akguy59 Report post Posted February 10, 2018 (edited) Good morning folks. I've been a member here for a month or so and have been soaking up all the great information and tips. I do have to say that this forum is populated by some of the most helpful and friendly people of any of the chatrooms that I have looked at. Anyway, on to my question, I have finished the body of a chest type holster and I am in the dark about the straps. I need to know what is the recommended weight of leather for the straps and also a source for them. I found what I think I need at buckleguy.com but I need to know I am ordering the right leather. They are presently out of the 4.5/5 weight which seemed about right to me but if that is the right weight then I may need to go elsewhere. Thank you in advance for your help and advice. Edited February 10, 2018 by akguy59 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chiefjason Report post Posted February 10, 2018 4-5 should be good. I went heavy with 7-8 and it was a bit much. I don't keep that weight in sides so I order them as straps when I need them. I'm 6'1" tall and a men's large, sometimes XL, in t shirt. I use a butterfly looking patch on the back of the rig. Top straps are 23" and bottom straps are 22". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jake907 Report post Posted February 10, 2018 4/5oz leather should be fine for the straps, but you don't have to order them pre-cut. if you don't have a draw gauge you can just use a long straight edge and a razor knife to cut them off of a hide, its usually cheaper in the long run if you can find a side, or a double shoulder to buy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted February 11, 2018 I like 4/5 for my shoulder straps. If you are going to do many belts, . . . straps, . . . etc. might want to think about a leather splitter. Sides, shoulders, all of em run differently, . . . sometimes one end of the hide or side will be thicker than the other end. I got sick of messing with it, . . . got a splitter, . . . now I don't have to try to keep so many different weights of leather. Don't have a 54 inch piece of 4/5 but do have a piece in 8/9, . . . ??? The splitter will handle that right quickly. AND, . . . if you do much in knife sheaths, . . . the cast off can be used as a welt. Milled vegetable tan makes really soft and "easy on the body" shoulder straps, . . . make em a bit wider to spread the weight on the shoulders. All of mine are kinda "long pear" shaped, . . . and are comfortable. Sold two in the last couple months, . . . both customers super happy so far. May God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akguy59 Report post Posted February 11, 2018 Thanks for the advice folks. I found some pre-cut straps at tandy and ordered them this afternoon. Enjoy the rest of the weekend and thanks again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites