“WRAP THAT HOG” – The Pigskin – Product Review

April 17, 2013 1 Comment

The Beltskin

Lt. Bronner’s new Pig (3-2013). Paracord and tape wrap on wood handle.

It has been a fun trip the last year with the firefighter innovators behind The Pig and The Pigskin.  We first met at FDIC 2012.  The Pig has become a pretty common firehouse tool name.  Read our review from last summer HERE.  This review is strictly about the Beltskin & Truckskin.  Lt. Skylar Putnam from Austin, TX put his leatherwork skills to use and found a way to wrap the hog in a useful way for firefighters.  He also does custom work.  Be sure to read the entire post.  The best work is toward the end.

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BELT-SKIN

STOP BY BOOTH 616 AT FDIC 2013 TO SEE

THE PIG AND THE PIGSKIN

Specs:

  • 360 degree free rotating swivel
  • 2″ black steel D ring on a leather loop
  • 1″ leather loop (we added a carabiner to carry a light box)

Notice the velcro didn’t fully catch. Issue resolved.

Sown on holster created challenge with accessory placement.

A few things that we helped Lt. Putnam adjust were the velcro closure on the holster.  This one was an early model and he was trying to keep the closure as tight as possible.  All it took was a larger piece of velcro to ensure good closure when the leather is new and as it gets worn in.

Lt Putnam has also started making the holster so it slides on the belt.  The Belt-Skin in the picture above has a holster that is sown onto the belt.  This prevents greater adjustment and it also makes adding accessories to the buckle side a challenge.  Regardless, good ol firefighter innovation out of Texas solved the issues.
Lt. Bronner is now using the Belt-Skin with his new Pig.

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 TRUCK-SKIN

Specs:

  • friction swivel (allows for the handle to be put in any direction and stay)
  • 2 old school steel clips on left side for a light box
  • custom stamped lumbar plate with name (HASENMEIER – the longest yet out of The Pigskin shop)
Mr. Pigskin really went above and beyond when he sent up a custom Truck-Skin to Ohio.  It truly is a work of art and is firefighter functional.  I have donned the Truck-Skin before getting in the truck, during the ride (with a seatbelt on), and after arrival to the scene.  All are good options depending on your preference.
The holster is made so it slides on the belt making placement on your hip easy.  I asked for two old school steel clips on the left hip for a light box.  They work perfectly whether using one or two.

Truck-Skin with Friction Swivel

To be honest, I was a little hesitant to try the new Friction Swivel, however, it made sense during our conversations.  After jumping in and out of the truck, crawling, and walking; I would highly recommend the friction swivel.  Think for a second about walking with an axe in your SCBA belt or your other holster; you can probably remember the handle going between your legs causing you to stumble.  The handle of the tool can be moved to whatever position you want it and then it stays put.

MORE ABOUT WRAPPING YOUR HOG OR CUSTOM LEATHER WORK HERE

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