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Ultra Sabers Discussion => Ultra Sabers Customization => Topic started by: Bulvoy on May 05, 2016, 08:10:04 PM



Title: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Bulvoy on May 05, 2016, 08:10:04 PM
Greetings everyone, as promised this is my version of how to leather wrap a Hilt. In this post there will be a resource guide, written picture Tutorial with my recent Menace project, and a short demo application walk through video.  Let me first say there is no right or wrong leather wrapping you do what you like, using cord is effective, practical however it can come loose, be bulky etc. Stitching has been a preferred method, is strong, looks good, has some definition but the seams can be uncomfortable on your hand with practical / combat  use.
                         This method was developed by myself and a few others over the years in the sword custom world to eliminate those drawbacks. I have modified it slightly for our SABERS. It allows you to combine  practical use,  High Strength, High definition, visual appeal  and opens the door for Creative designs. I stand by this method 110%. It If you are just looking for something fast, this is not for you.   Video Demo  with Written Detail  walk through picture guide. Hope you enjoy, and someone finds it useful. Put a few man hrs putting it together LOL.

Materials You will need :
Loctite 2-part epoxy- resin & hardner - various sizes, $5 - $16. - hardware stores
super glue (to tack down your risers/ cord/ design)
hooby knife/ scissors
leather round craft cord  ( 1/8th" for thinner, finer lines or 1/4" ) / O rings. - craft, hardware stores $1- $5
Ruler/ ruler cutting board etc - anywhere
painter's tape/ frog tape - anywhere
popsicle sticks- craft stores
rubbing alcohol
Q- tips
paper towels
small dish of water
Ribbon, yarn or rags
Leather of your choice ( explained  below)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SPECIAL NOTE ,  yes you can get scrap leather from a cut up leather jacket, purse etc BUT if it Is NOT Real leather & already treated you will not be able to stretch it, like you want for this project,the results Will not be the same. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7631/26564837640_42263e45ea_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GtrJJ5)1. Mats & Leather (https://flic.kr/p/GtrJJ5) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr
Leather Choice - Big topic. the basics to achieve what we are doing here. My go to standard favorite  is.
75 oz - 2 ounces MAX. . My normal thickness when buying is .75 - 1 1/2 oz.lambskin & goatskin. ** NOTE the
 thicker your leather & bigger your cord the harder it is to work with,and less detail as the thickness goes up.
why lamb or goatskin? they are strong yet Soft,easier to work with/ stetch and have small grains.
You can use deer, pigskin , ostrich etc.  I prefer Goatskin if i can , small pebble grains , soft.
size options: Whole hide/ half hides/ sample swatches , scraps. $5 & up.  where to buy?  from ebay to etsy, hobby store. etc,  the following is a few places i get mine from small pieces to full hides  at good prices
http://stores.ebay.com/dchapman05?ssPageName=STRK:null:MESST&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2653
http://stores.ebay.com/Wholesale-Leathers?_trksid=p2047675.l2563
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PeggySueAlso
https://www.etsy.com/shop/silkfabric?ref=l2-shop-info-name&section_id=5483457
VIDEO DEMO * Excuse my voice,i have a slight cold, I won't apologize for my 80's ROCK tunes Background
 Remember  this video is a walk through demo, further detail  is in the written guide  Pt.1- 17 mins . Pt.2 14 min.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De3pTBw2-Gw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UQAG1foSjY
POOF (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/26232390184_6e5d465254_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FY4RFo)z Finished Maglight Wrap (https://flic.kr/p/FY4RFo) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr
                                                                                     WRITTEN GUIDE
Prep :
1. I remove the Emitter, pommel, (covertec wheel  uses a 9/64th allen wrench) ,& batteries.( I do this to make it easier to work with). either way tape up the area's you don't want effected. when i take emitter & pommel off i stuff a tissue on the LED , then tape everything off.

2. Choose your design area. score ( scuff)  the entire area with  200 grit sandpaper, this adds extra strength for the epoxy to take hold. BE CAREFUL when around your AV switch, use some tape here if you need. when done  wipe it off with the rubbing alcohol,  to remove dust etc.

3. RISERS ( finger grooves), Designs. place them where you want.eye-ball it or if you prefer draw lines with a sharpie. for standard risers, simply hold it decide where you want them to go, mark it,  use your cord around the hilt, cut to fit on the backside, tack in place with your superglue. You can also use 1" O rings, they will be perfectly round if your worried about that. Being sealed inside of the leather with the epoxy, they will not degrade.

4. DESIGNS : use your cord make whatever shape/ lines you wish, tack down with superglue.. *** Note for beginners  try to avoid very sharp angles, due to it is harder to get High definition when you are forming leather around them. until you get a good feel for it & know the time limit you have until it starts to harden. Use gradual  meeting points. Line to line, don't leave a gap on this step, if you are going to do say a wave or swirl, use 1 long piece, tacking down small sections as you go hold for a few seconds until it sticks. Let dry 10 full mins.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/26770154101_fa9276d180_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GMA3a4)2. design glues down (https://flic.kr/p/GMA3a4) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr
4b. Additional. For this project i removed , some of the decorative button screws, holes needed to be covered.I used this same epoxy mix to fill them EXCEPT i let the epoxy mix sit until close to hard then spread it on.Why? because I didnt want it to run into the Hilt. When fully hard, sand it down with until smooth.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/26564882110_8c635f9b0d_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GtrXWN)2a. epoxy holes (https://flic.kr/p/GtrXWN) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr                                                                                    
5. Leather selected cut: take your piece you chose dry wrap it snug around your hilt, mark where you will need to cut. Now use a ruler measure your hilt to what is going to be covered, go back to your leather piece mark out  your lines, close to edge ( leave up to 1/16th" overlap extra  from end to end  this allows space when you go over your design you made. * Note if you have lots of riser designs , leave more , you can trim it later) Its OK if it seems a little short you can make it stretch when wet later.( The MAIN reason to use real leather , NOT pleather) . width around your hilt leave an extra 2" overlap. for youe meeting point.  we can trim everything later on with our hobby knife.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/26564888790_abfb0bf9b2_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GtrZVY)3.  Leather cut & dry fit (https://flic.kr/p/GtrZVY) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr
6. AV switch : Tackle this by taking your cut piece dry wrapping it snug again make a center point mark with your sharpie on the leather over the av switch.  For the hole you have 2 options.
Option #1. use a 1/2" hole punch
Option #2. Household items,  place a Dime over your center mark you made and trace it out lightly with a pen.
 (I have done both,) hole is smaller than the Av switch which is good, and again when we wet our leather it will stretch to fit. When you cut your trace line stay INSIDE of your outline of the dime, go smaller if you wish, cutting off more as you are test fitting.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/26232327794_a87a4ec9d9_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FY4x8G)4.  hole for button cut (https://flic.kr/p/FY4x8G) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr
7. Leather application : First flip your hilt to backside,(opposite your AV switch). use the ruler mark a centerline down the hilt  STARTING POINT: 2 versions here. which i have done both to see the difference.#2 being a little easier if you are worried about the hole not lining up perfectly ,and are nervous for your first time.
Each version you start with mixing your epoxy squeeze 2 small puddles (1" in size) 1 of resin, 1 of Hardner, take your popsicle stick mix them together for 20 seconds.
Version #1
straight forward : lay your leather piece down inside faceing up, spread a THIN LAYER 1-2" wide section and down the length with epoxy using your popsicle stick. It Should be Gummy. go to your start point seam press down going from length edge to edge, re-position as needed, your goal here is to make the edge match the line you marked.  DAB some water from your fingers onto leather, small dabs, ( DO NOT OVER SATURATE). you will start to see leather change color, and feel it getting pliable/ stretchy, start forming around your risers/ design with a new popscile stick and your fingernails making sure to cover the entire area that you had epoxy applied to.When satisfied stop let sit 3 mins.
                    Resume sections mix more spread inside of leather ( Lifting up touching Previous spots where you stopped before.) AGAIN THIN layer is all you need, IF you Glob it you will get Bumps. Take your time.keep going, When you get to where your hole is for the switch do everything the same except, DAB some water on the outside of where your hole is to get it stretchy, Stretch over hole, , form around switch, with fingernails/ posicle stick until you feel it has taken hold. Keep going over areas as you wish, to keep the definition as you wish. let sit for 3 mins. Take some rubbing alcohol, and a Q-tip remove any excess glue from the switch housing, and anywhere you got some epoxy onto unwanted areas. keep going until you get  1" from your starting edge. STOP. Let sit 3-5 mins
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/26232332654_354cd4b2dc_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FY4yzu)5. moisten, spread, start (https://flic.kr/p/FY4yzu) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr
Version #2
 same application as Version 1, except we are starting around the Av switch. Lay leather down inside face up spread epoxy 2" wide ( making sure you cover the edges well around hole for Switch) , go lengthwise as before, press down lightly at first end to end  Position it straight as you can. DAB water onto outside surface little at a time, until it feels stretchy. start forming with fingernails/ new popsicle stick as Version 1.
                   Cover entire area where you have applied epoxy. Here use your fingernails, & popsicle stick to press firmly all the way around edges of switch until you feel it is gettign hard. when done let sit for 3 mins.  Take the rubbing alcohol & a Q-tip remove any excess epoxy from switch housing, and anywhere you got it onto. Continue on 1 side ( when re-applying Gently Lifting up leather to spread epoxy and touching where you had stopped before) line up with the l edge line you made on the backside of your hilt. Restart on other side  Keep going until you get 1" from the seam you already made. STOP. Let side 3-5 mins
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7638/26743904402_cc00401d66_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GKgv33)6. Forming (https://flic.kr/p/GKgv33) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr
8. ENDING SEAM. I have 2 methods, for this tutorial we are going to go with the " Butting method"  end to end because it is a easier, On my Menace i used this method just for this Tutorial.
Take your leather overlap it over your end you started with , snug. run your finger nail along the crease a few times,( makes a temporary line). now mark a line a little past the crease, past the original line. just a tiny bit, YOU WANT a little  tiny extra overlap  here, just a tad. ( because when you wet it you can smooth it out without stretching)
                     Now make your cut, apply epoxy mix, form it pushing ends together, pressing down, as it starts to take hold run your finger along the seam pressing down to make them meet, as well slide your fingers on leather genlty pulling it torwards the exisiting edge. Recheck form lines etc, When satisfied wipe any excess epoxy off your project with rubbing alcohol, and a paper towel. Let sit press on the seam  occasionally during the first 5 mins making sure the edges are down.
 (https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/26803508096_ffbcd0c8eb.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GQwZ8W)7. end seam to seam (https://flic.kr/p/GQwZ8W) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr
9.now for a double up measure i tie cord, or ribbon around my Riser/ finger groove lines, tie them off. then i wrap the whole project with ribbon or rags. let sit overnight. DOES NOT HAVE TO BE SUPER TIGHT. just snug. this epoxy has full Concrete like bond in 24 hrs.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/26232348754_a0ce24bee6.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FY4Dn5)8. tie off for drying (https://flic.kr/p/FY4Dn5) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr
10. Next day Unwrap, check your edges on the ends where leather ends on your untouched hilt if uneven, take your hobby knife/ razor blade carefully trim it off. Finally If leather wasn't already treated i would reccommend a sealer/ conditioner for your lether so it holds luster over time, you can get Tandy leather sheen in satin or gloss, or if you prefer a easy avalible method go by some leather clear  sealer from any shoe dept. and dab on, rub in with your fingers.  Re- Assemble, you done , admire your work, and dont forget to share your creation.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/26743929702_5ce8da2e18_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GKgCyf)9. Leather sheen (https://flic.kr/p/GKgCyf) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr
OPTIONAL Distress leather. here if you like you can create a " worn" look, easy ways scar it up with somthing sharp, or i like to sometimes take leather piece scrunch it up 9 can use an iron on light setting to make creases), unfold, you will have high points, here just take coarse sandpaper and go over the high points
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7707/26232364384_f148fd3357_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FY4J1y)10. Distress (https://flic.kr/p/FY4J1y) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr
    Other than the 3 sabers ive done   HERE are some Examples of some of my favorites iv'e done in the past, Sword related but the Principal is the same for our Sabers
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7790/26232381764_bf3b3869fa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FY4Pbd)11. Wrap Works (https://flic.kr/p/FY4Pbd) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr
 Hope this was Helpful, if you want to practice, try it out on anything , a pipe, hammer handle , or a Mag Lite flashlight which is pretty close to the actual size of US Sabers.  have a question Feel free to pm me anytime.
 Only thing to remember about customizing anything is, You are Only limited by your own Imagination,  lots of practice as you get the feel for it you get better and can get some pretty cool results
    Bulvoy~









Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Drahcir on May 05, 2016, 08:14:03 PM
This is a really informative post - could see myself using some of the design tips on my own personal projects in the future.
Good work on this, +1


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Bulvoy on May 05, 2016, 08:25:14 PM
Thank you sir ! Use anything you like, It's a solid method, stuff is tough as concrete. (there is some more advanced Applications, pm me anytime) but i wanted to get this out as instructional as possible for people that wanna give it a go without being overwhelmed.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Giglamesh on May 05, 2016, 08:36:12 PM
I just squeed, once my grab bag comes in I'll be using your technique because it's so helpful and step by step good advising, gonna just chill here and give you points for a while XD


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Seano on May 06, 2016, 09:23:23 AM
Just looking at the paper in your video, and at one point in that game, this was the score!

https://www.facebook.com/TheMLBMemes/photos/a.212223438878527.33964.212208148880056/789982141102651/?type=3&theater (https://www.facebook.com/TheMLBMemes/photos/a.212223438878527.33964.212208148880056/789982141102651/?type=3&theater)


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Master Medwyn on May 06, 2016, 11:42:32 AM
Megalike, thank you for sharing!


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Shield madien on May 06, 2016, 01:31:51 PM
Very cool to make a guide Bul. Love the Gallery as well.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: scifidude79 on May 06, 2016, 01:36:40 PM
Awesome tutorial.  If I ever feel like leather wrapping a hilt, (something I'm thinking of down the road) I know where I'm coming to learn how to do it.  I love the work you did on the swords, thanks for posting those images too.

Have a point for this awesomeness.  ;D


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Krell on May 07, 2016, 12:52:11 AM
Epic Sir ! Epic Job on this guide, made me feel i can do it, lots of information. seems like a good way if you are using leather. Also liked your comment , " Must have an obsession with dimes"  &   Evil the Sithy Maglight " had me laughing, have you ever considered doing work like this as a commissioned ? I am a newcomer here but this Really should be marked for easy access reading. some cool sword works on your examples, feel free to send me one Ha Ha +1


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: JediXIX on May 07, 2016, 01:37:43 AM
Bulvoy, if you see your points go up in the background, some will be me giving recognition to this outstanding information you're sharing with us all . . . Thank You Sir  :)


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Drahcir on May 07, 2016, 02:00:29 AM
I'm probably going to end up putting a sticky on this thread.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: sedstiskyfaller on May 07, 2016, 12:31:56 PM
I'm probably going to end up putting a sticky on this thread.

I think you should.

This is a great tutorial and some fine work that you've done on both your sabers as well as the swords  :o  This will prove very helpful for anyone looking to add a fine leather grip to their saber (maybe even myself included). Have yet another point for your talent, Bulvoy  ;)


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Bulvoy on May 07, 2016, 03:28:34 PM
have you ever considered doing work like this as a commissioned ? I am a newcomer here but this Really should be marked for easy access reading. some cool sword works on your examples, feel free to send me one Ha Ha +1
I already have in the past with some household  names in the sword custom world. it has it's ups and downs, here there are rules against ads etc, I just wanted to offer insight on my method, so anyone can do it, to show some appreciation back to this forum for the help on questions etc that I got from members when I first came here. to steal a phrase
" Pay it Forward ", but ty for your thoughts
Bulvoy, if you see your points go up in the background, some will be me giving recognition to this outstanding information you're sharing with us all . . . Thank You Sir  :)
Thank you kind words, I did my best trying to make it easy to follow.
I'm probably going to end up putting a sticky on this thread.
I'd Be Honored
I think you should.
This is a great tutorial and some fine work that you've done on both your sabers as well as the swords  :o  This will prove very helpful for anyone looking to add a fine leather grip to their saber (maybe even myself included). Have yet another point for your talent, Bulvoy  ;)
Thanks for the kind words, im glad the guide is helpful. Even if one person does it, ill be proud.
I Love My sabers, Authentic combat ready swords will always be my mistress ;)


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Drahcir on May 07, 2016, 07:52:42 PM
Sticky applied.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Bulvoy on May 07, 2016, 08:39:25 PM
Thank you Honored . Good to give back in some fashion.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: RevanReborn on May 07, 2016, 10:02:50 PM
Good call on the sticky :). 

This tutorial is intense!  SO thorough, and OMG that leather work is SO incredible!!  I am definitely doing this in the future- and now I will actually be able to :).  Thanks for putting this together Bulvoy.

lol I was cracking up at the 'not apologizing for 80's rock tunes'' comment!  Hahaha


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Landen Se-Sentien on May 08, 2016, 03:42:58 AM
Drahcir, thank you for giving this thread a sticky.

Bulvoy, you know where I stand on your work, and I'm glad to see you get the recognition on this forum that you have earned. Congratulations, and thank you for an awesome contribution to the forum. I think I found my new summer learning project.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: shade_1313 on May 08, 2016, 05:11:43 AM
I will be using this on Project: Chimera.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: TheDarkOpossum on May 22, 2016, 09:46:51 PM
This is an awesome tutorial, thanks so much for posting it! Your work is gorgeous.

I have a question about using this technique on a hilt with machined grooves -- would it be possible to get such a clean look when forming the leather into the grooves, or would it be better to utilize the O-rings and form over those as you've done?

Also, what weight of leather would you recommend?


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Bulvoy on May 23, 2016, 03:42:06 AM
This is an awesome tutorial, thanks so much for posting it! Your work is gorgeous.
I have a question about using this technique on a hilt with machined grooves -- would it be possible to get such a clean look when forming the leather into the grooves, or would it be better to utilize the O-rings and form over those as you've done?
Also, what weight of leather would you recommend?
Thank you so much, glad to see its useful, yes Absolutely possible just as easy, the only reason i added  'O' rings was to enhance the grip when wielding.
As you are into the process, you will find that when " moistening " your leather it is MUCH easier to form , curve , stretch etc. . since you want the existing grooves detailed, follow the guide , but instead of finger nails/ popsicle stick, Instead use some sort of cylinder shape, pen cap, sharpie marker, dowel rod piece ,your pinkie finger , something narrow etc.
               The oz leather thats entirely what look you are going for , My go-to standard is usually goatskin 1 oz. in pictures below i outlined oz thickness, type and use, in the "leather choices"  of this guide the last 2 resource links i provided have an array of thinner leather. ebay Etsy, etc type into search " Thin Leather hide", samples, scraps, you'll see hrs worth of choices.
 The Video guide i used 2oz leather ( Thickest) , and bigger cord design, ONLY so it could be seen Clearly, easily for anyone that watched. I pretty much stick to 1 oz thickness
                      * This First Picture is one i forgot to upload originally, to show what that seam looked liked when dried that i used for video guide
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/27151264926_b19cf6afc7.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Hngk8m)z Finished dry seam (https://flic.kr/p/Hngk8m) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr
                          Here is example of what your recessed Grooves will look like, i just wet it and pulled it tight for you to see close to what outcome it will look like .
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7600/26578696694_90339b770b_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GuELxh)Thickness wrap examples (https://flic.kr/p/GuELxh) by bulvoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74169753@N06/), on Flickr
                                              *************  Hope this helped, don't hesitate to pm me with Q's. Look forward to seeing it
Bulvoy~


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Benji on August 07, 2016, 09:01:58 PM
Fascinating and informative. I may end up trying this at some point.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Giglamesh on December 20, 2016, 05:13:38 AM
Well I finally started my leather wrapped project following your totorial. I'm waiting the 24 hours for it to full harden, I currently got it wrapped. At first I read the tutorial and I thought I was putting it on light, but (once I finished) I watched video I it looks like I used to much and I slid a (used a paper clap because of the rounded edge) tool to rock as you demonstrated but found myself sliding as well. I flat out frelled up I connecting between the two a bit, while it's touching tiny bit of a gap and one part overlaps some how I guess I didn't cut straight. I probably tried a bit to hard of a riser pattern for first attempt, bunch of 90 degree corners. I got them fairly anug, but since I'm used to much I was having a hard time getting them to stick down tight to the pattern.

Worst case secernaio it only turns out sub par, but meh it only going to be trophy hanging from belt of my cosplay so I don't need it absolute perfection. I'll try to post pics soon once it's nice a dry before moving to next stage of leather.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Ginsu117 on January 04, 2017, 08:43:43 PM
How did you put that Jedi emblem on the base of your brown leather saber. Also where did you get it?


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Landen Se-Sentien on January 04, 2017, 11:02:43 PM
How did you put that Jedi emblem on the base of your brown leather saber. Also where did you get it?


Bulvoy hasn't been on for a while, but he bought a piece of scrap blank and etched it. He also treated it with something to make the logo darker and then shaped it to match the hilt. He made a couple for me, and they both look amazing. I'll try to see if I can find a thread where he mentions how he did it and I'll post the link.

Here it is.

http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=28366.msg418616#msg418616 (http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=28366.msg418616#msg418616)


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Ginsu117 on January 05, 2017, 01:31:00 AM
Bulvoy hasn't been on for a while, but he bought a piece of scrap blank and etched it. He also treated it with something to make the logo darker and then shaped it to match the hilt. He made a couple for me, and they both look amazing. I'll try to see if I can find a thread where he mentions how he did it and I'll post the link.

Here it is.

[url]http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=28366.msg418616#msg418616[/url] ([url]http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=28366.msg418616#msg418616[/url])


Thanks man, lemme know if you have an extra for me lol


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Landen Se-Sentien on January 05, 2017, 01:42:21 AM
Thanks man, lemme know if you have an extra for me lol

Lol.

I don't, unfortunately. I have one one my Manticore and one on my son's Initiate. Since he hasn't been on in a while, and I lost his contact information, I'm out of luck for my younger son's saber.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Nomadicus on January 19, 2017, 05:38:56 AM
I decided to give this a try, but no way I was going to make my first attempt ever on an actual hilt. So I used some scrap wood dowel I had laying around, to varying degrees of success.


At a quick glance, it seems successful.

(http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u481/ReisomNomad/fakesaber1_zpsguzjem7s.jpg)

However, as I got to the end, I messed up a bit.

Not enough overlap. I know I was supposed to leave a large overlap to make a better seam, but somehow I was quite inaccurate with my original cut and only had about half an inch or less of overlap.

Too much epoxy? I did fine for the most part, but when I got to the second-to-last epoxy spread I must have put too much on because even though I left an inch of leather with no epoxy so I could find and cut my seam, as I pressed the leather to the wood there was a spot where it squeezed out a bit and in one spot only left me with a quarter of an inch gap between my glued leather and my original seam! This made it very challenging to properly fit the seam.

Didn't properly stretch leather over my o-ring. While I was careful about initially lining up the leather on the wood, even drawing a line as suggested, as this wasn't a "real" project I didn't take the time to worry about any horizontal axis. What I mean by that is on a real US the grooves in the hilt are all parallel and it is easy to tell if you are drifting off track while wrapping the leather. I wasn't really paying attention to that so as I got to the end I realized I had a bit of a wrinkle formed over my o-ring. I realized that instead of stretching the leather over the o-ring as I went around the wood, I must have been pulling the leather from one side or the other. So it appeared that I was doing a good job of forming the leather around the o-ring but at the end it would seem I had not. So I just used my knife to slice off the wrinkle, which exposes the ring and a little bit of wood. So that would have really boned me had this been a real saber.

(http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u481/ReisomNomad/fakesaber2_zpsv7bgk4bj.jpg)

Was my ribbon too tight? After letting the saber cure overnight I unwrapped it to see how it all worked out. It has now been several hours since I did so, yet I still see the indentation from the ribbon I used to wrap the project as it cured. I am concerned that the epoxy soaked into the leather so much that the impression of the ribbon wrap is now permanently embedded in the leather. I will wait another day to see if it slowly goes back to a smooth surface. If not, I may need to find something else to wrap it with as it cures.

Be more careful and deliberate when cutting seam. I need to make sure I make a nice, clean, cut. There looks like I have a few spots where the leather seam isn't as clean where I might not have cut 100% through the leather and instead kinda pulled it apart. It created tiny little "frays" that are visible.

Perhaps I pressed in with my fingernails too hard when marking the seam. I swear I can still see the indentation where I pressed the leather with my nail to mark the cut. I cut a little outside that as suggested, but maybe I cut too far and pressed too hard. Or the leather was too thin, and the epoxy hardened before the leather relaxed while the indentation was visible.


I think when I make my actual saber hilt, I am going to press the leather down into the grooves rather than inserting o-rings and putting the leather over them. It might be easier... Plus, this is for my nephew and he has smaller hands than me. Using o-rings kind of expands the "effective" diameter of the hilt and I think he'll have a better grip using the indented grooves instead.

Anyway, that's what happened to me. Curious if anyone else has any thoughts.

And this is my first real post too!


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Darth_Eclipse on February 16, 2018, 04:49:29 AM
This is a must try this is extremely cool, got a weekend project ahead of me, thanks for this info


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Infinit01 on June 19, 2018, 08:30:19 PM
Thank you for the write up!  I've been looking for wraps to do myself but haven't had any luck so those ebay stores with leather scrapes were great!


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on June 27, 2018, 02:22:31 AM
any adhesive besides epoxy you reccommwnd


Title: Re:
Post by: Madness on June 27, 2018, 03:33:53 AM
any adhesive besides epoxy you reccommwnd

I've seen others use barge glue with similar success.

 


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on June 28, 2018, 11:49:50 AM
would a superglue, gorilla glue or something of this nature be able to get the job done? I'm looking at the goatskin and maybe a super glue from hobby lobby. I think it will allow me to get the detail on the grip before I put the shroud over it. Thoughts?!


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Madness on June 30, 2018, 12:57:18 PM
would a superglue, gorilla glue or something of this nature be able to get the job done? I'm looking at the goatskin and maybe a super glue from hobby lobby. I think it will allow me to get the detail on the grip before I put the shroud over it. Thoughts?!

Yes it would work, but it cures way faster so may be harder to get shape.. with that said I just tried my first wrap last night. Here is the results after it cured for 24 hours and I aged and added color highlights to the leather. This is what I got i'm super pleased with how clean it turned out. I'm considering adding another strip of leather above the power on and between the top groves but I'm still not sure.

(https://i.imgur.com/9jIWlnn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WJsaYd4.jpg)


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on June 30, 2018, 11:48:11 PM
Yes it would work, but it cures way faster so may be harder to get shape.. with that said I just tried my first wrap last night. Here is the results after it cured for 24 hours and I aged and added color highlights to the leather. This is what I got i'm super pleased with how clean it turned out. I'm considering adding another strip of leather above the power on and between the top groves but I'm still not sure.

(https://i.imgur.com/9jIWlnn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WJsaYd4.jpg)


Well done!! Pointage!


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Infinit01 on July 01, 2018, 12:23:22 AM
It looks great, Madness! Point for you!  I like the idea of adding a strip above the power hutton


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Madness on July 01, 2018, 12:49:06 AM
It looks great, Madness! Point for you!  I like the idea of adding a strip above the power hutton
did it today, my 6 year old wanted to work on the saber again. It's wrapped and curing now. I'll post final pics tomorrow.

(https://i.imgur.com/KkoZGLU.jpg)


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Madness on July 01, 2018, 12:25:44 PM
Final pic, did the top part also. Thanks so much for the write-up.

(https://i.imgur.com/IUadMo9.jpg)


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Infinit01 on July 01, 2018, 05:44:32 PM
Great weapon for a Sith who’s battled


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on July 21, 2018, 06:56:18 PM
anyone have any experience with bsi 30 min epoxy glue?!? I bought some to try doing a wrap…no real instructions on how to use it ::) ??? :'(


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Madness on July 21, 2018, 12:36:14 PM
anyone have any experience with bsi 30 min epoxy glue?!? I bought some to try doing a wrap…no real instructions on how to use it ::) ??? :'(

It's easy mix two equal parts and then follow the video guide. Since it's 30min it will take a but before you move on to each part.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on July 22, 2018, 03:47:26 AM
It's easy mix two equal parts and then follow the video guide. Since it's 30min it will take a but before you move on to each part.

Ok then…easy peasy…points


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Madness on July 22, 2018, 01:52:10 PM
Ok then…easy peasy…points

Please post the results when done, just take your time follow the guide and don't rush it. You should be good to go good luck!


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Infinit01 on July 22, 2018, 10:01:50 AM
Please post the results when done, just take your time follow the guide and don't rush it. You should be good to go good luck!

I second this, please post results.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on July 22, 2018, 06:29:28 PM
As you wish, my masters… :-\


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on July 27, 2018, 03:27:17 AM
I'm looking at the 4"x6" leather sampler from http://peggysuealso.com. For those who have done some leather wraps, would this be good to work with? It'd also give me a cache to use on future projects.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Madness on July 27, 2018, 11:04:49 AM
I'm looking at the 4"x6" leather sampler from [url]http://peggysuealso.com[/url]. For those who have done some leather wraps, would this be good to work with? It'd also give me a cache to use on future projects.
yep it's fine I used a leather jacket I bought at Goodwill :p


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Infinit01 on July 27, 2018, 11:42:24 AM
I'm looking at the 4"x6" leather sampler from [url]http://peggysuealso.com[/url]. For those who have done some leather wraps, would this be good to work with? It'd also give me a cache to use on future projects.


Thanks for the find, looking at different leather colors to order one myself.  Have a point


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on July 27, 2018, 11:58:50 AM
yep it's fine I used a leather jacket I bought at Goodwill :p

That's a pretty creative solution…Thanks!


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Madness on July 27, 2018, 12:45:44 PM
That's a pretty creative solution…Thanks!

No problem just make sure it says genuine leather and smell it to make sure. I paid 7 bucks and have a TON left over to do other projects.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on July 28, 2018, 02:44:14 AM
No problem just make sure it says genuine leather and smell it to make sure. I paid 7 bucks and have a TON left over to do other projects.


Awesome tip! I'm considering a reddish chocolate leather to contrast with my Sithy Dominix LE v2


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on July 31, 2018, 02:05:44 AM
Awesome tip! I'm considering a reddish chocolate leather to contrast with my Sithy Dominix LE v2

Leather ordered…the tension mounts… :-\


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Madness on July 30, 2018, 07:07:27 PM
Leather ordered…the tension mounts… :-\

Awesome, can I recommend a 5min apoxy instead of 30min it will save you much time. You will be doing an inch or so at time.. and waiting 30min might be a huge time sink.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on August 07, 2018, 01:44:35 AM
Awesome, can I recommend a 5min apoxy instead of 30min it will save you much time. You will be doing an inch or so at time.. and waiting 30min might be a huge time sink.

well, epoxy was already bought… :/

However, leather just arrived and I thought I'd do a test fit with leather and the grip shroud. Seems that leather is a bit too thick. Will it thin a bit while being wrapped? If not, is there a way to thin it out a bit? I know it's my first time doing this, but I feel kinda bad at this already.


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Madness on August 07, 2018, 01:52:26 AM
well, epoxy was already bought… :/

However, leather just arrived and I thought I'd do a test fit with leather and the grip shroud. Seems that leather is a bit too thick. Will it thin a bit while being wrapped? If not, is there a way to thin it out a bit? I know it's my first time doing this, but I feel kinda bad at this already.


Damp the back side of the leather with a bit of water like dip your fingers in water then dry on the back of the leather this will make it easier to stretch a bit. How thick is your leather?


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on August 14, 2018, 07:24:34 PM
Ok! Just finished my first wrap on my saber! I have to say this tutorial was awesome! The saber is currently drying so pictures will be forthcoming…Overall, I think it will come out ok. Getting definition in the grooves of the hilt takes a bit more feel that I will have to develop. & the seam wasn't  100% success but that's ok since I have a grip shroud that will hide the seam anyhow.

I think I will have to cut the opening of the grip shroud to fit it over the leather and hilt…I will know more in 24 hours…

Thanks for this super helpful tutorial and to everyone for their advice!


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on September 04, 2018, 12:40:59 PM
You can see the finished work and a link to the flickr album here:

http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=37799.msg659832#msg659832 (http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=37799.msg659832#msg659832)


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Infinit01 on September 04, 2018, 01:32:01 PM
Looking good there, mrg.  Nice work and you made your saber your own, complete change from beginning to finish. 


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Madness on September 04, 2018, 08:55:58 PM
Yeah looks awesome!


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Infinit01 on September 04, 2018, 10:30:28 PM
Yeah looks awesome!

Madness! Long time no see!


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on December 03, 2018, 06:02:22 PM
could you use a wash on the leather of enamal paint and thinner to give it a worn and dirty look?  Would this do something adverse to the leather?


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: Darth Jaximus on August 23, 2019, 12:38:13 AM
Fantastic guide!!

And more money coming out of my pocket for materials...yay! 😂😂


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: mrg149 on June 22, 2020, 02:43:25 AM
Ican't wsay enough at how useful this thread has been for me. I'm  finishing a new project wrapping a saber hilt and utilizing cord risers (actually coated shoe string). I wish I could share the finished results but this one's not an US. :-O

Just felt the need to praise this thread!


Title: Re: Bulvoy's Leather Wrap Walk Through Tutorial Written with Pictures and Video Demo
Post by: MVHI JEDI on August 30, 2020, 07:38:35 PM
I need to do this.  Just waiting to get my saber back from repair.