Cartridge belt

[JonBishop]

Hello. I made this cartridge belt for .22 rounds. It’s based on a Slickbald pattern. This is my first one. There are things that aren’t just right but I’m actually happy with it. All hand stitched. A sewing machine would make this so much easier. I’m working on a holster and bowie knife to go with it. All comments, criticism, and questions welcome. Seems some pics are duplicated and not in order.

Thanks, Jon

 

[sheathmaker]

Nice work and very fine stitching. Looks great!

Paul

 

[duramax]

Really nice !!!! Great job

 

[Horsewright]

That is a fantastic job, Jon! Glad ya went with getting a pattern. Certain things it sure helps not to try and reinvent the wheel don't it. Great work. A holster is way easier than a cartridge belt! Bowies can be tricky.

 

[JonBishop]

Thanks for the kind words everyone! The holster is glued up and ready to sew. The bowie knife is coming along but I might scrap it and forge another one. Trouble in the ricasso area. Anyway on to the bowie sheath. I want to make it sorta traditional but looking at period photos it seems the sheaths were just shoved behind the belt. What is the traditional way these were made and attached?

Thanks, Jon

 

[Horsewright]

Show pics of the bowie maybe I can help. Talk about the sheath in the morning when I've got more time.

 

[JonBishop]

Thanks Horsewright. Here’s my problem. With the knife. I forged it too thin I think. There’s no room for a plunge line. I also think it’s on the small side. 6” blade. It might have too much belly on it to. The spine has a little dip. This is pretty much as forged. Minimal grinder, file work. I would love to hear your opinion. I’m thinking bigger. Maybe 8 to 10 inch blade.

Thanks, Jon

 

[JonBishop]

Pics.

 

[duramax]

It has nice lines and I can ( or think ) see where you were going ??? So no plunge line, maybe make it full convex blade ? Shorter clip point belt knife maybe. I’m no knife maker but I can see what you have there becoming a knife

 

[Horsewright]

Heck I'd give it a try on grinding your plunges ya might be able to get er done yet. Use it as practice cause I'd agree ya'd want something a little bigger for your cartridge belt. So traditionally a bowie sheath was carried behind a belt or even more commonly a sash as they predate cartridge belts by a good deal. This type of sheath is often called a sash sheath. They would have a button or stud like a Sam Browne stud to catch on the edge of the belt or the sash. An Argentinian Gaucho even today will carry his punal in the same fashion, generally behind the back. Punal sheaths have a leather tab that catches on the edge of belt or sash. Suspending the knife from belt was done by using a frog, a leather accoutrement that attached to the sash sheath. The frog had a belt loop built into it. This was a hold over from even older times as frogs were used to attach a sword scabbard to a sword belt.

Here is one of my Tehachapi Saddle Bowies with a sash/bowie sheath. The Sam Browne stud prevents the sheath from sliding down behind the belt or sash as the stud catches on the top.

This damascus bowie I sent to Norway. It has the regular sash sheath and a frog as well as a "bowtie" retaining strap.

The frog attaches to the sheath using the sheath's stud. There is an additional stud on the frog for the bowtie strap. I try to get a firm fit on the frog too around the sheath. Bout half the time I remake a frog cause I'm not happy with the fit. The customer wanted a right and a left handed carry, so I built two sheaths. he wanted that because he wanted to also be able to carry the knife on his saddle. I also make an adapter for that called a saddle chinkasa (Spanish slang around here for thingy).

I do make these sheaths for bowies other than my own and about half the folks want frogs and half don't. This guy asked me to handle a bunch of old Green River knives for him and build sheaths:

What kind of holster are ya building? A loop:

Or a Slim Jim:

 

[JonBishop]

This knife will get finished one way or the other. As far as the holster it’s a Mexican double loop. Also inspired by a Slickbald pattern. I’m putting the finish on now. I’ll see how one more coat does. Just using neetsfoot oil. I like the way its going. Your bowie sheaths are outstanding. I might copy that design. Would 10/12oz leather be too heavy for a 10” bowie?

Thanks, Jon

 

[Horsewright]

Heavier than it needs to be but probably not too heavy. I use 8/10.

 

[JonBishop]

I finished part two of this project. The holster isn’t great but I like it. I wouldn’t sell it like this. It’s for me anyways. Bowie knife and sheath to follow. Please critique.

Thanks, Jon

 

[Horsewright]

View attachment 1277933 View attachment 1277934 I finished part two of this project. The holster isn’t great but I like it. I wouldn’t sell it like this. It’s for me anyways. Bowie knife and sheath to follow. Please critique.

Thanks, Jon

That looks great! I've never done a double loop holster., just singles.