Grunt

I recently finished this belt. This kind of pre-production model as I am trying a few new features and finishes. This belt is basically a concealed carry belt. It is constructed from two layers of leather which I saddle stitched by hand. The top layer is 8oz. Wickett and Craig Chestnut bridle leather lined with 8-10oz. Wickett and Craig Natural saddle skirting. Both Buckles are brass and will be included with each belt. The keeper is kept in place with two rows of double stitching. Thanks for looking and questions or comments are always welcome. Regards, Nick

Marlon, Thanks for posting pics of Peter's work, it never fails to impress. Nick

Welcome! I look forward to seeing some of your work. Can't have too many Texans around you know

That is a mighty fine saddle! The best part is the experience of building it and making a new friend at the same time. I'm sure that both of you will remember it always. Regards, Nick

Nicely done!!

Thanks for the kind words. The shark is a little different to work with. It is harder to gouge a perfect stich line due to the large grain/texture. Although when you pull the stiches tight they sink into the leather a little more than they would on veg tan, so it gives a nice appearance. Also in this application it would have to be laiminated to another piece of stiffer leather as it is too flexible to used for structural purposes. Sharkskin really soaks up finishes , the thing that I have tried that I like so far is Acrylic Resolene for a top coat. Nick

Here are a couple of pics of my latest sheath. Another one in full frontal shark. I tried a few new things in the construction,a different thread and some different stuff on the edges(which came out real nice). Even though this one came out OK it is still more of a practice piece than anything else. Thankfully I have a few knives to practice on! Once again a sheath for a Busse ASH1 Thanks for looking Regards, Nick

Very nice work indeed! Welcome to the forums! If you have not seen these websites yet, you may want to look at them http://www.knifemakers.pl/ http://www.customknives.pl/ I found out about these sites from another forum I belong to where some of our members are from Poland. Once again glad to have you aboard. Nick

Here are some pics of my latest sheath. This one is for my Busse Sus Scrofa. The front and belt loop are covered in sharkskin. This is my first sheath with sharkskin. The standard non photographer disclaimer applies. After I had put this one together I was at a boot makers shop and I learned a few things about working with exotics so the next one should come out a little bit better. As far as finish goes, all the leather, including the shark, was dyed with vinegaroon, and finished with acrylic resolene. Thanks for looking. Regards, Nick

WOW!!! Those are an outstanding pair of boots. Very nice indeed!!

Nice work.

Maybe maybe not. Bepends on how bad the leatherworking bug has a gotten a hold on him.

Looks like a really nice pair of chaps! Welcome to the board! It's nice to have another person from west Texas around. I hope to see more of your work! Regards, Nick

Thanks guys! I tell you it is rough making belts in such a strict belt state. We are hoping for open carry one of these days. I honestly don't know how may hours go into stitching one of these belts. I have never kept track. I stitch in the evenings while I watch TV. I know it is a few hours for each belt to be sure, more for the one with decorative stitching. I have gotten faster with my stitching as time has gone on however. If I factored labor time into the equasion I would have to charge a whole lot more. Right now I am enjoying myself and selling a few. I hope to save enough for a sewing machine so I can make things more quickly. Regards, Nick

Howdy folks! Here are two more concealed carry belts I have made up. The plain one is made from W&C Bridle leather lined with W&C saddle skirting and finished with Acrylic Resolene. THe fancy one os two layers of W&C Saddle Skirting with the outer layer dyed Saddle Tan and finished with Acrylic Resolene. ALL of the stitching on both belts was saddle stitched by HAND. And please remember I am not a photographer. Thanks for looking, Nick

Paul, Awesome work as always! Is that knife by Shane Sibert?

Thanks for the pics. You are doing some truly amazing work!! Nick

I just got some really nice Wickett and Craig Bridle leather for making belts and I have a question. I need to know, do I put any kind of sealant or finish such as Neatlac, Resolene, etc. on it or do I just leave it as is? Thanks, Nick

Nice work! Glad to have you aboard! Nick

Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of friendly folks here and lots to learn. Looks like you are off to a great start! Nick

Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of friendly folks here . Looking forward to seeing some of your work! Nick

Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of friendly folks here and lots to learn. Nick

Thanks! For the edges I sand them starting with a meduim 150 grit sand paper and then move to a 300 grit. Going in one direction lengthwise only. I then use a mixture of Bicks4 and leather dye and burnish with a rough cloth. Next comes beeswax which is burnished the same way, I do this at least twice. That's pretty much it.

I am sure one layer of 10oz. bridle will be fine. I make these particular belts with two heavy layers in order to add stiffness and rigidity for concealed carry. Most men's belts are one single layer. Although now, I must confess, I have gotten used to a double layer belt and prefer it to a single layer belt.

Thanks Ed! Yes the belt is approximately 16/20 oz. I am also thinking of getting some of Wickett and Craig's Bridle leather. I think a double layered belt made of some nice bridle leather would be real nice. Please post pics of you belt when it is complete. I also really enjoy pics of your bags. I would really like to make one myself. I just shudder at hand stitching a bag Regards, Nick