Bart Collar

[Mijo]

Nice point and I would agree on a horse harness and even a tree strap but I know that your shoulder will be dislocated before that dog collar breaks if your dog pulls that hard.

I was going to make the same comment that Tree Reaper made, b/c I also saw that mentioned in the same sewing book. However, I think your probably right that it's not likely that the collar will fail b/c you sew perpendicular to the length of the collar. IMO, the collar almost looks unfinished when you don't sew that line. Your collar looks great, by the way...

[bentley]

Your collars and leads are beautifully done. There's only one thing that I would change... Those cool looking spikes could hurt the dog that wears that collar.

I would switch from those pointed spikes to a flatter diamond or spots. Dogs try to scratch around or under their collars, and getting a sharp spike in the foot would not make for a happy dog.

Other than that small detail, your work is really nice. Thanks for sharing.

I understand your position, just making what the customer ask for, get very few request for spikes actually and I think they use them more show when walking their dog, not an all day collar. Thanks for the comments and compliments.

Mark

[bentley]

I was going to make the same comment that Tree Reaper made, b/c I also saw that mentioned in the same sewing book. However, I think your probably right that it's not likely that the collar will fail b/c you sew perpendicular to the length of the collar. IMO, the collar almost looks unfinished when you don't sew that line. Your collar looks great, by the way...

Thank you for the comments and compliments. Tree Reaper does know what he is talking about and I think I will make some adjustments, perhaps a much longer spacing in the stitch that is perpindicular so it still has that finish look with less damage to the strength. These collars are mostly for show off, have not sold this design to anybody using this collar for hunting, tracking or pulling dogs such as Pit Bulls, not even sure leather would be the right material for such things, see more seat belt material for those.

Each time you make something you learn something new it seems when working on individual projects vs. mass production stuff. That is what makes this Forum work so well and fun.

Mark

[Tree Reaper]

Mark;

I totally agree with you on the strength in the stitching, I don't think it will be a problem but as the collar gets wet and it penetrates those areas it could weaken the leather over time.

Considering a dogs life span I don't think it would break in that time.

If the dog spent a lot of time in the water it might be more of a concern.

Kevin

[McJeep]

Question on the d-ring "tab" stitched on to the collar. I've been doing some with a similar lining layer on them and used the lining layer to hold a d ring captive at the top of the collar but the d ring goes around the entire main piece of leather vice stitched on with a tab. Your way is much nicer looking, not to mention there is no way I could do that wide a collar with a 1 3/4' d ring wrapped around the main body - would look like a fitting on a boat!

So have you done many with this design, and has that method of attachment for the d ring held up alright? Just a bit concerned about the strength factor - I know you mentioned that it's more for show, but I like the detail and was curious how it stands up with shall we say *excitable* dogs LOL

Nice work BTW!

[bentley]

Mark;

I totally agree with you on the strength in the stitching, I don't think it will be a problem but as the collar gets wet and it penetrates those areas it could weaken the leather over time.

Considering a dogs life span I don't think it would break in that time.

If the dog spent a lot of time in the water it might be more of a concern.

Kevin

Thank you for the input Kevin, I may have come off a little cocky to your first post, my apoligies and I respect your opinions.

Mark

[bentley]

Question on the d-ring "tab" stitched on to the collar. I've been doing some with a similar lining layer on them and used the lining layer to hold a d ring captive at the top of the collar but the d ring goes around the entire main piece of leather vice stitched on with a tab. Your way is much nicer looking, not to mention there is no way I could do that wide a collar with a 1 3/4' d ring wrapped around the main body - would look like a fitting on a boat!

So have you done many with this design, and has that method of attachment for the d ring held up alright? Just a bit concerned about the strength factor - I know you mentioned that it's more for show, but I like the detail and was curious how it stands up with shall we say *excitable* dogs LOL

Nice work BTW!

I have not had a failure with the D-ring yet and have sold/given away many to Boxer owners which have been pretty good sized pets. Been using a small piece of rawhide inside the leather loop to give it some added strength, seems to be working. I also have a D-ring down by the buckle and use copper ritets and glue at the buckle. Some owners do not want that center D-ring because they say their dogs are pullers and they don't want the buckle in the dogs throat. That is what is nice about custom work, they get everything they ever wanted but could never find at a big box store, have not received any complaints from owners yet, knock on wood.

Thank you for the compliments.

Mark

[McJeep]

Rawhide re-enforced ... cool idea Yeah, custom is cool that way - gotta get some "off the rack" stock built for the quick sales now thought

Thanks guy - great lookin stuff