Making a Wet Molded Leather Tool Belt 100% by Hand

[@morte100]

The paper trick for the glue up was a brilliant trick. Thanks a million!

[@chrisapattee]

And the paper doesn't stick? What kind of paper is it?

[@bbrachman]

For years I have marveled at your video's camera work. Kayleena is so good at it. It actually makes all your videos better than most in the genre. Kudos to her and her design work.

[@CrimeVid]

Impressive, I have never done wet moulding, but have made sheaths for knives and axes, I like to use heavier thread, cos I like the look of it. The contact adhesive is a brilliant idea !

[@andyhawes3822]

I agree - - very engaging / dynamic and to the point. Thank you Kayleena -

[@BudgetGunsandGearReviews]

GREAT tip about punching your stitch marks partway through the thicker leather and finishing with the awl. And the paper trick is pretty dang useful too!

[@vengervoldur6534]

Thumbs up for the tip/trick about using the of a Sharpie on wet molded leather to create a good reference line to trim to.

[@rossbarker727]

This tool pouch looks excellent. The owner must be over the moon with it. Lovely job and very practical piece which is great to see being made. Thanks

[@robertdelisle2412]

Very nice . I've been a carpenter for 35 years and that part that goes on the belt i would roll to the back and sew it so there fingers don't get caught on it .

[@dormindont1]

Да! Совершенно верно👍

[@Cous1nJack]

About 20 years ago I made a knife sheath with a pocket for a Swedish fid from a charity shop handbag. I drilled each stitch with a 1mm bit. I love the absolute bespoke of this project. No one else uses exactly these tools and wants them in this order.

[@mylastlight]

You can also wet mould your tools!, I use plastic wrap around my tools so they won't get rusty, but for pliers holders works great!!

[@vieuxacadian9455]

A spritz of silicone spray occasionally will stop that . My table saw top is protected by it and hence the inspiration .

[@danielnolasco8018]

What trade do you work in?

[@mylastlight]

@@danielnolasco8018 I'm a carpenter

[@johnnyp2609]

This is the kind of content I love thanks guys😍

[@MountainFisher]

People wonder why I buy cheap Wicket and Craig or Hermann Oak bellies at around 6-7 oz. Bellies stretch the best for molding cases, as simple as that. It is also why you should Never make belts out of bellies. I also have 6 inch long 1.5mm (1/16") drill bit for drilling through thick layers of leather.

[@labrat7357]

Great video, and a great final result. The one thing that really gets to me is the design of the back panel and the belt loop. I know that is what the client wanted. but they would seem to need guidance. There was enough leather in the piece you used to simply fold over a loop all in one piece.Perhaps even fold it backwards leaving a nice smooth entrance and exit from the back pocket.. If it ever needed replacement, just cut it off then make something like you did but you have several years of use with out all the edges to catch on tools. All The best.

[@andyhawes3822]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. So much experience and practical demonstration combined is a huge help and motivation. Keep up the great work - -

[@WseemHourani]

It turned out so beautiful, the veg tan leather looked so nice on this piece ^_^

[@PapaDan]

I’ve been doing stained glass for years. For laying out and pinning the pieces of glass, I use a board called Homosote. Not sure if I spelled that right. Been doing leather work now for about nine months. The homosote works great for a cutting surface and a pinning surface for wet molding. Much easier to pull your tacks out of. Thanks Corter for getting me hooked on yet another hobby. ✌️☮️😊

[@r.casagrande8689]

I'm going to start this hobby this month. My first work gonna be making a double edge razor holder. Hope you have a lot of fun with this hobby sir.

[@stuffbywoody5497]

Years ago I started using nylon kitchen cutting boards as moulds and as a surface for cutting and punching on. It works pretty well and I've never had any issues with form or waterlogging or anything else. I do a bit of blacksmithing as well and make most of my own tools.

[@jkrjhn8]

Great tip using the paper!!!

[@samuraicowboy9605]

Excellent build, thank you.

[@calneitz3681]

Just saying thank you. I made my 1st pair of moccasins and got interested in leather and by watching your videos i got a very cheap set up to do all the sheaths and pouches I'll need.

[@johnnyc.5979]

I watched at 2x cause I just got home from work and have to go to bed before working another night shift. I know, needless information, but I enjoy these videos and feel like I know you from watching all your videos. Anyway, excellent project and workmanship as always, Take care.

[@Stygian01]

I love these videos and thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I was wondering if molding the two pockets on the outside in one piece of leather that is not cut apart would work? Then you would still stich between them, but to have it all in one piece would it be more stable and look cleaner? Just wondering if it is alot harder to mold that way instead of individual or if there are other reasons. Thanks again.

[@hiteshahir2671]

Very good piece of quality. Touch of human hand can do magic. There is no future for machine.

[@maxwelllenz9089]

i’m going to attempt to wet mold a pouch for my speed square this weekend, i have a really generic tool belt (carpentry) that doesn’t have a lot of the features that high end tool belts have (that i would really like to have) I have a lot of sentimental value in this tool belt as it’s the first tool belt i purchased when i had no money and was just starting out. the way i see it it would be a shame to just throw it out and buy a brand new one with all the gizzmos i want. thank you for giving me the confidence to attempt it. going to attempt: wet mold a speed square pouch, attached with chicago screws on the inside of the left main pouch nail gun rafter hook loop sewed to the right rear nylon suspender cats paw loop sewed to outside of left main pouch flat bar loop sewed to the outside of left main pouch attaching “tape measure clips” in various spots with Chicago screws and if all that goes well i’d really like to try a horizontal hammer holster with 2” belt cut outs at 45 degrees

[@SuperMeat83]

this is an awesome little project

[@brockmitchell3989]

I've punched thru about 16oz of leather with my pricking iron by dipping it in beeswax before punching without undue difficulty pulling out the pricking iron. I learned this technique from Tandy Leather instructor online. Wasn't sure if you knew this trick or not, so I thought I'd share it with you. However I like your technique as well. Keep up the great videos, thank you!!

[@doogalloonni]

Great work and very inspirational to a relative beginner. TY!

[@gabbysparks3504]

I know this is an old video but hopefully I still get an answer. Why didn't you put any kind sealant on either side? I imagine with tools and hands constantly sliding across the inside the flesh side is going to quickly start to have the fibers getting rough?

[@николайзубов-ы2ц]

Very neat, good job. I would like to see it again together with the tool, in the kit.

[@shaleary4635]

Love it would love to see more designs suited to a finisher Carpenter. A tool pouch for measuring ie combo squares, callipers, rules and pencils

[@seanwhitaker975]

It looks so great! Did it work out for him and what's it look like now?

[@robertk-qn6mg]

I understand that it would be a nightmare to hammer in and try to pull out of 16 ozs. I was wondering if a softening or "slick" agent could be used to make it "easier" to pull the forks out in that situation? I think one is Tokonol? Put that on the splines of the hole maker and would hopefully make it easier to pull the forks back out? Your thoughts please?

[@farhadfadayi7389]

it is beautiful. thanks for sharing

[@deanharkin]

Great job buddy! I am making an insert for my nylon tool bag that has existing pockets that are sloppy and don't hold specific tools in place very well. A molded leather pocketed piece will keep things organized and in place much better. The reason I watched ur vid was how to do the molded leather; it's more of a process than I thought it might be but now at least I know somewhat how to do that. Very professional looking piece you made there, Xcellent Job!!

[@Blove0130]

You always give your viewers such great tips!!!! Thanks👍

[@55ATA3]

I think that it is very well made and you did a great job. I have used quite a few in my years of work and nothing I was able to buy was even half as nice as this one.

[@seansysig]

Meticulous wet mold shaping really makes a difference in the finish quality. Nice design and fabrication.

[@skully70]

That is the CLC 1501 tool pouch. I've been using it for over a decade. (Replacing it ever other year-ish) and I've always wanted it in leather. The biggest sell for me is the not the belt loop it is the pocket flap. It allows you to stick the flap in your pocket and walk around without having to feed the loop through you belt repeatedly. Now I honestly think I'll give this a try!

[@markcowan3366]

We need an update! I wanna see the patina!

[@sluggo2014]

Can you comment on wetting the leather. Should it be saturated? Let it settle before molding?

[@hughanderson7285]

Yeah, no kidding.

[@Corter]

yep! We've got a few videos about the wet molding process if you wanna search our channel, you want it to be saturated

[@dylanleeevins]

When doing stitch lines as long as those on the larger two pouches, do you still pull enough thread to do the stitch line in one run? I've done it that way on a few axe scabbard and knife sheath projects, and it is somewhat unwieldy.

[@pwman]

Wow! So cool. And great holster!!!

[@nofinishhline]

Awesome. Would love to know how many hours total it took to make this. Just awling through all those chisel holes is sooooo tidious haha. Love it!

[@Corter]

It was about 25 hours total - lots and lots of punching and stitching!

[@davidstatz9087]

Wonderful job, but how can you make any money on an item that took over half the work week to construct??? Though it is much nicer than anything I would ever find hanging on a shelf at a store.

[@nicholaskillmeier4895]

Does someone make a diamond owl that matches up to Weaver's stitching chisels? Any recommendations?

[@DarkenSeyreth]

Wow, that plywood probably cost more than the leather at today's prices.

[@joachimsingh2929]

A full hide here in Sweden costs about 400 dollars.

[@joachimsingh2929]

Oh sorry i meant 800.

[@jozsimovcek30]

3d printer is also an option

[@pameladalton2457]

Are you saying it's better to punch holes on a nylon/plastic pad than wood?

[@bigdaddysherwood]

I make holsters too and chisel through 2 layers of 8/9 oz leather all the time, not all that hard. use a straight edge to hold the leather down as you pull the chisel out, keeps from stretching the holes you just punched

[@VolkerNZ]

As always a nice tutorial. I'm really enjoying your channel. Could you just tell me where you got your snaps done and how many you had to order? Thanks and have a great weekend.

[@seanhayes2998]

Any chance of putting the plans back up?

[@timtim4726]

Will it keep shape if got wet put into water or rain?

[@willemh3319]

could ya do a vid on one needle stitch i am one handed single side paralyzed but still very handy with the right side

[@seratonia1]

Thats fabulous

[@trahtrebor]

I love it. I especially like your instruction. I could build this using this video. And like everyone, I have a preference. With mine, I'd like a back that rises approximately 3/4 of an inch above the top. Then fold backwards all the way to the bottom giving it a two layer back. Then a stitch going across about 2inches from the top for a belt loop just big enough for a belt. If that makes sense. Ive always had trouble finding a small pouch that I can remove tools from the front pockets without using both hands, which is necessary for me as an electrician. Apouch that hangs way lower than the belt tends to pull outwards and up, or the leather gets soft and just folds up. Very nice. Thanks.

[@Esuper1]

If you cut the wooden forms from a piece of wood with a drill and jigsaw and keep the female side you can just sandwich the wet leather in between for a perfect wooden mold and you avoid all the nailing and shaping by hand. Much less wasted leather also. Cheers

[@sirtagada]

I made my own carpenter belt and for more strength I haven't done any sewing at the bottom of the pockets but more like a one piece back and front, saw together on the sides and it's much stronger, don't have to worry about any hole at the bottom specially when you have screws, nails etc in there, or sharp tools ! But this one is pretty nice for workshop tools pouch !

[@ClanAllta]

Where can I find that diamond awl? I just started leathercraft and have the same chisels but need to be able to pierce thick layers

[@Bodom1after1midnight]

Final product looks awesome, biggest concern would be if sharp tools, chisels, knives are put in the larger pouches, there's very real potential for them to just slice the stitching for the smaller pouches apart from the inside as its all exposed

[@proamericanstoptyranny1260]

Love you vids. Im new to leather craft, what stitching chisels do you use

[@РомаРома-ч8х7с]

Hi, what is thickness ? And how did you prepared before? As i understand you mouistured before mold...right?

[@alphazuluz]

This will last a long time. I am a super amateur leather worker. I make knives, so I occasionally make sheathes for them, and have made a handful of gun holsters, belts, wallets, etc. I am also a carpenter, so I decided to make some tool bags (that’s what we call them, “bags”). I made one out of leather, one out of nylon (I also sew and make outdoor gear, much better at that). I’ve now been using the two bags for four years. The reason I made one leather and one nylon is I wasn’t sure which I would like, and which would hold up better given the brutal Pacific Northwest weather, which I work in every day. Four years later and the leather bag is the winner. They’re both still going strong, but the leather is much nicer to use. It is pretty ghetto looking, but it works great. I expect it to break down at some point. I just treated it with Mink Oil when I made it, and that’s it. It has gotten mildewed over the years of being constantly wet. I should have cared for it better. Basically, my point is that if my rickety leather bag, with zero rivets, and almost zero care, has held up to four years of abuse in the Pacific Northwest as an outdoor carpenter, your bag will last 15-20 years being on a tile guy indoors. He will cherish that thing. This has inspired me to make a new set. Also, as others have mentioned, next time make the backing extra tall and fold it back to make the belt loop. That way you don’t have catch points when putting tools in and out. Also, make the belt loop wider so it is less likely to swing on your belt. I made my belt loop pretty much the entire width of my bag.

[@sobeidacastro2339]

Beautiful work Thanks you

[@СергейБахин-к1з]

Просто ПОТРЯСАЮЩЕЕ изделие !!!

[@haroldwmustainjr.5885]

Very nicely done

[@gabrielsainz5433]

That is very cool work!

[@katcankan7129]

Wow l bet he was pleased with it Corter. It would be nice to see what it looks like in situ with his tools in it 😊

[@tonylatham5915]

Thanks for posting this. I've done wet molding but never like this with one side molded and mounted on a flat. I guess it's time for a new cell holster. ;)

[@michaels.8663]

Beautiful!

[@philippemartel6923]

Top job, mate, I'm gonna make one for me. Perfect tutorial, thanks.

[@Joshua_Tymchyn]

If it's not good to use your stitching tools directly on the wood, how would you recommend making products like this on a regular basis? Would simply putting the rubber board on top of the wood work?

[@Corter]

There's a cutting board in the first link in the description - punching into delrin or HDPE is best to keep your chisels sharp :)

[@antoniagorska1333]

Great video. What type of leather is this?

[@YeahThatllDo]

It would have been nice if you'd have given us any details about the wet moulding process, hot or cold water, soaked in, poured or dabbed on...

[@dusanradojevic6255]

I do this a little bit different, but the point is the same.. I use aluminium forms, with heaters inside it.. Its done in a minute, and its good for almost all types of leather

[@davidfennelly8385]

That turned out sweet! Nice job man love it! I'm a cabinet maker laminater trying to learn leather work, thanks for sharing your expertise

[@djtopherau]

defiantly gonna try this

[@anthonyrolen3702]

This is much nicer than anything I have owned, and it is gorgeous, but working in the field, for me personally, I would have preferred the two snaps to hook on the side of my body instead of the tool side. I would be concerned about any tools I pull out of my pouch hooking that leather and breaking loose the snaps. I would like to say I really appreciate yall's videos though, I am a beginner trying to learn the ropes and you are one of the channels I enjoy most, the tips you give as you create your pieces based on your experience are incredibly helpful, so thank you!

[@TheKevinAdventures]

I know where you're head is at but the snaps will wear out over time causing them to not hold as tight. With the loop going in towards the body as the snaps loosen the pouch will un-snap itself as it swings away from you and you'll have to keep doing them back up or keep installing new snaps. My first leather project was a tool pouch to replace a nylon one with a velcro closure I kept blowing through. I made it last Oct/Nov and I did the snap loop in towards my body and I've had to replace the saps 3 times so far as they loosen and just don't hold as the pouch swings on my hip. I don't want to sew on the loop and be forced to thread the pouch onto my belt every time I want to put it on or take it off at work. I've been considering the loop off and putting on one just like this or figuring some way to do it with straps and buckles. I honestly think this is the compromise that's made though to to have the ease of snaps.

[@anthonyrolen3702]

@@TheKevinAdventures if that is the case, could you make the tail a hair longer and leave what is basically an additional flap in the back to tuck the tail into giving you the best of both worlds? No snag for the tools or on your body? Granted it would add a slight thickness to the back of your pouch, but you could account for that in your wet mold base by making it one leather thickness taller

[@johncooper430]

Super. I learned a lot.

[@Anonymous-ff5wr]

I would love to do this but don’t have the patience very nice

[@chrisdemeglio7983]

Excellent work. Can you tell what you use under your work for your punch pad. It look like it's burgundy plastic. Also, where did you get your designer rivets. Hard to make out from the video. Been looking at your videos, great work. You make it look easy lol. Thanks

[@Name-ps9fx]

I assume you wetted the leather before tacking them down? I don't know how to do "wet molding", and had hoped to learn about it...but it seems you didn't show the complete process.

[@carlrockaway1696]

where did you get your logo stamp at? I have been trying to find a place to make me one?

[@ApostolicGrandma]

Very Impressive! you make it look so easy

[@charlesschmidtke8427]

That’s a great pouch.

[@adywahab4589]

Which mm tool are you using for punching holes

[@ernieengineer3462]

Beautiful work! Great video. Editing perfect! Thanks for posting. Just subscribed.

[@joarmstrong65]

iv been searching for a good place to find snaps like that for months. bought some from several well known places and have never been pleased with the end result. im specifically looking for something that would go thru about 12 ounces. any clues?

[@ediliocantu7954]

Very nice work I'm going to make one you gave me lots of good ideas I love your work thanks for the video

[@AndrewV-tm7ys]

What oil did you end up finishing it in? I have found that I do not like the neatsfoot compound and need to find a better alternative for keeping it natural without dye.

[@ryanmcewen415]

Never use the compound myself. Go Pure neatsfoot oil. If you can find the traditional style thats even better. Although many don't like the smell of traditional Marrow pressed neatsfoot instead of the more modern tallow made neatsfoot. Although these days I'll admit I have been using Pure cosmetic grade "Sweet Almond Oil" more then anything else.

[@Corter]

I use mink oil and aussie conditioner from Fiebings :)

[@AndrewV-tm7ys]

@@Corter Thank you for the reply! Do you give it a coat of mink oil then seal it with aussie? Thanks!

[@AbdulBasitKhanvlogs]

Can we wet mold from chrome tan?

[@SamPapa333]

Can you wet mold thinner leathers? Not like veg tan leathers, but the thinner ones, I don't remember how thin it was but by the look from KZbin videos with veg tan leather I would say about half as thick as veg tan is? Maybe its the kind of leather made for making gloves...

[@jameswakham]

Do y’all take custom orders?

[@lindawill7343]

So do you make them and sell them. If so how much.

[@jonathan-george]

Hi..firstly I love your videos and get a lot of inspiration from you..can I ask if you use a computer program to design your pieces and if so which one do you recommend?

[@TravisFoxTN]

Hello, I’ve tried and tried to get the needle and thread link for this project to load, but it won’t. Can you please tell me which needle and thread you used for this? Thank you

[@JaredRandal]

Awesome tool belt!! What awl are you using? Thanks!!

[@Corter]

it's just an old awl I actually got at a flea market about 15 years ago, it's my junk awl I punch into wood like this so i don't mess up my nice one :)

[@soulsolutions3999]

I dont know why but I was jonesing for a visual with all the tools in it!

[@miguelprudencio2350]

MUCHAS GRACIAS POR SU MAS FINA ATENCION EXCELENTE TRABAJO

[@Orphanlast]

you got yourself some fancy equipment.

[@jamescardy131]

this is badass!

[@berdangoktan8161]

HI, HOW CAN I GET THE PATTERN OF IT...KIND REGARDS

[@augie818pcs]

What style of stitching did you do

[@samuraicowboy9605]

Just 1 thing, would like to have seen the pouch with it's contents. As I'm a carpenter and wish to do a similar build myself, top build.

[@aurorasalinas1215]

Nice work sir