Archived Posts » 59,859,448
My first crack at holstermaking- updated with new projects
2/28/2012 12:50:04 PM
I think the last time I took up working with leather was a short stint in 6th grade Ag class.
The shape is fairly typical but all design work has been my own- I designed my own templates and stitching patterns.
Everything was designed via computer program and all cutting work was done via CO2 laser. All edges were hand beveled and sanded and all stitching has been done by hand.
I chose heavy 8-9 Hermann Oak leather and like it the best. Because of this and my "amerature" holstermaking you dont get the vaccume formed, read-the-slide-lettering-through-the-leather level of formation. Thats fine- not really my cup of tea anyhow.
No tooling, blacking, exotic skins, etc.
I enjoy the natural simplicity. Because of this, im thinking that if I do end up making them to sell they'll be branded as "No BS Holsters".
The idea is an affordable, tough as nails everyday working holster for the average Joe.
At any rate, submitted for your approval - or ridicule
* the belt loops are deformed a bit as I just took this off and shot it, but they too have been laser cut.
All in all ive been pleasantly surprised. The holster holds my everyday CCW very well and im rewarded with a positive "click" upon reholstering. Ive actually tossed my Kholster in a drawer as this thing hides just as well as an IWB.
The shape is fairly typical but all design work has been my own- I designed my own templates and stitching patterns.
Everything was designed via computer program and all cutting work was done via CO2 laser. All edges were hand beveled and sanded and all stitching has been done by hand.
I chose heavy 8-9 Hermann Oak leather and like it the best. Because of this and my "amerature" holstermaking you dont get the vaccume formed, read-the-slide-lettering-through-the-leather level of formation. Thats fine- not really my cup of tea anyhow.
No tooling, blacking, exotic skins, etc.
I enjoy the natural simplicity. Because of this, im thinking that if I do end up making them to sell they'll be branded as "No BS Holsters".
The idea is an affordable, tough as nails everyday working holster for the average Joe.
At any rate, submitted for your approval - or ridicule
* the belt loops are deformed a bit as I just took this off and shot it, but they too have been laser cut.
All in all ive been pleasantly surprised. The holster holds my everyday CCW very well and im rewarded with a positive "click" upon reholstering. Ive actually tossed my Kholster in a drawer as this thing hides just as well as an IWB.
2/28/2012 1:24:25 PM
looks great
2/28/2012 1:47:25 PM
What did you use to finish and/or seal the leather?
I typically use a beeswax neatsfoot oil mix.
ETA: Here's one of mine, it's a tuckable IWB for my brother's Kahr CW40. 9/10oz veg-tan, all hand cut/stitched.
I typically use a beeswax neatsfoot oil mix.
ETA: Here's one of mine, it's a tuckable IWB for my brother's Kahr CW40. 9/10oz veg-tan, all hand cut/stitched.
2/28/2012 1:56:16 PM
Im pretty partial to sno-seal so...beeswax.
My dad got me hooked on the stuff at an early age as we used it often to keep leather hiking boots in good condition and repel moisture.
The leather has really shined up just from my clothing as well though its hard to tell under such flat lighting.
Here it is mounted one of my belts made from 10/11 leather.
ETA: Ill OC around the house but being TX I have to cover everywhere else. I tucked in my shirt for the pic but with this setup and at least with this pistol (SR9C) it all completley disappears under a normal t-shirt or polo.
Hah, way ahead of you on the spoons. The wife came home and saw me working away on my holster with one. Eyebrows did raise
I want to see this holster you made using the sinew. Sounds rather interesting
Ive got some mag holders cut, I just have to stitch and finish them and im waiting on 2 new holster styles to be cut today. Thus far ive oly done pancakes, gonna try a foldover.
Also ive got one already made for my 1911 that ive got to still shoot. I figure ill keep this thread updated. Hell, maybe we can get a holstermakers thread stickied.
And as always, im open to suggestions and critique...sorta why I put this out there.
My dad got me hooked on the stuff at an early age as we used it often to keep leather hiking boots in good condition and repel moisture.
The leather has really shined up just from my clothing as well though its hard to tell under such flat lighting.
Here it is mounted one of my belts made from 10/11 leather.
ETA: Ill OC around the house but being TX I have to cover everywhere else. I tucked in my shirt for the pic but with this setup and at least with this pistol (SR9C) it all completley disappears under a normal t-shirt or polo.
Originally Posted By Casper507:
Nice stitching. I made a rustic looking holster using fake sinew for thread antique finish from Tandy and slopped lots of a Tandy product I think was called Leather Sheen on inside and outside. Stiffens up the holster nicely and you can use a spoon to make the nap lay down on the inside of the holster. A little wax rubbed over the top still won't make the leather soft but a knock of some kind that would normally scuf slides off easy.
Nice stitching. I made a rustic looking holster using fake sinew for thread antique finish from Tandy and slopped lots of a Tandy product I think was called Leather Sheen on inside and outside. Stiffens up the holster nicely and you can use a spoon to make the nap lay down on the inside of the holster. A little wax rubbed over the top still won't make the leather soft but a knock of some kind that would normally scuf slides off easy.
Hah, way ahead of you on the spoons. The wife came home and saw me working away on my holster with one. Eyebrows did raise
I want to see this holster you made using the sinew. Sounds rather interesting
Originally Posted By highstepper:
Nice work! Keep going. Make you some mag holders and a spare holster or two, mebbe a good gun belt too.
Nice work! Keep going. Make you some mag holders and a spare holster or two, mebbe a good gun belt too.
Ive got some mag holders cut, I just have to stitch and finish them and im waiting on 2 new holster styles to be cut today. Thus far ive oly done pancakes, gonna try a foldover.
Also ive got one already made for my 1911 that ive got to still shoot. I figure ill keep this thread updated. Hell, maybe we can get a holstermakers thread stickied.
And as always, im open to suggestions and critique...sorta why I put this out there.
2/28/2012 1:59:02 PM
Nice stitching. I made a rustic looking holster using fake sinew for thread antique finish from Tandy and slopped lots of a Tandy product I think was called Leather Sheen on inside and outside. Stiffens up the holster nicely and you can use a spoon to make the nap lay down on the inside of the holster. A little wax rubbed over the top still won't make the leather soft but a knock of some kind that would normally scuf slides off easy.
2/28/2012 2:14:22 PM
Nice work! Keep going. Make you some mag holders and a spare holster or two, mebbe a good gun belt too.
2/28/2012 8:00:09 PM
Another pancake, this time for my new 1911. I kicked up a CItadel 1911 Tactical with some half/half cocobolo grips that I stippled and select parts went off to be Nickle Boron coated.
3/4/2012 4:03:37 PM
Nice work 
, here's one of mine. 8/9 0z drum dyed bullhide, hand cut, sanded, burnished, stitched & boned. I use an acrylic sealer.
3/4/2012 6:41:09 PM
Wow... That's about all I can say.
Looks like some awesome quality work. Wish I could do something like that!
Looks like some awesome quality work. Wish I could do something like that!
3/4/2012 6:49:57 PM
Nice work. 
3/5/2012 1:45:06 PM
Originally Posted By SGB:
http://s7.tinypic.com/ld2k2_th.jpgNice work http://s7.tinypic.com/70b0i0_th.jpg, here's one of mine. 8/9 0z drum dyed bullhide, hand cut, sanded, burnished, stitched & boned. I use an acrylic sealer.
http://oi53.tinypic.com/2ijj444.jpg
http://s7.tinypic.com/ld2k2_th.jpgNice work http://s7.tinypic.com/70b0i0_th.jpg, here's one of mine. 8/9 0z drum dyed bullhide, hand cut, sanded, burnished, stitched & boned. I use an acrylic sealer.
http://oi53.tinypic.com/2ijj444.jpg
Im diggin that pebble grain leather!
I stitched up a foldover OWB for the wifes CW9 but the fit is too tight with the stiffner over the fold- It just wont budge. Then again, its got 2 pieces of 9/10 leather sewn together, its practically stronger than steel!
Im also working on a one-off knife sheath for a member here which I suppose ill post here when its finished (with his permission of course), and a holster for a J frame.
Ive got 3 gunbelts completed that just need to be shot sometime this week an posted up.
3/6/2012 12:02:08 PM
I decided that the snapshot of the 1911 holster just didnt do the holster or the gun justice so here with better lighting.
3/6/2012 1:58:16 PM
For a 642 Airweight
3/8/2012 11:56:54 AM
Well, while this isnt "technically" handgun, its pertanent to this thread.
Here is a sheath I did up for Buhog and his Cold Steel Pendelton Lite Hunter
Here is a sheath I did up for Buhog and his Cold Steel Pendelton Lite Hunter
