It’s hardly the most efficient or practical LBE option out there (far from it), but few things look as good as well-crafted kit built from the skin of something that had parents. I’m talking about leather and, more specifically, the leather Alex Davranov uses to build his gorgeous chest rigs.
This isn’t a “I’ve used this and it’s awesome gear review.” This TTDS is all about aesthetics. I’ve never put hands on one of these or even seen one in person — but that doesn’t matter. Davranov’s gear is making an appearance here because it’s absolutely gorgeous.
Even the stuff intended to be post-apocalyptic.
That isn’t to say the by.davronov work has no function to go with the form, all the talk about it on social media indicates it’s quality stuff. However, I can only attest to the visuals.
I think you’d be hard-pressed to find anything else that would make your Slav squat look more gooder than these rigs. Aside from a good track suit, of course.
I’ve been watching ‘em on IG for about a year and a half, but I’m not sure how long they’ve actually been in business. The Davronov social activity dates back just shy of two years, but I imagine he’s been working leather a lot longer than that.
Says Davronov . . .
The art is in the finish. The first beauty is staining leather with various colors and shades of leather dye and oils. Second is the beauty of molding leather – exposing leather to hot/boiling water, [then] using special molding techniques and drying techniques to show all that detail.
[This] started out on a beautiful butter soft calf skin. I applied 3 shades of brown leather alcohol-based dye – and 1 black. in product development and design world we call it tipping – I tipped the highs and lows…Oils greases and waxes; I apply them using a piece of shearling for a burnishing effect. I also hit the highs and lows with heat to shock the top grain off the leather, which stiffens it.
You can learn more online here or connect on social here.
He builds LBE for drum mags too.
DR Sends.
So, you got a thing for leather bra’s. Homie don’t judge.
You have to be careful when storing metal objects inside leather cases or sheathing. I once purchased a long knife I had custom made (commissioned) for me by a bladesmith, and shipped in a new leather sheath made for it. A couple of years afterward, I removed the knife to show a friend, and found that the leather – even though allegedly cured and oiled – had nevertheless tarnished the blade surface, irreparably etching it. It was ruined.
I stored a revolver in the trunk of a car in a cheap leather holster. My only defense was youth and inexperience.
To use leather holsters or knife shears, the leather needs to be veggie tanned not chrome or chemical tanned.
The tanning chemicals is only a part of the puzzle, leathers have a knack of absorbing atmospheric moisture, and hanging on to it, keeping it in close contact to metal…
Not sure which one is more disturbing… the guy in the blue shirt or the one in short-shorts.
O me of little faith,
That is a woman in that photo with the short shorts, not a guy.
1,000% sure that is female… 🙂
She identifies as a tattoo.
Someday – “Grandma, what is the mess of stupid looking squiggles all over your body? Were you really a moron that long ago?”
“Someday – “Grandma, what is the mess of stupid looking squiggles all over your body?””
Well, if junior finds her Pornhub vids, the correct answer will be ‘pecker tracks’.
Didn’t say one way or the other, though it is ambiguous.
On the list of things I do not need nor do I really want a chest rig like this would be near the top. But, in the pics with this article, the leather work and materials have a classy and re-assuring and craftsmanship look that can’t be beat with synthetic materials if you are going for that ‘Boondock Saints Il Duce’ look or just have a sort of fetish vibe going and like leather.
I noticed though, on his web site chest rig products he seems to be incorporating synthetic nylon webbing straps for the shoulder straps instead of leather like is indicated in the pics with this article.
You have to be kidding me.
Nope…this *actually* just happened.
Disclaimer–okay, so it actually happened a couple of hours ago…but to be fair, I was in a meeting. Still…shaking my head.
“It’s hardly the most efficient or practical LBE option out there …”
“This TTDS is all about aesthetics.”
“I’ve been watching ‘em on IG …”
What are the acronyms “LBE”, “TTDS” and “IG”?
Friendly suggestion to the author: do not use acronyms if you want your readers to understand your articles.
LBE = Load Bearing Equipment
TTDS = Things That Don’t Suck
IG = Instagram (?)
Blue shirt guy must be the envy of his Far Cry LARP group.
You’re definitely old if you played the original FarCry.
I fondly recall that one. The game was great, and the online PvP scenarios were a hoot.
There was also lots of free addon single-player content to keep enjoying the game. Some went into partial and full mod territory.
I ordered new unissued Russian surplus double taco pouches that work on a MOLLE rig. Designed specifically for AK mags, made of 500D cord, and in Russian multi camo. Literally ships FROM Russia! Ivanthebear.com
I thought it was hilarious I bought a Russian military backpack, mag pouches, knee protection, and AK taco pouches. What I got dropped on my door was a big yellow tape ball with stamps all over it, looked like a drug pack or something radioactive! Under all the yellow tape was the backpack and I thought I got ripped off, until I opened it to find they stuffed my order into the backpack and used it as the shipping container XD Gotta love the Russian way
Vut? You think ve hafe empty vodka crates lying round to box up unused gear from special military operation? Nyet! Bag iz good to ship.
Are those metal to metal clips on the side?
I think if you’re going to use a hot chick to model a chest rig, she ought to have big titties. I would want one for AR mags, and a holster for my rp 45. Or my pc9 mags and holster for sr-9. I bet you would like the bandoliers I had a Amish guy make for me. Looks great with both of them on, carrying r92 .357 and model 66 in my gun belt.
Oooh, that leather would make my fat belly sooooo sweaty. Yum.
You rebel you. Ain’t afraid of being tagged.
Tagged?
I think it’s escalated to a ‘double secret tagged’ level by now.
If there’s a market, someone will buy.
Certainly better than trying to micromanage a national economy. Moreso when the input data is at best unreliable if not completely faked.
The AK was designed to get you close enough to your enemies to hit them with the magazines.
Good idea here on the chest rigs and being made of leather if you run out of something to eat you can always chew on them.
Wow I just thought of a new invention, beef jerky holsters, shoes, belts, underwear.
I’m going to get rich.
Lol
No, not really. It’s been done.
Escape from Tarkov meets Metro 2033.
Just stick with one oddity. Add some metal spikes and stick with the Fallout franchise.
K ON COMMENTS .. THANKS FOR INFOR
Girl was formerly known as “Bonnie Rotten” now known as Mrs. Jessie James.
I remember when the the TTAG label for articles of “things that don’t suck”, we’re actually out through rigorous use. I’m actually pretty disappointed TTAG would use this label for something the author literally hasn’t even touched. Often times when purchasing gun related I check for TTAG articles because historically, they are honest and review pretty good.
In other words, I expect this kinda language at Denny’s. But not here.
Beautiful materials, but a bit too Brooklyn hip for me. lol. If I’m gonna spend $300 and upwards for a chest rig, it will def be holding more than just 3 mags.
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