strap material for hunting pouch

[phoenix511]

What do other pouch makers use for strap material?

I've a nice side of Elk, and it seems like it will make several nice hunting pouches, but the softness makes me wonder how well the straps will work.

Do you suggest using the same leather, or something heavier?

 

[paulvallandigham]

Elk hide is pretty thin, and soft. IF you braid the elk hide, it will be stronger, and make a very nice(attractive) and durable pouch strap, however.
Most straps we see are made of cowhide, altho' the pouch itself may be made from other leathers.

 

[necchi]

Ya, soft Elk can roll and do funny stuff you don't want for a strap.
Some will use fabric or woven strap like Short Arm makes; http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/pp-classifieds/showproduct.php/product/5327
Fabric shops have wide strap by the yard that looks woven in different colors ei;Natural like canvis

I've found cheap $1 used belts at Goodwill stores an such,,you can glue (contact cement) or stitch the Elk to the leather belt if you want the same look and still have sturdy,,I've used same said belts to hold a perimeter shape on the inside top of soft leathers and buckskin, and/or to hold out a bell or gusset,, :idunno:

 

[Glaisne]

Annie McHale has made several beautiful straps for me. Her work can be found at www.ASpinnerWeaver.Etsy.com

She loves muzzleloading folks.

 

[rdillion]

I use 1 1/4 inch belt blanks from Tandy leather.

 

[Glaisne]

Pretty neat idea! Do you tool them or just use them plain?

 

[rdillion]

No tooling. I just dye them or soak them in neatsfoot oil. I've used them for straps on 3 bags that I've made. They work great and are not that expensive. I just buy the longest one offered, can't remember the length, and it is long enough for a one piece non-adjustable strap. If making an adjustable strap I order two.

 

[Glaisne]

Thank you!

 

[crockett]

The other option is to double up the thin leather- you can sandwich a woven jute (upholstery)strap in between for added strength.

 

Some folks like to use a woven cloth strap. There is a fellow on the forum that makes them.

 

[BillinOregon]

I have one of Short Arm's straps stashed for a pouch project. Very strong and tightly woven! I think fabric was frequently chosen for strap material on original bags.

 

[ladysmithtrading]

Ya can't beat a strap from Short Arm! I have used several on pouches and they work very well and are extremely comfortable!

 

[ohio ramrod]

Woven hemp makes a nice wide strap, and gives a good surface for bead or quill work if you have the desire. :hmm:

 

[BrownBear]

I've a nice side of Elk, and it seems like it will make several nice hunting pouches, but the softness makes me wonder how well the straps will work.

In a post on another topic, LaBonte reported that if you pre-stretch elk, it's fine for bags and straps. I haven't built a bag with it yet, but I experimented with his recommendation. Once again, it proves the man really knows what he's talking about. It works!

Based on experience with other leathers, I'll probably make my elk straps 2" wide or so. That has done the trick for me with other soft leathers. I used to double ply it, but that's a whole lot of sewing! :surrender:

I haven't tried a woven strap yet, though I have woven a couple to use that way. Just no round to-its yet.

BTW- For our wet climate I build mostly with oiled/waxed leather from Tandy. It's dandy stuff. Punch here for a look. The dark brown is just right for my tastes.