Kodiak "water proof" leather straps
Posted: April 30th, 2018, 3:13 pm
Background
I was first introduced to Kodiak straps when I bought an Anonimo Militare. They originally marketed the Kodiak straps as being able to withstand being submerged in water for 24 hrs.
When I saw an entire hide of oil tanned, Kodiak leather I jumped at the chance to buy it and develop a line of straps which I have been produced off and on since 2014. This leather is buttery soft but incredibly durable.
Several months were spent field testing these straps doing laps in a chlorinated pool, brought into the shower daily for well over a month, in the oceans off Kailua and Maui, and even the fresh water river of Iao Valley.
Some discoloration will occur after being submerged but the leather will return to original color within several hours.
Hanging out with a rubber strapped buddy in a tide pool, salt scrub at the spa...
My hardest worn field test strap next to a brand new strap:
While field testing I've discovered that I needed to use a specific type of glue, modify stitching patterns, and found the best way to achieve polished edges.
Additionally I have found the leather to be extremely durable, have little to no shrinkage, though it will swell when soaked, and look almost exactly the same after months of wear and tear and water exposure.
I offer custom strap making services.
All straps vary from 4.2-4.8mm in thickness, are glued and sewn with high quality beeswax coated nylon thread, using hand stitch (vs lockstitch) technique ensuring maximum durability.
The hide
Some Thread Options:
Stitching options: classic, creative, or custom
Edge finish: sharp, beveled, polished, Edge Kote
=====================================================================
Examples of previously made straps:
Similar strap on a bronze 6154
Some 22mm waterproof leather NATO Kodiak straps with stainless hardware
I currently have SS NATO hardware in 20, 22, 24 (gold plated), and 26mm
I'll periodically offer pre-made straps, or DM me for custom orders.Thanks for looking.
I was first introduced to Kodiak straps when I bought an Anonimo Militare. They originally marketed the Kodiak straps as being able to withstand being submerged in water for 24 hrs.
When I saw an entire hide of oil tanned, Kodiak leather I jumped at the chance to buy it and develop a line of straps which I have been produced off and on since 2014. This leather is buttery soft but incredibly durable.
Several months were spent field testing these straps doing laps in a chlorinated pool, brought into the shower daily for well over a month, in the oceans off Kailua and Maui, and even the fresh water river of Iao Valley.
Some discoloration will occur after being submerged but the leather will return to original color within several hours.
Hanging out with a rubber strapped buddy in a tide pool, salt scrub at the spa...
My hardest worn field test strap next to a brand new strap:
While field testing I've discovered that I needed to use a specific type of glue, modify stitching patterns, and found the best way to achieve polished edges.
Additionally I have found the leather to be extremely durable, have little to no shrinkage, though it will swell when soaked, and look almost exactly the same after months of wear and tear and water exposure.
I offer custom strap making services.
All straps vary from 4.2-4.8mm in thickness, are glued and sewn with high quality beeswax coated nylon thread, using hand stitch (vs lockstitch) technique ensuring maximum durability.
The hide
Some Thread Options:
Stitching options: classic, creative, or custom
Edge finish: sharp, beveled, polished, Edge Kote
=====================================================================
Examples of previously made straps:
Similar strap on a bronze 6154
Some 22mm waterproof leather NATO Kodiak straps with stainless hardware
I currently have SS NATO hardware in 20, 22, 24 (gold plated), and 26mm
I'll periodically offer pre-made straps, or DM me for custom orders.Thanks for looking.
