Making a hand carved helmet shield for a firefighter.

About once a year I get a request from a local firefighter for one of these. the shield on the front of their helmets identifies them and their department, and is traditionally made out of leather. What make these stand out from the ones normally available is that I carve the department logo in to the leather and hand paint it. Otherwise this is a fairly simple project to make.
I am always working on building something and try to average a UA-cam video once a week. Most often 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.
Useful leather work tools and supplies (Amazon affiliate links)
Perma-lok needle for braiding and lacing: amzn.to/3q2Lfgi
I also use a lacing fid: amzn.to/39fK9XU
The tool I use to cut lace: amzn.to/35sWQxc
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
Books and patterns I use (Amazon Affiliate links)
How to make holsters by Al Stohlman amzn.to/3putSFr
Holster and gunbelt patterns amzn.to/3ovqj0m
Pancake holster pattern by Slickbald amzn.to/3ouWA7B
Leather braiding by Bruce Grant amzn.to/3oxGU4l
Forge parts and knife making supplies (Amazon affiliate links):
Respirator: amzn.to/39lEgbL
Cartridges for respirator: amzn.to/2MOBnZk
High pressure regulator I use: amzn.to/38sc3jZ
Pol adapter (connects regulator to propane tank: amzn.to/2MJFUfn
Cut off wheels for angle grinder: amzn.to/35lCQwD
Flap disc Grinding wheels: amzn.to/39fLspM
Epoxy I have been using: amzn.to/3nx2t3L
Surface conditioning belts: amzn.to/3nuWH2C
Hand sanding paper rolls: amzn.to/3nqql93
2”x72” ceramic grinding belts: amzn.to/2XqAyIa
3M trizact belts: amzn.to/3ovIVOy
Drill bits for tougher steels: amzn.to/3bs9H6G
Way too much Ceramic fibre insulation to build forges: amzn.to/3nsyhqA
Rigidizer for ceramic fibre insulation: amzn.to/3nvv61p
Hardness testing files: amzn.to/3bpttzN
Amazon affiliate links for video gear
A useful tripod: amzn.to/3r0OJAX

[@richardkatzman1215]

Nice job! You have more patience than I do.

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Thanks!

[@joshuapoche5137]

Great work. I work with a couple firemen and thought about asking them if I could try making these for them to drum up some more business. Glad you did this video

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Thanks for watching! Our local department loves them.

[@curley6531]

that is awesome!!!

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

Thanks for watching!

[@vidmetitty]

Nice job. What size needle and thread are you using in your machine?

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

#346 for the top thread. I like to use a little bit thinner thread for the bobbin so I have #277 on it. The needle I had to go check. The one I am currently using is a size 26 spear point needle. I have also used size 25 with that thread combination.

[@vidmetitty]

@@bransonsgeneralstore Thanks brother, again nice work.

[@allanevans6855]

where do you get the inside made. The name and rank?

[@bransonsgeneralstore]

I made the inside part, too. It's just not shown because that's my customer's name.