Making another braided leather handle wrap with more explanation on how I braid these things

I am making a handle for a fireplace tool and decided that this would be a good opportunity to show this again with some minor variations. I spend a little more time explaining how to bind laces on and how to start braiding. I also show how I make leather collars that I tack on to the wooden core to add some bulk to the knots covering each end of the braid.
1/2" leather lace is available in my Etsy shop: bransonsgeneralstore.etsy.com...
For more information on braiding, see this book (Amazon affiliate link): amzn.to/3oxGU4l
The needle I used is a Perma-lok needle: amzn.to/3q2Lfgi
I also used a lacing fid: amzn.to/39fK9XU
The tool I use to cut lace: amzn.to/35sWQxc
Useful leather work tools and supplies (Amazon affiliate links)
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
I am always working on building something and try to average a KZbin video once a week. Most often they are about 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.

[@DTMFJeff]

Thanks for the additional info, now gotta try it!

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Your welcome, and thanks for watching.

[@osbaldohernandez9174]

That would make a good handle for a mini sword or a dagger

[@EricAndrewDodson]

That half moon cutting tool is very nice. You made that as well?

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Yes I did. It is called a round knife by leather workers. I have videos on this channel of forging and finishing it and making a sheath for a round knife.

[@EricAndrewDodson]

@@bransonsgeneralstore I watched them. At first I thought there was some sort of etching on there, super cool finish nonetheless.

[@TrebleForTheBass]

He did an acid etch after he Finished the grinding on the Damascus steel

[@CapraObscura]

How would you braid together a 'blackjack' weapon?

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

They are illegal to possess in the state I live in, so I wouldn't make one. Otherwise I think it would be best to make one out of solid leather rather than braiding. Basically a small thick leather bag stuffed with lead shot. If you want a braided look you could cover it with Turks head knots and braiding. Similar to the handle on a snake whip.

[@absilon1541]

I am trying to figure out how to do this with 10 strands of 1/2 inch lace and am so very stuck. Can't figure out the braiding part, what goes over and under what.

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Always best to cross over the last strand you braided from the other side. With 10 strands there are several possibilities. Under 3 over 2. Or under 2 over 3. Or over 2, under 2, over 1. Even a diamond braid which would be over 1, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 1.

[@absilon1541]

@@bransonsgeneralstore Thank you so much for getting back to me. I really appreciate it. I am still very confused as to which strands I work with. If I do under 3 over 2 for example, what exactly does that mean? I know I start with crossing two strands that are next to each other but am not sure what I do next. I am usually very good with crafting, but this has me completely stumped.

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

@@absilon1541 cross the strands in front and weave them through each other until you have five strands angled to the left and five to the right. The five strands on each side should be right next to each other and not crossing any strand from their own side. If you think of the strands as number 1-5 left and 1-5 right, strand 1 is nearest the start where the strands are bound on to the core. Look at which strand 5 is underneath the other strand 5. Take strand 1 from the side with the strand 5 that is underneath. Pull that strand 1 around the back of the core, under strands1,2,&3 and then over strands 4&5. It should then be the fifth strand on the same side it started from. Then do the same thing with the first strand on the other side.

[@byornwillems6091]

I might be a little late but in the video thumbnail you braided the leather around the end of the stick. Do you have a tutorial on that?

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Those are Turks head knots on each end of the braid. There are a bunch of different variations. This video is about tying some of those variations. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIrPq6uZapara8k

[@byornwillems6091]

Thank you so much

[@TheGreatest1974]

Hi. It seems hard to start off? I presume this gets easier with practice?

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Practice helps just like with everything else. The more braiding you do the easier it will be to know what the next move is without having to think about it.

[@TheGreatest1974]

@@bransonsgeneralstore Thankyou. 👍🇬🇧

[@EricAndrewDodson]

What is the width on the laces?

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

The strips of leather that I am braiding are almost 3/4 of an inch wide. The turk's head knots are tied with lace that is 1/4 inch.

[@violetviolet888]

@@bransonsgeneralstore Thank you for sharing your videos. I'm new to leather and yours are the first I am watching and I'm loving the various braiding techniques. I'm curious, you said the beginning "there's usually a little oddness at the top". What if you started out with more slack at the beginning and then when done with the bottom, worked the top with the pliers like you did the bottom. Would that help in making it less "odd"? Looking forward to starting to play. 10:40, 12:24 you may or may not wish to update the close captioning so they are accurate.

[@pitbullforge]

Is there any possibility for another video with a different angle view? Or too much lol 😆

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

I've done several videos about knots and braiding. Maybe one of them will help you. Check out my Playlist here: Braiding and knots with leather: kzbin.info/aero/PLHoEz6E0zvsMj809771LmB6lDjhDpFrU3

[@pitbullforge]

@@bransonsgeneralstore I've watched them all. I guess it's just hard for me to follow along. Thanks for the reply 👍 appreciate you

[@Scottydoesntknowsh1t]

Same problem, u can't really see the braid itself or how u r braiding them, such a shame, such a beautiful piece but to hard to see anything.😢

[@liamwalker9279]

If you are still replying, how long are the strips? In comparison to the handle? It looks about, oh, twice as long by my eye. I'm trying to use this method for a longer handle and an trying to figure out the strips I need. Thanks!

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Twice as long is about right. If you can figure out the surface area of what you are covering you need a total amount of lace that will cover that area twice. So 8" long and 3" circumference is 24 square inches. Double that for 48" and since I was using 1/2" lace that needs 2 inches of lace to cover 1 square inch I will double that again for 96". So at minimum for this example I would need 8- 12" strands. If the circumference is 4" I would need 128" of lace which would be 8- 16" long strands. I would cut them longer than that to be sure and to have some extra to hold onto while binding the end of the braid.

[@liamwalker9279]

@@bransonsgeneralstore Thanks man, you're a legend!

[@hunterdeers1]

No need for this a idea

[@ReasonAboveEverything]

?