Just made a sling out of a pathfinder belt I’ve had since the 70’s!
I believe the belt was bought for me a Moccasins in the Dells if my memory serves me correctly. My dad for some reason rubbed with with black shoe polish years ago. It use to be brown with tan animals. I kinda like the darker look. I rubbed it down with extra virgin olive oil a few times to recondition the leather and then put a coat of Johnson’s paste wax over it to waterproof it. I used a scissor to taper the ends so I could get some uncle Mikes swivels to fit. I also picked up some fancy Chicago screws to attach them. When I waxed the sling/belt I kept going over the animals to lighten them up a little so they “stick out” compared to the dark background. I think it turned out nice. I did not make it adjustable but it fits over my head nicely with a T-shirt on. Over the shoulder is fine as well. Not bad for $3 worth of Chicago screws. I have enough screws left over to make another sling, I just have to hunt for another belt. I got the idea while looking for a vintage Torel grizzly bear sling...that I just found on eBay and bought up along with another old vintage Torel pathfinder sling with bear,mountain lion, and elk prints on.
https://i.imgur.com/iILLUq6.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/AD5KFgS.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/L2h7y51.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/feiM3kY.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Ezlk11T.jpg
My vintage Torel grizzly bear sling showed today, decisions,decisions. I had to put some Wilson's Leather lotion on it to moisten up the strap and pad. It was a little stiff and dry.
https://i.imgur.com/PRyo36Q.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0TOlaPf.jpg
And here is a vintage Torel pathfinder sling I found last week that was never used. I rubbed it down with some EV olive oil to soften and darken the leather strap and waxed it.
Before olive oil...
https://i.imgur.com/8z6aOor.jpg
After...
https://i.imgur.com/WEAOGEX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZMMiiXG.jpg
