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Posted (edited)

I have a watch strap made from alligator leather that widens half way (see pics), and means that i cannot glide my watch buckle thorough it. 

I've calculated that if l shave off at least 1mm from each side from where the protrusion/bulge starts, it will allow me to punch 3 new holes and glide the buckle to reach the new holes. It cannot go further in than the first line of outer stitching.

I was thinking a beveling tool and then a burnish. But i don't think it'll give me the 1mm-1.5mm i need. As you can see there is a bit of a shine to the edge of the current strap also.

 

How do i achieve this trim and finish?

 

WhatsApp Image 2019-09-02 at 21.38.35 (1).jpeg

WhatsApp Image 2019-09-02 at 21.38.35.jpeg

Edited by dukraf
Posted

That is a really nice job as you have done it. If you shave off that 1.0mm+, it will possibly change/ruin the lines of the strap. Personally, I would consider remaking this from scratch and save this strap to give or sell it to somebody who can wear it as made.

Kindest regards

Brian

 

"Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you are right"  Henry Ford

Machines: Singer 201p, Kennedy,  Singer 31K20, Singer 66K16 ("boat anchor" condition), Protex TY8B Cylinder Arm (Consew 227r copy), Unbranded Walking Foot (Sailrite LSV-1 copy)

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Posted

Hi Brian, unfortunately i didn't make it :unsure: so there's no chance of making a new one. It came as a stock strap on a nice watch. I'm not too worried about the lines of the strap as it'll be barely noticed when wearing as its on the underside of my wrist. 

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Posted

That's very likely a chrome tan leather, which doesn't really burnish.

Those edges are painted. To replicate them you'd need a small quantity of leather edge paint, which is readily available. It's entirely possible to get a good painted edge by hand, but tedious and probably will not end up as nice as the factory one. Every particular paint is different but usually you applies a careful bead of paint to the edge with the point of an awl or pencil, and allows the paint to dry thoroughly. Then the edge is either rubbed with a warm tool or with fine sandpaper and repainted. These steps are usually repeated several times to get a good rounded edge like you have there. After the last coat has dried it's usually given a polish with some beeswax and a canvas wheel.

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