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- Jun 13, 2007
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Hey guys, I mentioned this bracelet in another thread. Here are some pics and back story.
My friend Jimmy contacted me a while back about doing this project. He's been a great customer, but moreover, has been a good friend. Jimmy was a police officer for many years and has recently been forced to retire as he has similar spinal problems as me. Paul Starzyk was also a police officer that worked with Jimmy. Paul was killed in the line of duty toward the end of 2008. I actually watched some videos of the procession for the funeral, and read up on Paul. By all accounts he was a good man, and his death was a huge loss for the department.
After Pauls death Jimmy had a metal tribute bracelet made up and wore it for a number of years. I'd made Jimmy a couple of sheaths as well as a snake skin cuff. When he asked me to cut, drill and rivet the inscribed portion of the bracelet to a new leather strap I felt honored.
Jimmy, as is his custom, sent the bracelet along with a detailed drawing of what he envisioned for the final product. I love when customers give me some input on what they want, and Jimmy is always up for suggestions.
The idea is to rivet the plate to a 3/4"x7" strap. A Sam Browne stud will provide the closure. He wanted it black with a "thin blue line" stitched down the center. I asked to line it and we agreed that it would be nice. Originally I was going to go with pigskin, but I like the look of emu better.
Design drawing and metal bracelet.
Cut, drilled and edge sanded.
3/4" strap cut and ready.
Dyed black. After dyeing I groove a center line and dye it blue.
Blue line and spaced for stitching.
Grooved for lining. The stitching won't go under the plate as I don't really have room for it, but it will work nicely. The blue stitching won't go all the way across either since the rivet holes run right down the middle. It'll look like all of the stitching goes through though.
All holes drilled and blue line stitched.
Plate riveted.
At this point I need to install the stud, then cement the liner on. After that I'll redrill the liner holes and stitch down the emu. This way the center stitching and all hardware will be covered. Should be pretty comfortable.
More to come.
My friend Jimmy contacted me a while back about doing this project. He's been a great customer, but moreover, has been a good friend. Jimmy was a police officer for many years and has recently been forced to retire as he has similar spinal problems as me. Paul Starzyk was also a police officer that worked with Jimmy. Paul was killed in the line of duty toward the end of 2008. I actually watched some videos of the procession for the funeral, and read up on Paul. By all accounts he was a good man, and his death was a huge loss for the department.
After Pauls death Jimmy had a metal tribute bracelet made up and wore it for a number of years. I'd made Jimmy a couple of sheaths as well as a snake skin cuff. When he asked me to cut, drill and rivet the inscribed portion of the bracelet to a new leather strap I felt honored.
Jimmy, as is his custom, sent the bracelet along with a detailed drawing of what he envisioned for the final product. I love when customers give me some input on what they want, and Jimmy is always up for suggestions.
The idea is to rivet the plate to a 3/4"x7" strap. A Sam Browne stud will provide the closure. He wanted it black with a "thin blue line" stitched down the center. I asked to line it and we agreed that it would be nice. Originally I was going to go with pigskin, but I like the look of emu better.
Design drawing and metal bracelet.
Cut, drilled and edge sanded.
3/4" strap cut and ready.
Dyed black. After dyeing I groove a center line and dye it blue.
Blue line and spaced for stitching.
Grooved for lining. The stitching won't go under the plate as I don't really have room for it, but it will work nicely. The blue stitching won't go all the way across either since the rivet holes run right down the middle. It'll look like all of the stitching goes through though.
All holes drilled and blue line stitched.
Plate riveted.
At this point I need to install the stud, then cement the liner on. After that I'll redrill the liner holes and stitch down the emu. This way the center stitching and all hardware will be covered. Should be pretty comfortable.
More to come.
