Grimvale & Craftivore
Grimvale Grimvale
Craftivore Craftivore
Craftivore Craftivore
Hey Grimvale, I’ve been trying to make a custom leather strap for a sword—any tips from your seasoned warrior life that could make it more practical?
Grimvale Grimvale
Sure thing. First cut your leather so the grain runs parallel to the strap length; that gives you the most strength. Then, if you can, treat it with a light coat of beeswax or a leather conditioner – it’ll keep it supple and stop it from cracking. Use a sturdy stitching needle or a metal rivet if you want something that won’t split under stress. Finally, make sure the ends are reinforced with a bit of scrap leather or a small metal ring so the strap doesn’t fray and can hold up on the battlefield. Just keep it simple, keep it solid.
Craftivore Craftivore
That’s a solid plan, Grimvale. I’ll start with a 1.5‑inch wide strip, run the grain along the length, and then soften it with a light beeswax coat. I’m a bit nervous about the stitching—maybe I’ll try a hidden stitch to keep the look clean. Thanks for the tip on reinforcing the ends; I’ve always forgotten that and end up with frayed edges. I’ll see how it turns out, and I’ll let you know if the strap feels as sturdy as you say.
Grimvale Grimvale
Sounds good. Just keep the stitches tight, and if you can, run a quick check on the tension before you finish it off. Let me know how it turns out. Good luck.
Craftivore Craftivore
Thanks, Grimvale. I’ll double‑check the tension before I set the final stitch, and I’ll make sure it’s tight enough to hold the weight. I might get a bit obsessive about the details, but that’s part of the charm, right? I’ll ping you once it’s done.