Elk hide strap for hunting pouch?

[phoenix511]

I wonder if Elk hide is too soft and flexible to make a good hunting pouch strap?

I'm finishing an Elk hide pouch, and its very nice and soft. I've used 2-3oz veg tanned leather, but sometimes these straps feel stiff and not as comfortable as I'd like.

 

[rabjr]

I'd only think about it if the Elk leather was Moccasin weight.

 

[Robby]

I agree with Swampy. You can also minimize stretching by running a line of stitching along both edges of the strap. I don't have a machine that will sew leather, so I use one of those lock stitch awls.
Robby

 

[BrownBear]

Been there. Done that. Sort of made it work.

First step is to stretch the heck out of it before you sew it on. I mean stretch it all you can, let it rest and stretch it some more. That helps.

Then make it wide. Anything less than about 2" is going to stretch even more if you're prone to carrying much weight.

All bets are off though if you get it wet, because it's going to stretch some more. I'd definitely include a buckle for adjustment, and figure on punching an extra hole now and then.

there is an alternative I've gone to, but it will test your patience and your fingers. Double it. For a 1 1/2" strap, cut it 3" wide, fold it over and sew it full length. That helps a lot.

If a 1" nylon fabric strap happened to fall into the fold before you sewed it up, that's the best solution of all. :rotf:

 

[rabjr]

Backing it is an option. I've done that. I got some 2 oz cow looks like splits, forgot where I got it but I had laminating in mind when I got it and wanted something thin to help stiffen and strengthen thin leathers. That and a tube of Barge does the job quite well.

 

[Robby]

Even a fairly light strap of elk hide, if stitched its entire length, along both edges, will stretch to the limit of the threads stretchability and stop.
Robby

 

[hoochiepapa]

My dad used elk hide for the strap on his Cabela's Hawken. He carried it that way for several years, until he got too old to hunt. Can't ask him how it held up....

 

[Rifleman1776]

It is soft and it is flexible. If it is "too" can only be answered by you. If you like the results it is fine.
Already mentioned is the 'stretch' factor with elk. It does stretch. I know because I have been able to wear the same pair of elk hide britches now for almost 30 years despite an enlarging waistline. :redface: