Suggested Leather Weight for Straps and Needed Tools?

[Vermillion]

Its been a while since I made straps for armour, and the local Tandy closed so I can't just go in and look at what they have, and figure out what I need.

Since I'm going to have to order over the internet, can you guys suggest a weight of leather (and type) that would work well for armour straps?

Also I don't have my tools anymore, so what will I need to order to make the above straps?

Thanks guys !

[Ewen MacSuibhne]

I think 8 ounce is supposed to be good for straps.

As for tools, a decent punch set should be fine, and a strap cutter. Or if you are cheap, just use a regular old razor blade and measure how wide you want your straps to be.

In a pinch appropriately sized nails can work for punches, but it looks very sloppy, and I haven't had good experience with it.

[Cat]

One thing I've found is that the type/size of buckle you're using might make a difference as far as leather weight goes. If the buckle is on the smallish/low profile-ish side, or if the buckle narrows a good bit towards the end, thick leather may not fit in there properly.

6/7 ounce leather is about 1/8" thick (not sure what 8 ounce is). The buckle strap AND the adjustment strap both need to fit in the buckle. If you're using big or wide buckles, it probably isn't an issue.

Cat

[jcesarelli]

http://www.eleathersupply.com/strapcutter.shtml
http://www.horse.com/products/sku-BPN92.html

[Kilkenny]

Latigo has a good suppleness to it and wears well, but on the downside it will stretch a bit. 8 oz is about right for most strap/belt purposes. If the buckle is on the small side you can always thin down that part of your strap.

The best/strongest way of doing straps is to take leather of about 3 oz. and stich two layers , flesh side to flesh side, making a strap that will be about 8 oz thickness and significantly stronger than a one layer strap.