Tips for hiding staples in loops

[Alexis1234]

Any tips for hiding staples? I've owned a loop stapler for a few years and never used it. Now, I'd like to start for certain jobs. I've tried using a gouge, a channeler and the best result I've gotten has been with a razor blade held on an angle. Any tips? Do I need to glue the cut before pressing the loop? Picture is of one strap I used the razor blade on( its stapled)the other is of an antique box loop with staples. The new one is not glued or pressed, I was just trying things out. Thanks for any help!

[bruce johnson]

I am not going to be a lot of help. I watched the old man who taught me a lot do some stapled loops one afternoon. He was cutting the slit with a knife. I can't remember if it was angled, straight, or what. That was years ago and he has long since passed on. 

On a more helpful note...I was just thinking about getting a hold of you. I got some nice loop press dies in an estate shop purchase. There are probably about 40 of them. If you are interested send me an email.  Thanks! - Bruce

[Alexis1234]

Hi Bruce, thank you for the reply. I sent you an email about the dies. The best result with the stapler has been with the knife, but im not sure how others do it. It seems like I over complicate things.

[Alexis1234]

Email: alexisclark@clarkharness.com 

[fredk]

In one of Al Stohlman's books he describes how to do hidden stitching

I guess the same process would do for a staple

As I remember it;

He cut into leather at about a 45* angle, about 1/4 or 1/3 through. Used a modelling tool to raise the cut leather up to clear a space for the stitching. Did the stitching then glued the raised bit of leather back down to where it was. Gave it a good rub down, (burnish) to make sure it was well and truly stuck and that was it; hidden stitching, or in your case, a hidden staple

[TomE]

7 hours ago, Alexis1234 said:

I'm no help on stapling, but I have some questions about the hardware at the bottom right of your picture.  I saw something similar on a German bridle noseband - an oval shaped loop with a spike that was anchored between 2 layers of leather,  I think by oversewing through a hole in the spike.  What is this hardware called?  Do you have a source for it?  Thanks for any information.

 

[Alexis1234]

Yes, its a vintage pattern of layer loop. I haven't seen anything like it offered new from suppliers. However,  they are available as NOS on ebay- see pic

[Tove09Tilda]

8 hours ago, TomE said:

 

Tom, if they ship to the US, Sprenger might have what you are searching for. 
https://www.sprenger.de/collections/geschirrbeschlage

They usually have everything you need for Horsebridles, Harnesses and even some saddle parts. Quality is really superior!