I posted a couple arm guards for feedback this past weekend.  I got some good feedback, but I wasn't crazy about the knots securing all of the lacing ends being visible.  Well, when my 2 year old saw my two older kids wearing their's, he wanted to know where his was, so I had an opportunity to try a little different design.  I added a tab on either side that is folded under and riveted/stitched with all of the knots concealed inside the fold.  I used paracord instead of shock cord on this one just to try it out.  Here it is with the one I made my daughter last weekend for comparison.  This was the only color paracord I had, but my son loves blue, so it'll probably stay on there for now.  This way is a little more work, but it looks a lot cleaner I think.  With the paracord setup this way, it's just about as easy as the shock cord.  Just loop it over the antler button, then pull the ends tight.

Matt love it and great idea!!

Thanks Chad.

I like the folded under design. With that design, my thought would be to return to the shock cord. Then tie the cord in one continuous loop on each side and just have it exit on the ends of the fold. The cord ends could be tied to desired length then hide the knot and extra cord inside the fold for a completely smooth knot free look.

Just one guys opinion  

QuoteOriginally posted by Bvas:
I like the folded under design. With that design, my thought would be to return to the shock cord. Then tie the cord in one continuous loop on each side and just have it exit on the ends of the fold. The cord ends could be tied to desired length then hide the knot and extra cord inside the fold for a completely smooth knot free look.

Just one guys opinion      

I may try that on one.    

Very clean solution. If I don't hear any loud screams of protest, I might steal it    

This also allows wear over winter clothing, or by guys who have forearms like my thighs without changing your basic construction.

               

Just kidding Bladepeak, have at it.  

AHHHHHGGGGGG!!  

Matt, that idea of yours is one I have not seen before. I really would not steal your idea without your permission, but if it's alright with you I would like to incorporate it in my next arm guard.

It's a much more elegant idea than what I was doing. Below are a few I've done. The one with the fish in the center is one I did for a friend of mine a few years ago. The one below that is the one I'm currently wearing. I punched an extra hole to allow looping the excess cord (which I need to wear it over a coat in Michigan winters) out of the way. I would like to borrow (steal   :eek:   ) your idea to refine the knot situation.

Sorry blade, thought you were talking about my added idea.

Just for future reference, any ideas I submit on this site are FREE to all. I have certainly gained more knowledge on this site than I will ever be able to give back.

By all means use it.  For now this is just a hobby, so there's no reason for me to not want you to use it.  You do some beautiful work and I'd be proud to know my idea helped you improve on it.

Thanks Matt. It's a hobby for me too and I make one or two a year to donate to various trad shoots.