I thought about rivets, but I think your idea of needle and thread would be best to start with. once I find the best spot I could use the rivets. I have never carried a hand gun before. Last year while walking into my Elk hunting blind I encountered a very aggressive Black bear. It was in a thick stand of scrub oaks and in the dark. I had a head lamp on and couldnt see all that great. The bear mad a couple bluff charges and was making a lot of huffing and teeth popping sounds. I felt kind of helpless with just my bow..im not sure if I got between a sow and her cubs or what, but It was a hair raising experience. Im not afraid of Black Bears, but I now have a differnt outlook on them.