… they just need straps replacing after years of hard use:
The old strap is fairly easy to replicate from a piece of thick hide, cut / sliced using a scalpel and a steel straight edge. Hide courtesey of John Dodkins ... thank you John.
Strap holes were made with a hole punch and hammer
The thread holes were 'pricked' using a sharpened fruit fork and a hammer - and the fork survived !
Stitching achieved using embroidery needle and linen thread
My stitching will not win any awards but it's done the job.
Billingham 445 now maybe good for another 10 years ?
Best wishes
dunk