In part two of Choosing the Best Leather Radio Strap for You we dive into topics including stitching, lining, warranty, and business trustworthiness.
Stitching That Survives the Job
Why Thread Choice Matters More Than You Think
Stitching adds a nice detail to our Leather Radio Straps, and it’s not just looks, it adds function too. Stretch isn’t a concern with our leather selection, so thread choice never factors into strength(although it does add some, it’s just not our focus), which means we leave that choice entirely up to you. Red, pink, white, rainbow, you name it, we’ve got it. And it’s not just color options, we’ve chosen the actual thread type to hold up to the job.
Working with bonded nylon thread at a size of 277(jargon you have no reason to understand), just know we nerd out over this stuff, so you don’t have to worry about durability. Simply put, our material are intentionally chosen down to the smallest detail, and that includes thread in our Stitched Radio Straps.
Lining Details That Affect Comfort and Longevity
Bare Leather vs. Lined Straps
What’s the difference between a lined radio strap, and unlined? We get this call or email almost daily, and with some simple education the choice is clear. We offer three options here, unlined, calf lined, and vegetable tanned lined. Unlined is our standard offering of 12/14oz heavy weight bridle leather, great choice. Next up is calf lining, this combines that same bridle leather with a thin layer of calf skin; soft, supple, pliable. While this add a little thickness, it keeps the strap pliable and is a top pick for those who wear a light colored uniform. It keeps any dye leach transferring to the uniform, which is common during break in(especially in wet conditions). The last choice is our most rugged, and durable radio strap option which is the veg tanned lined strap. Same base strap, and a more rigid, natural lining. This is our flagship and thickest and rigid radio strap, that once broken in is like butter, and will outlast anyone who owns one.
Lined options are always glued up entirely using a water based glue, and sewn with either a single stitch line on each side, or double stitch lines on each side.
Why Warranty Is the Real Test of Quality
What Our Warranty Actually Covers
We stand behind every piece that leaves our shop in Waynesville. If you run into a defect or a hardware failure, hardware pull, stitching gives out, something that shouldn’t happen, email us and we’ll get you taken care of. The one thing we don’t cover is paint fade, and here’s why: there’s no coating on the market that stays pristine when it’s riding a turnout coat under an air pack frame shift after shift. We’ve seen straps we painted five years ago still looking showroom-fresh, and we’ve seen straps take a real beating in two years, all depending on how hard they’re worked. That’s the job, not a flaw. Most maintenance on our gear can be handled by the user, which means less downtime and no shipping bill. We put together a full maintenance video walking through it, and the full warranty policy is up on our site.
A Reputation Built One Strap at a Time
Crafting radio straps has been in our line up since day one. When Courtney and Spencer started making leather goods at their kitchen island in Asheville, radio straps was amongst the first things they crafted. Over a decade later, thousands of radio straps, and a repeat customer rate that makes every team member smile, you are in the right place. Our lead times aren’t long because the team is made up of slackers…they’re long because the demand for what we make is incredibly high based on a reputation that many seek out. Simply put, if you are looking for the best, you are in the right place, and we don’t take that lightly. We have a bar to uphold and a reputation to maintain, and you can bet on that!
Recognition Beyond the Fire Service
Axe and Awl doesn’t just craft leather goods for firefighters. As a matter of fact, we make near the same amount of leather goods for everyday folks who value quality just like firefighters across the globe. Crafting items like purses, wallets, belts, duffle bags, and a full lineup of leather accessories, we are much more than just a firefighter leather gear maker. Our demand and ability to keep up with production while independently scaling our team and infrastructure keeps us from marketing into this lifestyle segment currently, but honestly, the Filson, and Portland Leather Goods of the world have nothing on the items we craft, and we again say that with sheer confidence and respect for what they have accomplished. Let’s face it, we are making items for one of America’s Toughest Jobs. With that, we will never sell out, we will always handcraft in America, and we will always put YOU first!
You can learn more about us in a couple of our favorite publications below;
Garden & Gun: https://gardenandgun.com/how-axe-awl-leatherworks-became-an-anchor-of-waynesville-north-carolina
Blue Ridge Motorcycling Magazine: https://blueridgemotorcyclingmagazine.com/axe-and-awl-leatherworks-all-roads-lead-to-tradition/
Final Verdict — What to Look for Before You Buy
Through Any Conditions, Axe and Awl will always be by your side!
With the internet at your fingertips, it’s easier than ever to be informed while you shop for something, and this journal entry will absolutely point you in the right direction. Rooted in facts, historical data, and a proven track record, Axe and Awl offers you everything you need out of a Leather Radio Strap that will last a lifetime, and have a strong team that will stand behind it until the very end!
You’ve read it, and can clearly see the difference!
If you are ready to invest in a premium radio strap that will last your career click the button below and configure your ideal Radio Strap!
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