What’s this thing called?

[What’s this thing called?]

I know the device is a tape measure holder. But the metal piece itself surely has a name that I don’t know. I’ve been asked to make a few is these but I don’t know what the metal bit is called or where to find them. 

[Pricking iron vs punches]

I've always used pricking irons and an awl for everything I've made and then done saddle stitching.   I like the end result - the stitches have a nice slant to them, the holes close up and are nice and tight, and the end result feels super secure.  I just wasn't sure if the punch method was necessary or just something to build a brand around.  It seems like its a personal preference.

2 hours ago, fredk said:

There is punching and there is punching.

I 'punch' holes for stitching, but these are holes which do not remove material. For these holes I usually use this, pliers with teeth;

I can work around a project and punch the stitching holes in just a few minutes

Punching which removes leather, eg 1 - 1.5mm holes I keep for using with round lace that size

Fredk - where did you get that slick set of pliers?  One of my biggest challenges is having the time to do leatherwork.  The most obvious time is after my kids in bed but then hammering on leather with a kid in the next room is asking for trouble.  

 

Thanks all for the replies.

[Pricking iron vs punches]

24 minutes ago, Hardrada said:

Examples?

I think it's mostly a looks thing.

this designer calls for punches. 
 

Anything I’ve seen made my Makers Leather Supply that’s hand sewn uses irons and awls. 
 

*I am not affiliated nor endorse Dieselpunk or Makers. Just using examples. 

[Pricking iron vs punches]

I've seen some patterns that call specifically for punching 1-1.5mm holes for stitching as opposed to using pricking irons and/or an awl.  

 

Is there an advantage to this or is it a personal preference thing?

[Chinks]

They look pretty nice to me.  The tooling is very crisp.  Good work.

 

[Cheyenne Holster Border Stamp Wheel]

It doesn't look like that was done with a wheel.  The reason I think so is that there's an impression at 45 degrees to the carving on the corner.  

It is a very nice pattern though.

[Simple Belt]

10oz veg-tan belt. Airbrushed with Indelible brand dye (brunette). Ran a little antique over it and hand stitched the perimeter. 

[A better closure?]

Here's the bag I made for my wife.  Just a simple single compartment messenger bag with a pocket hidden inside.  Magnetic closures.  The bag in question would be similar (I haven't started building it yet) but he wants a handle.  I think I'll integrate both good suggestions and attach the handle to the back of the bag and change the closures to forged brass J-hooks since I don't like the way the magnetic ones showed (but this is what she asked for specifically so....).

 

This bag is 15.5" wide by 11" tall and 3" deep to accommodate her laptop.  I built it inside out and then turned it right so the seams were all hidden (again per request).  The main body is a 4.5oz oily pull up.  The strap is a denser 6oz pull up that I sewed the edges of just for decoration.  The closures are hidden by 2oz veg tan.  Every stitch hand sewn.

[A better closure?]

3 hours ago, toxo said:

Was going to suggest two interlocking angled pieces under the flap but I think you'd have to make em. Imagine two Js, one upside down and interlocking.

That would work too. I can make them.  I have a forge and some light steel or could get some brass.

[A better closure?]

1 hour ago, steven1 said:

You might move the handle to the back similar to a "mail bag" where there would be little pressure on the flap closure.  

I think this is the solution!  Thank you.

[A better closure?]

I have a client who wants a messenger bag made.  He wants magnetic closures but also wants a handle on the top like a briefcase.  I told him that I didn't think the closures would be strong enough to keep the bag from opening if lifted by the handle.  I'm happy to put a handle on (or anything else for that matter), but it will be purely ornamental.  I did tell him that I'd ask if anyone had experience with some closures that would work - so here I am.  He does not want any buckles, all closures must be hidden.

tl;dr:  Does anyone know any hidden closures for a messenger bag strong enough for the bag to be picked up by a handle like a briefcase?

[Sewing external bag seams?]

A machine designed for stitching shoe soles would probably do the trick.  They're made to get into tight corners.  I've never used one though so I could be talking out the wrong orifice.