So there you go you took a NATO and essentially made it into a DIY-ZULU strap. Could you just buy a single pass nylon strap like a ZULU Yes. But if you already had a NATO lying around then I kinda link just saved you like twenty bucks cha-ching. Would I normally recommend cutting your watch strap to get the most out of it No. But NATOs are cheap and I think this cut can be made with little link to link no concern for anything other than comfort. After all I'm your pal and I want you to be comfy.