes, I think there’s a market your serrated scissors.

Top left corner in the box you're typing your reply into. I assumed you were typing up your reply in notepad or something and inserting your tags for bold, italics, header, etc and wanted to paste raw HTML.

Yes, but I don't mind.

Yes. The type of cutting tool depends on the leather being cut, is it not? I use round knives or my most favorite tool, the fixed blade Stanley knife usually but reach for scissors every so often when cutting leathers that will be cut with scissors. To have a pair that cuts thicker leather will be nice.

These look appealing to me. Sometimes shears/scissors seem the right tool.

Yes we do. Yes I known what you mean. The only "good" thing is when using one if you cut yourself you feel it before you see the blood. I almost never carry a pocket knife even through the son buys really good ones and then sharpens them so they are as sharp as a razor. You see the blood dripping on the floor before you feel the cut. Ask me how I know. I must as a giggle try using one to cut leather. kgg

Thanks

I like the old Staney razor knives that retract. One of my favorite Quarter or 50cent purchases at garage sales/flea markets/auctions! I only buy the retractable versions, I have a tendency to want to put them in my pockets.... Do you have garage sales in Canada? Just curious.