Tips for hiding staples in loops

[fredk]

I was thinking a matt cutter might work

It cuts at a fixed 45* and you can set the depth

[TomE]

On 10/15/2025 at 5:33 AM, Alexis1234 said:

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

Thank you for the explanation.  A different type of layer loop than what I see in the Beiler's catalog.  I am working my way through Preston's book - finally located a used copy - and enjoying learning about the terminology and construction methods.  

On 10/15/2025 at 5:51 AM, Tove09Tilda 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! 

Thank you.  That is some nice looking hardware.  I'll probably wait until our trade wars subside to inquire about their US sales.

[jcuk]

On 10/14/2025 at 7:54 PM, Alexis1234 said:

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!

I knew I had seen another way here it is. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3QZ1tHEvSU

Hope this helps

JCUK

[Mulesaw]

Perhaps it could help if you moistened the leather before cutting the slit and then did the stapling while the leather was still damp.

I have never stapled anything but paper and wood, so I am just guessing here.

Brgds Jonas

[Samalan]

In the woodworking world, they make a tool called a butt gauge, which you could come in from the side, probably 4 or 5 inches, and a small, custom-ground blade could be easily fitted in that cross beam, set to the depth, and cut away. That would be a simple tool to make.