farmkidkoko Report post Posted October 9, 2013 Hi everyone! I could use a little help, if you please. I just bought a bunch of hair-on straps and want to make them into belts. (I'm thinking to basically just add conchos and rivets to them.) I might be crazy, but I didn't think there'd be so much hair shedding going on. Haha! Anyway, there are a few questions I have with regards to finishing the belts. 1. How do I slick the edges? Ordinarily I bevel them and then use my edge slicker, but I'm thinking that will increase hair loss. Is there a better way to smooth the edges? 2. I use Super Shene to coat al my belts once they're done. I plan on still doing that to the backs (and possibly edges) of these belts. Is that a good idea? 3. Is there anything I should be doing to the hair to "finish" it? I obviously don't want to go putting Super Shene on it - I can envision the disaster that would be - but do I just leave it au naturel? Thanks, everyone! I appreciate your expertise! Miranda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted October 9, 2013 If you bought the hair on straps from Tandy that they are currently selling, My personal opinion for what it is worth is that they are not heavy enough to use as belts themselves. If i were going to use them as belts I would laminate them onto a leather strip at least 5-6oz. Then treat the way you would any other belt blank. I was thinking of getting some however I would cut them into smaller pieces and use them as inlays like the attached picture. However I prefer to use calf as it is shorter and seems to shed less. This is not expertise just my opinion based on my experience. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
farmkidkoko Report post Posted October 9, 2013 Yeah, I live pretty far from the nearest Tandy, so I ordered them online, and was thinking pretty much the same thing when they showed up in the mail. Guess I should've waited 'til I could go and see them in person! Live and learn! I have one person who wants it as is, so I guess I'll forge ahead and try it anyway. The worst that can happen, I guess, is that it doesn't work out! But the inlay looks pretty cool, so I'll have to try it that way, too. Thanks a lot for your input, Camano! :-) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
