Not Sure What This Is Called, But Looking For Some Advice On How It's Done.

[mdbrickell]

Is the main belt cut completely through and the colored material sewn on the back?

[Tugadude]

Yes

[Northmount]

Called filligree

Tom

[Tugadude]

I've also heard it called openwork.

[mdbrickell]

Thanks

[mdbrickell]

Is there a special knife used to cut the openings in the belt?

[TheCyberwolfe]

Just a sharp, narrow blade like an X-acto knife. You can also use a chisel which may help make sure you don't get any loose fibers on the back side.

[byggyns]

There are also filigree blades available for swivel knives. The blade is more narrow and more angled than the angled swivel knife blades. I haven't bought any or shopped for them, so I can't point you in the direction of any specific suppliers.

[Tugadude]

Tandy and others sell them. Going rate seems cheap at $8.00 or so.

[Bob Blea]

Leather Wranglers makes an awesome filigree blade for their knives.

[TinkerTailor]

There are also punches on ebay from china that are all different shapes, squares, hearts, diamonds, crescent moons, etc. These would work great for filigree. Not sure the manufacturing quality, but assuming those punches are good steel, sharp and last(i know, big assumption) or came from a reputable toolmaker, they could be quite useful.

[Tugadude]

TT, that makes perfect sense, good suggestion.