Shooting for Lancer, a few questions

[Carpeteria]

Hey folks - I've been wanting to go for Lancer status for awhile now, and I'm picking up steam on getting there. I only have a few bits left on the list to check off, and I had some questions.

 

First - I'm having a really hard time locating 1 3/4" white cotton webbing for the sides of the chest/back armor. I've used elastic since I started trooping, and I need to upgrade that material for Lancer approval, but it's really difficult to find. Does anyone know of a good source to get some? I've looked online and in places like Joann Fabrics, but no luck. I would need really only about half a yard, if not less.

 

Second - I need to start cutting out the inlets on the boot soles, but it's been slow going. I have a pair of generic hiking boots from K-Mart, and the rubber for the soles is REALLY hard. An X-acto is taking forever. I've thought about trying my Dremel on them, but I don't know if it will gum it up or anything with melted rubber. What have folks done to make those cuts? Looking over at Lancer apps, people have done a great job, and I'd love to hear some advice if there is any good info to share.

 

That's it, really - thanks in advance for any help.

[Stroker]

You can use 1.5" on the sides for the chest and back connection. The boots soles can be a pain,but look way better in the end compared to a pair that's not notched out.

[BikerScout007]

Yes, it's 1.5 for the straps.

 

Did you try a hot knife on the boots?

[Retrofire]

Hey folks - I've been wanting to go for Lancer status for awhile now, and I'm picking up steam on getting there. I only have a few bits left on the list to check off, and I had some questions.

 

First - I'm having a really hard time locating 1 3/4" white cotton webbing for the sides of the chest/back armor. I've used elastic since I started trooping, and I need to upgrade that material for Lancer approval, but it's really difficult to find. Does anyone know of a good source to get some? I've looked online and in places like Joann Fabrics, but no luck. I would need really only about half a yard, if not less.

 

Second - I need to start cutting out the inlets on the boot soles, but it's been slow going. I have a pair of generic hiking boots from K-Mart, and the rubber for the soles is REALLY hard. An X-acto is taking forever. I've thought about trying my Dremel on them, but I don't know if it will gum it up or anything with melted rubber. What have folks done to make those cuts? Looking over at Lancer apps, people have done a great job, and I'd love to hear some advice if there is any good info to share.

 

That's it, really - thanks in advance for any help.

 

I have some extra 1.5" white cotton webbing that I can give you just shoot me a PM. I picked up a pair of Texas Steer boots from Kmart and I did the sole cuts using an X-Acto set. This thread might help you: http://forum.bikerscout.net/index.php?showtopic=14701.

[Carpeteria]

Thanks for the replies, everyone! I definitely agree the boots look better with the cuts. I haven't used a hot knife before, but it might be worth looking into, if that works well, though it looks like I've been using the wrong style X-acto blades.

 

As for the side webbing, I was going by this section of the Lancer standards:

 

"2. Shoulder bridge Straps attaching front and back armor should white cotton webbing. Nylon webbing is not acceptable-

Side under arm chest/back straps should around 45mm (1 3/4") white webbing ( off white if using off white pouches/drop boxe straps), but for trooping practicality, place elastic on the ends hidden by the armour."

 

That's coming from this thread:

 

http://forum.bikerscout.net/index.php?showtopic=12081

 

Glad to hear that 1.5" is acceptable. I appreciate the offer, Retrofire, but I actually just ordered a few yards of the 1.5", as I'm redoing my belt with a new kit, and needed some for the belt boxes.

 

Here's hoping I'll be applying for Lancer soon!

[Stroker]

Yes that's what had me stumped for awhile. It's hard to come by in the states and to me it's to wide. The 1.5" is perfect in my opinion.

[Carpeteria]

I thought so too, since the elastic I have on there now is 1.5". Is there anyone to talk to to ask to make an update in that thread? That must be stumping multiple people.

[Torm]

I'm using a mini wood carving kit that's worth about 40$ . It's a 10 piece kit and comes with all kinds of blades and sharp spoons .

[Shada]

I got a very cheap set of x-acto knock-off blades from an emporium style shop - cost about $5 for 3 handles and 8 or so blades:

 

With them, I used an angled blade to make the cuts and two flat blades of different sizes to slide under and lift the pieces out:

 

took about 1.5 hours for boot #1 and 1 hour for boot #2 - it's a lot easier than it sounds.

[Carpeteria]

Those look great - I'll definitely give that a try. Thanks!

[Carpeteria]

Major thanks to the guys who recommended those flat/wedge X-acto blades. Totally did the trick. One boot down, one to go!