Ballistic Nylon/Kevlar/Nomex Strap Discussion Poll and Design Thread

[Malyel]

I want this EXACT watch shipped overnight.

:thanks I really like that one also but I love it with a black case and red accents.

[John Vargas]

Hey Guys,

I am sill listening, and I am hearing what you are saying. Is it possible to have it weaved in? I am an optimist and say yes. However, that being said, I have to talk to the maker of the strap material itself. And, see if can be done. And if it can, is it a viable and cost effective.

They reason I say this is…because WE are stepping into uncharted waters. No one has ever made a watchstrap of Ballistic Nylon, Kevlar, and Nomex. This is not my thoughts. A good friend of mine who happens to be the production manager of the largest strap manufacturing facility in the world…here in the US has never made a strap with this combination.

We have discussed it at length, and fortunately, I know the maker of the fibers, so I am going to get some samples sent to see how it will actually all go together, and get to see it done.

Here are some details on how a strap like this would be made. Let say for example, I want a 12” strap that is 18MM wide, I need 16” of material that is 28MM wide to have it cut down to size, the heat welded and for extra protection sewn as well. Testing Size will be 1MM, and 3MM thick straps. Emphasis, outside of safety is comfort.

Therefore, taking that into consideration, we would have to estimate where the OCEAN7 Logo would have to be placed on a spool of fabric/webbing material so that when the straps are cut, the OCEAN7 logo would be properly placed, and in place. There might be overage, and waste, which s something none of us wants.

I am not using this company, but if this strap can be made (everything can be made, I mean if it financially viable for everyone) this strap will all be Made in the USA, down to the engraved buckle!

However, this is the best example (explanation) of why I want a Kevlar/Nomex Fabric, and after you read it, you will want it as well. You will be amazed at it, and it is comfortable as well. This company provides the perfect reasons why a watchstrap should be made from this material. I think you will be impressed.

http://www.madeinchina.com/1675490/P...ght-Suit.shtml

That is why I went with the leather tab, I drew the idea whole looking at my Nomex Flight Gloves, and they have the leather sewn on and it is still flame resistant. This will give you a little idea of what Nomex is as well as Nomex thread, and leather.

http://www.1sks.com/store/hatch-gloves-bng190-nomex-flight-gloves.html

Do not worry about quality control, which is rule number one, for me, Mitch, as well as the people I am working with.

I will keep you posted on what I find out, and if OCEAN7 can we weaved in, and how that will work on the rolls of fabric, and the strap maker. They are allowing me a little leeway with bringing in outside made fabric, from a Government, Law Enforcement, EMS fabric supplier…which, as most of you know, most manufactures of any product want to use their own material, but since they do not make, it I can choose the best there is.

Regards,

John

[Carl.1]

Thanks for the update John.

I don't really get too bothered by straps, apart from divivg i don't bother changing them over and only ever get a new strap when one wears out. I am hoping this can do for all my needs. If so then i am in for two.

My one worry is the velcro. Previously i have had velcro fastening straps and unless you want the zulu stink on your strap it is on and off on a regular basis for when you shower, wash etc. Also when changing watches for work it will be on and off reasonably regularly. Bracelets and leather stand this very well. Velcro in my experience does not, it goes bald before you know it.

Unless the velcro you use is better than what i am used to that is?



Cheers.

[Nalu]

That is why I went with the leather tab, I drew the idea whole looking at my Nomex Flight Gloves, and they have the leather sewn on and it is still flame resistant. This will give you a little idea of what Nomex is as well as Nomex thread, and leather.

This is why I don't think a leather tab will work. I've worn through a dozen or more pairs of Nomex gloves and the leather/fabric interface is almost always the failure point. Even before it fails, it starts to look like hell.

If one is worried about fire, the only smart move is to put your watch on a leather bund-style strap or wear your watch on the outside of your sleeve.

[John Vargas]

Hey Carl,

I will be using Military Aviation Grade Hook, and Pile Tape…AKA Velcro, the military does not call Velcro, Velcro. For the matter, they to do not call Snap, a button strap, they call it a “Pull the Dot Fastener”! LOL.

The Velcro is made from spun Nomex Fiber, and is quiet durable, doesn’t rot, mildew, or develop a bad odor. All that will need to be done to it is when it gets filled with string and links gentle clean it…and it will be like new again.

Hey Colin,

Already thought of that too, since there is no need to essentially feel any controls, the leather will not be the same that is on the flight gloves, it will be the new machine washable leather that doesn’t fade, loose color, shrink, or wear out like the gloves do. Also, the strap will be stiffer, as it has to be, but as comfortable.

Keep your head down…look unimportant, and watch your six.

I am not trying to make this strap flame retardant like most Nomex articles are used for, I am making it for durability, dependability, and to have a long lasting life. To do that, I decided to incorporate all the best features; I leaned from “Field Experience”, and use.

Regards,

John

[Carl.1]

Cheers John, i am intrigued. Enough to buy when they are ready, thanks for the reply.

[John Vargas]

A quick note and update on the Kevlar Thread I just ordered…

Here is the strength of the thread to be used.

Kevlar Thread— Has a breaking strength five times greater than steel wire. It also has excellent heat and flame resistance. Meets MIL-T-87128. Maximum temperature is 400° F.

I have samples of Nomex, and Kevlar, and Nomex/Kevlar webbing being sent it today as well…

When they arrive, I will upload photos so you can see them.

Regards,

John

[John Vargas]

Hey Guys,

I should have had these up yesterday, but the UPS Deliveryman, left them on the wrong side of the house.

I received the military grade samples of both the Nomex, and the Kevlar. Both are wonderful to say they least.

Here is my first impression, and after though impressions as well.

I love both materials…

The Nomex webbing feels butter soft to the touch and to the skin. That being said, I think that is it to soft, and needs to be a little stiffer to be used as a watchstrap.

The Kevlar Webbing is phenomenal, it is soft, but stiffer, just as stiff as any nylon watchstrap out there, however, smoother on the skin, and has a nice brushed look and feel to it. You can see by the weaving that it is well made.

Instead of a Combination of the materials Nylon/Kevlar/Nomex, after simple review I feel that Kevlar, such as this...is the way to go. It is easy to stitch soft of the skin, mold, and mildew, rot proof (Nearly), and look at the specifications on its strength. You won’t have to worry about this strap.

Now as to weaving on the OCEAN7 name, I spoke to the Maker, please excuse that they were black out, but they are a government supplier and request to remain on the sideline so to speak. Talking to them it is possible, the drawback is the cost factor, as since we need a wide piece to make a 20MM-24MM strap it would result in a lot of waste.

However, the color on its own is phenomenal, and matches everything. Coupled with the fact that the name would be branded OCEAN7 on washable leather (shrink proof, rot proof), about 1.5MM thick, sewn in with Kevlar thread…no need to worry about it coming off.

The Hook and Pile Tape AKA Velcro will also be made of Kevlar.

The Ring, we are attempting to find a nice thick square one, with rounded edges so that the OCEAN7 Logo can be precision laser engraved. This can all be done here in the US!

The quality, since it is being assembled by a strap manufacturer will be outstanding.

Still more work to do, as this is not as easy as it seems, but I will get there. I hope that you guys (gals) too, like it when it is done, and ultimately, I hope that Mitch likes it.

Enjoy the photos, and click on the thumbnails to enlarge.

Regards,

John

[scoope]

I like the look of the Kevlar weave!

[John Vargas]

Not only is is a real nice look, it really is comforatable!