Making a Leather Mask Sling for the Scout Hatchet

Today in the shop I’m making a leather carrying sling for the Plumb Scout Hatchet that I made for my daughter. To see the video we made on restoring the hatchet, and making the Osage Orange handle, click here…
Making a Scout Hatchet for My Daughter • Making a Scout Hatchet...
For the sling, I had a few versions in mind when I did the design sketch in my notebook. My final design was a combination of similar slings that I have seen around.
I started by making a template of the head on paper, to mock up the shape, and then transferred that to the 7-8oz veg tan leather. I cut out, refitted, and trimmed the leather to wrap the head, and fold over to creat a snap closure. I beveled all the finished edges, and then dyed the leather, before burnishing the edges. I glued and secured the front edges, and welt, with contact cement and Chicago screws, attaching the front D-ring at the same time. Then I folded and secured the back closure with two more Chicago screws, the top one holding on the back D-ring. I added the snap, dyed and finished all the exposed edges, and then moved on to the strap.
Figuring out the mechanics of the strap was a little tricky. I cut a 5 foot strap of 3-4oz veg tan leather at 3/4” wide and dyed and finished the edges. Then I used two swivel trigger clasps, and a strap side to make the strap adjustable, and used additional Chicago screws that I modified to fit the thinner leather to secure the hardware.
I used a simple slot technique, cutting into the strap, to let me feed the handle of the hatchet through, to secure it vertically. I oiled everything with Neatsfoot leather oil, and took it outside for a test run.
I’m super pleased with how it turned out, and am sure that it will serve my daughter well as she uses her hatchet on her adventures with Girl Scouts and around the property.
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[@aaronnoffsinger5922]

The split in the strap for the handle is brilliant!

[@user-mk5jj5lu9z]

Привет! Классная работа!👍👍👍 Смотрел и любовался процессом. Спасибо большое за видео!🤝🤝🤝

[@raymondcava4669]

Outstanding leather craft, Great video production.👏

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks for the kind words Ray!

[@karlnash7105]

Nice little project 👌 👍

[@RobanyBigjobz]

Really great work, Shop Elf is very lucky :)

[@ForsytheBushcraftBlades]

Your work, your craftsmanship, and your channel are absolutely amazing and incredibly appreciated. Thanks for what you do.

[@aksalaman4689]

Excellent job. I'm sure your daughter loved it.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks

[@claudedesforges5496]

That a very nice work my friend...

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you Claude.

[@GT_Racer347]

Sweet 👍🏻 👍🏻

[@58dunc]

Great mask setup mate. Well done. Take it easy.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Dennis.

[@benraya9405]

Happy birthday to your little scouter right there. 👏 excellent work, Dustin

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Ben!!

[@jastimbal60]

Very nice job!

[@petebetancourt7374]

Real nice I wish I had two them

[@jamesreed6558]

Artist and craftsman

[@lifeskillsdn]

Excellent work

[@egrojkeltoi6048]

Me ha gustado mucho tu trabajo. Me ha dado buenas ideas, sobre todo la correa para llevarlo colgado. Un saludo desde España.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Gracias por ver el video y los cumplidos

[@HighRoad317]

Great design, great build

[@jamessotherden5909]

Its always a pleasure to watch you work.

[@brandyhouston2105]

Nice. It's a gift too! 🎁

[@sjohnson4882]

Thanks. I learned some things from this.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Awesome!

[@sherwinpalacio3227]

Awesome work!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@XaLoiVlog]

perfect fashion ax. too pretty. thank you

[@ottodydaktyk]

Very, very nice! I'm sure your daughter will like that when she goes camping or hiking. Cheers!

[@PrimevalAO]

Great work! A ton of questions come to mind that are better left not public.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Send me an email or DM on IG and I’d be happy to answer what I can.

[@jasonhojnacki2234]

Think you did a great job

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Jason!

[@corwinchristensen260]

Beautiful work. I know your daughter is going to love it. Personally, when designing a mask, I like to leave the poll uncovered so it can be used as a hammer while the mask is on. I find it provides a bit of additional safety because the edge remains covered when multi-tasking the hatchet in that manner. Well done and thanks.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

I agree, and for all of my other mask, I do the same thing, but I wanted this one extra secure.

[@Donlewis4683]

Philadelphia checking in again. Even with the mistakes faults or whatever you continue filming because in reality sometimes that's what happens in projects. I think that's why a lot of subscribers enjoy your content. "YOU KEEP IT REAL" 😂👍

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Don.

[@beng7923]

There are a couple of things I would've done differently but this really shows- it doesn't matter. You get done what you want to get done your way and it came out beautifully 😍 great job!!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Cheers Ben!

[@jenniferbauman4802]

Good video nice job. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.

[@bjoernandersen8287]

Another great product Justin, thanks for sharing.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks so much

[@axeandturtle]

Great as always!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you

[@1DaramG]

Looks amazing

[@valborchardt3596]

Hello again from South Africa….wow that really turned out great..hope you and yours are all ok. Take care

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks so much Val.

[@sysmith5436]

Nice work, thanks for sharing.

[@nunyabusiness863]

Thanks for posting this. As a diyer new into leather, it was a pleasure to watch and learn.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

My pleasure.

[@willisgemutlich2608]

seriously, her initials are CEO? thanks for informing me, that beautiful tool I have is a strap cutter! I had no Idea what it was for but it's one of those things that's quality made and you just keep it until you know what it's job is... I'm sure you can relate. yard sales and old, quality made tools are just too tempting. easy enough to restore and just feel better in the hands. see you next time... tell your daughter "nice purse" ;) now add a little ferro rod holder and she's set

[@betovelazquez8999]

i8ii iuñitttti ñ

[@willisgemutlich2608]

@@betovelazquez8999 i have no idea what that means

[@cavelvlan25]

¹¹¹

[@cavelvlan25]

¹¹¹

[@laffilmfest3759]

Pretty cool craftsmanship......a lost art!

[@Zoso14892]

I love watching you do leatherwork, the fact it was for your daughter just makes it a little sweeter. Nicely done.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

I’d does! Thanks.

[@kevpinney]

Really awesome man!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Kevin

[@garymyers4496]

She will always remember my DAD made this for me !!!. very good job.

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

The drawing you did is excellent! You are quite the artist!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Chris. I do enjoy doing these type of technical drawings. Helps me wrap my mind around the project.

[@garymyers6128]

Very good workmen ship .loved the way it looks.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Gary

[@sharonshaddix3287]

Fantastic my husband may copy it. He said something just the other day about making a sling for his. Thank you.

[@tonyn3123]

Excellent project. She will appreciate it for years to come. Thanks

[@berlinwebster1369]

thats a awesome ace cover 👍👍👍

[@unfi6798]

A simple yet functional sheath and I did saw the vid when you made that axe for your little angel. Always fascinating watching you work. Hopefully I will have my own workshop soon. God bless you & family. Stay safe matey. Greetings from C.I.

[@stolman2197]

Beautiful

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you

[@winneves]

Always soothing watching you work and I don't know who in the right mind would give this a thumb down..?

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, wether right or wrong😁😉.

[@michalurbanful]

Awesome!

[@billseibel2563]

Perfect project!

[@skyjac92]

Excellent work. Dig the vintage cutter. Well done!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks mike! I got it from a friend I sail with. Used to be on an ocean sailboat in their repair kit.

[@Donlewis4683]

Philadelphia checking in. Dustin you are really talented! You make everything look so easy LOL once again great video and I hope you and the family are well and had a great summer.

[@jamesreed6558]

That is awesome

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks

[@oilburner8548]

First video I've seen on making one of these as been trying to come up with a design myself. The bolts I've used before also known as corby or Chicago screws! Nice work with the grover too a tool I've had trouble with.

[@parquevideo]

A very nice piece of work!

[@bc755]

Very nice. I think adding a small pouch for a sharpening stone would be handy.

[@elvislewis3574]

So fun to watch!

[@garyclemons561]

Very nice

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Gary

[@bobhightower9381]

Nice!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks

[@scottyhughes9179]

love it so much!!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Cheers Scotty!

[@Miguel_ON65]

Hi Dustin. A new and beautiful job from the workshop master. Congratulations my friend. It is a pleasure to see you again. Greetings from Madrid

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Miguel!

[@nicknick1963]

Good job fella

[@scottmcfarland2149]

WOW that's awesome!! Never seen anything like it. Love the idea! 🙏🏻✌🏻

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Scott! It was a fun project.

[@koshergrillboss1355]

It was nice to watch a craftsman at work and remembering the days when I had time for leather crafts. I will definitely review this again when I do find the time to upgrade the few axes/hatchets I have in my tool and camping bags. Thanks for sharing your craft.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Boss!! I have a video on making a mask just to cover the blade as well, which would take less time. Check it out and let me know what you think.

[@FalkOutdoors]

Awsome job💪

[@robdavo411]

Quality job you make it look easy, a pleasure to watch.

[@ESSSSSGEEEE]

Beautiful. You inspire me.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Cheers Chops!

[@willisgemutlich2608]

maybe the little sharpening stone pocket too? never hurts

[@radnazona3979]

Oh so where are you Dustin, you miss me man. I look forward to each of your videos.🤜🤛

[@mikedkc]

Wonderful. Loved the closeup shot at end. Very nice work.

[@hoold01]

Really good work, I was thinking I'd have sown the welt but the posts and all the hardware look super. Thanks.

[@BK33REVIEWS]

That is truly beautiful and you make it look so easy you are a true craftsman love ur vids

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you very much!

[@mannihh5274]

impressive work - she'll love it ! Thread locker is fairly expensive, any silicone or acrylic sealing or even high-viscosity grease (e.g. bikechain grease) will do just as well, you just need to fill the gaps in the thread to prevent it from rattling loose. Smart idea with the slot to stabilize the handle - I personally like a lanyard on my axes and hatchets, so I would attach the second end of the sling to the lanyard. I would chamfer the leather at the butt end too and round off the top back of the hatchet a little more for ease of putting it back.

[@theguywitheyebrows]

the tut i originally used for the sling&mask setup for hatchets got absorbed by a larger dotcom and is now lost to the void, glad you came with this video!! i like the way the slit strap holds the handle, looks great!!

[@1287bigc]

That turned out amazing man

[@oneshotme]

Looks great!! Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@ronitsingh85]

Wow Amazing leather craftsmanship, 100% perfect design and working with leather, so very professional. Never knew slings for an axe existed until now! and that bison dark brown color - perfecto! PS love your delta 14" drill press, its a true GERM!

[@CuttingEdgetools]

Nice Work 👍

[@Donlewis4683]

I'm obviously commenting as the video plays. I cannot believe how tall your daughter has gotten. I haven't paid attention to see if she was hiding in the videos or if she thinks she's too old to do it anymore 😂

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

It’s amazing. I agree😁. She still hides 👍🏼.

[@mowriswesley3808]

Threaded post =Chicago screws. They're great I put a spot of lock tite

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

Great build! I’m about to do my first hatchet, maybe I’ll do something like this for the cover. 👍

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks brother!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Also, that hatchet turned out great!!

[@TyrellKnifeworks]

@@TheArtofCraftsmanship Thanks Dustin! Lots of mistakes were made and learning was done, but it turned out pretty good I think. I'm going camping this weekend so it'll get tested! 😜

[@oscarpuente2029]

outstanding

[@sawyerharris7422]

this is really cool awesome work love the videos, also cool tidbit I've been watching the channel for w few years now but haven't kept up in the last few months, and I made a hatchet and got some leather to make a mask just like this and opened up the channel to find a video you made a year or too doing a similar thing for an axe and found this new (to me) video.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Welcome back Sawyer! Send pics to [e-mail] !

[@shanek6582]

I’ve got a similar deal for a cruiser axe but one end of the leather strap snaps on a loop through the end of the axe handle. Nice set up.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

I’ve seen those also. I pulled inspiration from lots of different version when designing this one.

[@jimcy1318]

An axe for your daughter?, What's wrong with a my little pony 🐎😂 superb little project 👍

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

😂

[@edro3838]

👍

[@jodyfree953]

👍🏻💯

[@MiloKolb]

i really like the sheath designs that cover the whole head, I think ill make one soon. also I'm wondering if you've been to the Tandy shop in person.

[@Tipi_Dan]

I have a lot and for years. Now I live in a remote area and have to buy leather online, which I don't like. The trip to a Tandy leather store is always a joy. The smell, hides, colors, and variety. It's rich. I wish I was in a Tandy store right now.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Hey Milo. I go to the Tandy in Essex on eastern ave. It’s always a pleasure. (That’s the first place I was “recognized” in public😄)

[@msgajhimelret9496]

Very nice craftsmanship; wouldn't water accumulate in the cover?

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks! There is a opening in the bottom to drain.

[@archangelcharlie]

Great video, relaxing and informative - my favorite kind. You're also an excellent draftsman. How did you learn to draw like that?

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Years of practice… and Art school😁

[@mowriswesley3808]

Lots of leather

[@baumstamm6129]

waited so long for that one... how to find the hardwear like the buckle and the carabiners?

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks. I got the hardware from Tandy Leather Factory.

[@zbudda]

The axe sheath has got room for a knife or machete to accompany it, though she might be considered concealed carry?

[@WildAboutBeingOutdoors]

Hey buddy, you sure do beautiful work!! Last year I wrote you a message about if you could make a bushcraft knife for me. Replacing one that my son lost of mine fishing. It was given to me by my grandfather. You told me appsolutely. But I never heard anything else back.I was wondering if you forgot about it. I know last year was Covid and things were terrible. Please let me know if you still could do it for me. Thanks chip

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Hey chip. Thanks for reaching out again. Please send me an email to [e-mail], or send me a DM on IG.

[@WildAboutBeingOutdoors]

@@TheArtofCraftsmanship Hey Dustin I've been trying to get ahold of you I sent you a few emails. I was just wondering if you've been getting them?

[@rmsg7504]

How many hours did the build take? Seems like a long time

[@lancemillward2462]

where is your makers mark

[@garydonnison3836]

Is this for your daughter ?

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

It is.

[@gregchannell1983]

So…Like a hatchet purse??

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

YES!! 😂😂

[@gregchannell1983]

Awesome! Love your videos!

[@Hudson4426]

Too rattly for my taste but very nice work man

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

I can see that. It definitely could be easily adapted to have all leather connections. Thanks for watching.

[@patrickmcbride9841]

1st