Club Obi Wan

Since starting to make "HJ" labels I had a customer request some long straps for their bag. I decided to do my bag first so as to have a working template to follow. Here's what I've done.

Here's a picture of my personal bag with the longer straps sewn on and a screenshot of Indy holding the longer strap.




I created a chipboard template using one of the straps from my bag.



I punched hole into the end of the template and used a pencil to mark where the holes go on the leather. The second to the smallest punch on the hand tool matched the size holes in the original strap.



I scanned the end of the original straps to see where the stitching would go.



In Illustrator I lowered the opacity of the scanned image to 20% and on a separate layer created the stitching artworks.



After printing out the artwork I used 4 pushpins to hold the pattern in place on the leather. I used a leather awl to punch the rest of the holes into the leather. The center of the white areas between the black dashes are where the holes are punched. The black dashed represent where the thread would show.



Here is how the holes looked after the punching with the awl.



Here's the finished strap ready for paint.



I mixed various colors of the acrylic paint until I got close to the original color. You can see the various different shades of samples on the original short strap. I painted 1 coat of white and 2 coats of khaki olive. I used fine grit sandpaper to distress and expose the white similar to the straps in the movie. I distressed the left strap more figuring from the way Indy carries the bag one strap is used more. I followed up with 2 coats of Eco-Flow satin clear leather dye sealer on all sides and edges.



This is my reproduction Mil-Tec rucksack with the longer straps sewn on. I will use a little brown shoe polish to darker the white waxed Tandy thread. I used the two needle saddle stitching like I did with my label.



If there's any questions I'll try to answer them and add it to the tutorials.

Thanks Michael it's surprising how much work goes into these small projects isn't it?

I just finished the long straps on my rucksack today. There's a lot of work in this but it sure make the bag a lot more practical for a bigger guy. The original smaller straps are very tight to slip my arms in, when they are buckled up, even at their longest settings. Also the longer straps allows you to hang the pack lower on your back when carrying it by one strap.

Nicely done. I especially like your idea of distressing one strap more than the other. Little details like that make all the difference.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Here's a label and long straps I did for Indyriv's vintage backpack.

lantzn wrote:Here's a label and long straps I did for Indyriv's vintage backpack.

Folks,

If you have a rucksack and don't use Lantzn's services for it, you are doing your rucksack an injustice. I just got my rucksacks from him and THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR!!! I'm a stickler for details and he NAILED IT!!! It looks as though HF laid it down on set and Lantzn snuck over and stole it! The longer straps are perfect. The leather is quality and the paint job is superb. They blend in as though they were always a part of the bag at its manufacture. The label is perfect also. I was tough on Lantzn about the nuance details, he was patient and obliging, and it was WELL WORTH IT!!!

If you've been meaning to convert your rucksack, DON'T HESITATE ANY LONGER! WRITE LANTZN TODAY!!

Thanks for the kind word Indyriv I'm glad you were most pleased.

Looking forward to my label arriving in the mail soon. They look outstanding.

Regards
T
A
Z



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

These are the specs for my long straps.

• Thick Leather
  Beveled Edges
  Large Holes to fit even the thickest pins
  Pre-Punched Thread Holes using a diamond shaped awl
  Thread Channel so thread doesn't wear
  Two Coats Cream Paint
  Two Coats Green Paint
  One Coat Satin Sealer
  Distressed - Optional (left strap stressed more since that is how Indy carried it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35223822@N ... 479842133/

Not sure if you mentioned this but do you sell these straps ? Would love to get a set.

Just finished these.

This is the new MFH bag in green canvas.

lantzn wrote:Just finished these.

This is the new MFH bag in green canvas.

This is my bag, If any one wants to get their bag turned into a more screen accurate version of the movie bag look no further then Lantz. Great guy finished my bag very quickly and it looks amazing. Thanks a lot Lantz!

Snapped a pic of the bag in action today looks great. Me and Lantz were discussing how my green color bag could still be considered accurate. It was discovered that in the Young Indy television series that the same type of bag was used in the show; however this bag was green. I Have come to the conclusion that Raiders Indy went back and got his bag from his cousin and perhaps started using it in his travels. And over time the bag slowly got sun bleached and turned into the Khaki color we see in Indy 4. So thats my rationalization hah.

I could use a new bag, where does one get one of these bags at, I just can't seem to find one that looks similar. maybe I'm looking at the wrong brands or something but have looked a couple times so I must just be getting something worng

Tundrarider wrote:You have a few options; all but one requires some searching on your part.

1) Read the "KotCS Rucksack (UPDATED thread on German Army Rucksacks) thread. This thread began before the movie even came out and lots of folks did a lot of work and research to determine the rucksack used on the film. A fun read!

2) Google search for German Army Rucksacks. This might bring up genuine vintage bags or repros from MFH or Mil-Tech.

3) Do a similar search on COW.

4) Wait around for someone to do the searches for you and provide you with the links.

Believe it or not, option 4 seems to be gaining popularity around here!

BTW, welcome aboard and Happy Digging!

Michael

Keep in mind though..if everyone just went off and used "search" this site would be more dead than what it already is. I mean,..are we too busy to answer questions? Even if theyve been answered 100x before? lol..Its a place to get together AWAY FROM FACEBOOK and bring more life here. Heck I still have questions about this bag..BUT I guess I wont ask..

It appears the MFH bag is out of stock everywhere so I wrote the company and here's there reply.

From: Lisa Fuchs <lisa.fuchs@max-fuchs.de>
Date: September 3, 2014 at 12:08:16 AM PDT
To: 'Lantz Newberry'
Subject: AW: Backpack 30303b

Hello Lantz,

All our customers in the UK are probably out of stock. Maybe you're lucky on ebay or amazon. We'll have this backpack back in stock beginning of November.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Best regards

Lisa Fuchs

MAX FUCHS AG
Industriestrasse 1
94078 Freyung
Germany
Tel ++49 (0) 8551-9620-0
Fax ++49 (0) 8551-9620-15
Email: lisa.fuchs@max-fuchs.de
Internet: http://www.max-fuchs.de" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Vorstand: Max Fuchs
Aufsichtsratsvorsitzender: Christoph Maier
Sitz: Freyung
Ust.Id.Nr.: DE264523425
Steuer-Nr.: 153/120/54660
Registergericht: Passau, HRB 7607


-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Gesendet: Mittwoch, 3. September 2014 08:39
An: Lisa Fuchs
Betreff: Backpack 30303b

Hello I was wondering if you had a vendor who sold your 30303b backpack who speaks English.
Military1st is out of stock.


-----------------

From: Military 1st <info@military1st.co.uk>
Date: September 3, 2014 at 4:01:56 AM PDT
To: Lantz Newberry <
Subject: Re: Backpack 30303b

Hi,

It may be back in stock in about 4-6 weeks time so please visit our website then.

Kind Regards,
Paula

Just in time for wife to order me one for my bday..

It looks like the bags are back in stock.
http://www.military1st.co.uk/30303b-ger ... olive.html

I posted 3 other online stores including Amazon UK in the HJLabel thread.

lantzn wrote:These are the specs for my long straps.

• Thick Leather
  Beveled Edges
  Large Holes to fit even the thickest pins
  Pre-Punched Thread Holes using a diamond shaped awl
  Thread Channel so thread doesn't wear
  Two Coats Cream Paint
  Two Coats Green Paint
  One Coat Satin Sealer
  Distressed - Optional (left strap stressed more since that is how Indy carried it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35223822@N ... 479842133/

Are these straps for sale?

giantthugee86 wrote:

lantzn wrote:These are the specs for my long straps.

• Thick Leather
  Beveled Edges
  Large Holes to fit even the thickest pins
  Pre-Punched Thread Holes using a diamond shaped awl
  Thread Channel so thread doesn't wear
  Two Coats Cream Paint
  Two Coats Green Paint
  One Coat Satin Sealer
  Distressed - Optional (left strap stressed more since that is how Indy carried it.

Are these straps for sale?

Yes, i make them for your bag. PM me for the specifics.

It looks like 3 bags left in stock at this store. This is my favorite bag out of all I've worked on which are quite a few.

http://www.military1st.co.uk/30303b-ger ... olive.html

What are the specs for the long straps? I'd need the width and length of the wider section at the top and the width of the narrow section at the bottom.

giantthugee86 wrote:What are the specs for the long straps? I'd need the width and length of the wider section at the top and the width of the narrow section at the bottom.

Identical to the original, just add length between top portion and last hole. First hole is at tip.

lantzn wrote:

giantthugee86 wrote:What are the specs for the long straps? I'd need the width and length of the wider section at the top and the width of the narrow section at the bottom.

Identical to the original, just add length between top portion and last hole. First hole is at tip.

Thanks. I used the pattern picture you posted for the exact specs. I actually haven't received the backpack yet. I'm asking MakeitJones to make me the long straps.

I just made a label and long straps for member zhund.

Hi there. Could someone be kind enough to direct me to a website where I could purchase one of these bags? I'm not having much luck finding one.

Thanks!

MikeMac wrote:Hi there. Could someone be kind enough to direct me to a website where I could purchase one of these bags? I'm not having much luck finding one.

Thanks!

On Amazon try looking up “MFH German Army Mountain Rucksack Olive” as one source.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dr. Nebraska S. wrote:

MikeMac wrote:Hi there. Could someone be kind enough to direct me to a website where I could purchase one of these bags? I'm not having much luck finding one.

Thanks!

On Amazon try looking up “MFH German Army Mountain Rucksack Olive” as one source.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the suggestion! Sadly they may be sold out as I do not see one there.

Dr. Nebraska S. wrote:

MikeMac wrote:Hi there. Could someone be kind enough to direct me to a website where I could purchase one of these bags? I'm not having much luck finding one.

Thanks!

On Amazon try looking up “MFH German Army Mountain Rucksack Olive” as one source.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Would this be it?

https://www.military1st.ca/30303b-mfh-g ... olive.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

MikeMac wrote:Hi there. Could someone be kind enough to direct me to a website where I could purchase one of these bags? I'm not having much luck finding one.

Thanks!

There are two manufactures of these bags;

MFH - model 30303B Website

https://www.amazon.com/German-Army-Moun ... B00753MR4C" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.military1st.com/30303b-mfh- ... olive.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.amazon.co.uk/MFH-German-Mou ... B00753MR4C" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/indiana-j ... ksack.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.ebay.com/itm/274302136306" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.ebay.com/itm/293776174313" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.ebay.com/itm/193291396447" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.ebay.com/itm/143593281886" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Mil-Tec - UPC 4046872405280 Website

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mil-Tec-Mounta ... B08D63S4FY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.militarysurplus.eu/product- ... ILTEC.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Backpack-Mount ... 4938204367" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I own and have worked on both brands and prefer the MFH. I’ve also worked on original ones from WWII.

The MFH is built with far better material and hardware. The leather, canvas and vinyl are thicker and the hardware is stronger. MFH tends to change their canvas material in both color and weave with each batch. They let all vendors run out, then tool up for the next batch. If you are going to USE your bag or like high quality, definitely spend the extra money on this bag.

The Mil-Tec is popular with WWII reenactment folks. If you are using the bag for display only or light duty you could save a few bucks buying this brand.

Some photos of various backpacks.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/194041089 ... 9929180422" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here’s the other thread.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/194041089 ... 9929180422

MikeMac wrote:

Dr. Nebraska S. wrote:

MikeMac wrote:Hi there. Could someone be kind enough to direct me to a website where I could purchase one of these bags? I'm not having much luck finding one.

Thanks!

On Amazon try looking up “MFH German Army Mountain Rucksack Olive” as one source.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the suggestion! Sadly they may be sold out as I do not see one there.

I’m not really sure why but the Amazon US search does not find the bag. I’ve used various terms and product numbers and nothing comes up. I had to return to an older email to find the link. They’ve just recently restock them. I’ve got one bag coming from the US site for a COW member who wants label, long straps and distress.

lantzn wrote:

MikeMac wrote:

Dr. Nebraska S. wrote:

MikeMac wrote:Hi there. Could someone be kind enough to direct me to a website where I could purchase one of these bags? I'm not having much luck finding one.

Thanks!

On Amazon try looking up “MFH German Army Mountain Rucksack Olive” as one source.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the suggestion! Sadly they may be sold out as I do not see one there.

I’m not really sure why but the Amazon US search does not find the bag. I’ve used various terms and product numbers and nothing comes up. I had to return to an older email to find the link. They’ve just recently restock them. I’ve got one bag coming from the US site for a COW member who wants label, long straps and distress.

I realize I forgot to post the link—here it is (I hope):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00753MR4C/re ... UTF8&psc=1


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dr. Nebraska S. wrote:

lantzn wrote:

MikeMac wrote:

Dr. Nebraska S. wrote:

MikeMac wrote:Hi there. Could someone be kind enough to direct me to a website where I could purchase one of these bags? I'm not having much luck finding one.

Thanks!

On Amazon try looking up “MFH German Army Mountain Rucksack Olive” as one source.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the suggestion! Sadly they may be sold out as I do not see one there.

I’m not really sure why but the Amazon US search does not find the bag. I’ve used various terms and product numbers and nothing comes up. I had to return to an older email to find the link. They’ve just recently restock them. I’ve got one bag coming from the US site for a COW member who wants label, long straps and distress.

I realize I forgot to post the link—here it is (I hope):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00753MR4C/re ... UTF8&psc=1


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the help! I believe I found the backpack here: https://www.military1st.ca/30303b-mfh-g ... olive.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Has anyone tried waxing the canvas on the MH bags?