Making a simple leather guitar strap

Making a couple of guitar straps. These are a simple leather project. No glue and no stitching necessary.
I am always working on building something and try to average a KZbin video once a week. Most often leather work, but I have also posted videos on black smithing, knife making, casting, and even how I make soap. Be sure to Subscribe if you are interested in any of these topics, or just making things in general.
Useful leather work tools and supplies (Amazon affiliate links)
Perma-lok needle for braiding and lacing: amzn.to/3q2Lfgi
I also use a lacing fid: amzn.to/39fK9XU
The tool I use to cut lace: amzn.to/35sWQxc
Hand stitching needles I use: amzn.to/39ivStf
A nice set of pricking irons for punching stitching holes: amzn.to/35snEhj
Edge beveler: amzn.to/3bliXtr
Gum tragacanth to burnish edges: amzn.to/39a62ri
Round knife I used before I made my own: amzn.to/39iw7o9
Wing divider: amzn.to/3nt77jd
Rawhide mallet: amzn.to/2MSCkjr
Strap cutter: amzn.to/3q6aluU
Barge contact cement: amzn.to/35Hylgb
A more respiratory friendly glue: amzn.to/3bpsJuv
Basting tape: amzn.to/39kVFRw
Books and patterns I use (Amazon Affiliate links)
How to make holsters by Al Stohlman amzn.to/3putSFr
Holster and gunbelt patterns amzn.to/3ovqj0m
Pancake holster pattern by Slickbald amzn.to/3ouWA7B
Leather braiding by Bruce Grant amzn.to/3oxGU4l
Forge parts and knife making supplies (Amazon affiliate links):
Respirator: amzn.to/39lEgbL
Cartridges for respirator: amzn.to/2MOBnZk
High pressure regulator I use: amzn.to/38sc3jZ
Pol adapter (connects regulator to propane tank: amzn.to/2MJFUfn
Cut off wheels for angle grinder: amzn.to/35lCQwD
Flap disc Grinding wheels: amzn.to/39fLspM
Epoxy I have been using: amzn.to/3nx2t3L
Surface conditioning belts: amzn.to/3nuWH2C
Hand sanding paper rolls: amzn.to/3nqql93
2”x72” ceramic grinding belts: amzn.to/2XqAyIa
3M trizact belts: amzn.to/3ovIVOy
Drill bits for tougher steels: amzn.to/3bs9H6G
Way too much Ceramic fibre insulation to build forges: amzn.to/3nsyhqA
Rigidizer for ceramic fibre insulation: amzn.to/3nvv61p
Hardness testing files: amzn.to/3bpttzN
Amazon affiliate links for video gear
A useful tripod: amzn.to/3r0OJAX

[@GreatJim54]

Thank you. Great video. I’m thinking of making a strap for a friend as a gift. I like this design. Simple and functional. Lots of room for personalization.

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevinsporre8711]

I like it! Great video

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Thanks!

[@milom.2057]

Excellent video! This was exactly what I have been looking for. Thanks!

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@milom.2057]

@@bransonsgeneralstore My. Brother plays guitar/bass and something like this will be the perfect gift. Again, excellent video. Keep them coming please.

[@milom.2057]

Hello. Just wanted to double check. The leather used in the video is 6oz?

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

@@milom.2057 6-7oz should be a good thickness for a guitar strap.

[@milom.2057]

Thanks for the quick reply. I’ve a double shoulder that is 5-6oz. In your opinion, this ok or too thin?

[@alanallcock9718]

You make it look so easy. Great job

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Thanks for watching!

[@markb3129]

Looks great! Color is awesome.. ✌🏻

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Thank you!

[@kcg3927]

Nice job...

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Thank you!

[@johntyson9102]

I have injoy watching the video what size pin punch shutdown I use

[@MsCellobass]

Nice!

[@erichallen6359]

Great video. What would you say your total cost to make one would be? Assuming you have all the tools already? Thanks!

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Mostly depends on the cost of the leather you are using. Really only takes a couple of square feet. A double shoulder that you could cut maybe 5 of these from is currently about $100-$110. So I would say $25 each or so. Stain and finish adds some cost, but a bottle of stain goes a long way.

[@darrenswan728]

Great video do you have a link for the larger alphabet stencil I can't find any large lettering stencils anywhere

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

That is an old Craftaid from Tandy. They don't sell it anymore. If you search for "Craftaid 2707" you might be able to find someone selling one on eBay or Etsy. There also is, or was, an Old English 1 3/4 letters Craftaid.

[@neesbushcraft]

Great video! I saw the long piece is about 40 in long. How long is the smaller skinny piece? 🤔

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

About 16 inches will work for most straps. For the big guys you can make things longer.

[@MESABOOGIE01]

What do you call the tool you used to punch those oblong holes down the back of the strap where you can adjust the strap, and what size is the punch? I’m new to leather carving and still practicing carving designs and letters on scrap leather for now until I feel ready to try a guitar strap.

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

That tool is just called an oblong punch or a bag punch by older leather crafters. That one is 1 inch long. You can also just punch two holes and cut the leather out between them, but the right tool makes the job quicker and easier.

[@SuperBluesman1967]

Hi there, where did you get the letter set from? I'd like to make my own guitar strap. Thanks.

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

If I remember correctly I used a craftaid from Tandy for those letters. It is an older one I don't know if it is still available. You can also just print out letters in a font you like and trace them with tracing film then transfer them to the leather with a stylus point.

[@haydenjohnston3973]

Hey man, did you list the measurements or do you mind listing the measurements for the pieces needed (length) thank you sir!

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Main part of the strap was 40" long and 2 1/2 or 3" wide. The smaller adjustment straps are about 16" long.

[@mikepower4113]

Great video. Could I ask where you got the letter stencils? They worked out well.

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

It is a Craftaid from Tandy leather. I am not sure if that particular one is still available or not. Springfield leather company also sells their own version of Craftaid called CarveRites.

[@mikepower4113]

@@bransonsgeneralstore thanks

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

You're welcome!

[@rachelsveen453]

Hi! What's the name of the tool used to cut the oblong slots in the strap and where do I get one? Also, how wide of a punch did you use? Thanks!

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

It's called a bag punch or an oblong punch. I was using a 1inch one for these straps. You should be able to order one from any leather craft suppliers like Tandy, Weaver, or Springfield Leather company. You should also be able to find them through Amazon. I have seen a wide range of quality on bag punches so I suggest being wary of the cheaper economy ones. Some of those just don't work. You can also punch two holes with a regular hole punch and cut the leather out between them.

[@rachelsveen453]

@@bransonsgeneralstore perfect, thank you!

[@jasonhughes3568]

What is the name of the tool you used to punch the slit for the button hole? I like the way you did that.

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

It is a straight chisel for wood carving. There are special punches for button stud holes, but they are pricey and only available in a couple of sizes. Easier to use the punches I already have and a wood chisel. Larger wood chisels can also be useful for cutting the oblong holes for the strap to go through if you don't have a bag punch. Punch two holes with a round punch and then two hits on a one inch wood chisel will cut the leather out between them.

[@jasonhughes3568]

@@bransonsgeneralstore Great idea. Thank you for sharing!

[@codyduval8961]

Where do you purchase your leather?

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

For something I will be carving I generally purchase Hermann oak from Springfield Leather company.

[@davecosta5254]

Where did you get your letter stencils?

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

It's an old Craftaid template from Tandy. I don't know if they still sell that one.

[@milom.2057]

Tandy still makes two other Craftaid letter stencils. Not the exact same one in the video but the two available are nice. One is lettering at 1.75” and the other is 1” lettering.

[@wasteddude9387]

OMG. You have GOT to go faster, or I'm going to vomit!