Stetson912 Report post Posted October 1, 2017 Howdy everybody. I've been working on this belt for ages. This is my second go, because the first one didn't work out. But this one is better. Still not perfect but functional. A stout laminated belt (two 7/8oz pieces) with snaps to secure the buckle. I used a 1/2" spade bit to recess the female snap on the back because the leather was too thick to set the snaps haha. It's for my father in law who is retired Navy. He was a machinist mate on submarines. So I thought it would be cool to make him a nice belt with the hull numbers of the subs he was on. A very late Father's day gift. The letters are tooled inverted and dyed black. Edges are dyed black as well. The rest of the belt was sun tanned for 3 hours in the Arizona sun. The buckle is the best part. It's a limited edition full brass buckle with the submariner dolphins on it. My stitching on the back doesn't look good and I need more practice with the awl haha. But anyways... Critiques are welcome. And thanks for looking. PS, thanks to all retired military, active duty, and those who payed the ultimate price for our country, for your service. I respect you all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stetson912 Report post Posted October 1, 2017 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted October 1, 2017 This ol' sailor likes it, . . . good job. Don't sweat the inside stitches, . . . only you, him, and those in his household will ever see em. I might have joined him if I wasn't so "outdoor-sey". When we tested for sub duty back in '63, . . . my personnel folder had a big red stamp that went just about from bottom left to top right on the application for sub duty: "NOT PSYCHOLOGICALLY QUALIFIED FOR SUBMARINE DUTY". I laughed when I saw it, . . . because I was hoping something would open up and make it certain if I was or was not destined to be there, . . . was not, was the answer. Give him a hug and a glad hand from an old Destroyer sailor, . . . and thank you for you kind words. May God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stetson912 Report post Posted October 1, 2017 Thanks Dwight. I admire your work on here and your insight. He was on the decommissioning team for the USS Dolphin (AGSS-555) in 2007. It has the deepest dive record for a diesel submarine. Thought that was a neat fact. Thanks again for your service Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wedgetail Report post Posted October 1, 2017 Great job! He's going to love it for sure! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stetson912 Report post Posted October 1, 2017 Thanks wedgetail. This one fits at least haha. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RockyAussie Report post Posted October 1, 2017 Good job and I don't think he is ever going to need another one in this life time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stetson912 Report post Posted October 1, 2017 Thanks @RockyAussie, he seems to enjoy it. Really everything went together pretty well. The belt he's been using the past who knows how long has been in very bad shape for a while. It's cracking and the once round holes are now oval and huge haha. He's missing a snap and all sorts of stuff. So this one will definitely be a step up. Not to mention it's more than double the thickness which is good as he carries a sidearm and everything else he owns on his belt all the time haha. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
