Ortolan, the only practical way to stitch the handle straps on is with a stitch awl. When you punch it through the leather and pull it out it leaves a loop of thread that you can run the other end through. Works great. For end caps and other open areas I use the two needle saddle stitch. Here's one link I found for the stitch awl: http://www.majorsurplusnsurvival.com/Mer...ategory_Code=65

John McCain is my war hero.