First Attempt At Carving And Using Copper Rivets

[vaalpens]

I just finished another pancake holster where I tried to do some carving and incorporate copper rivets. The theme for the holster is a rugby Springbok with the copper rivets symbolizing winning the rugby world cup. I wanted to stamp the winning years on it, but I thought it would have made the holster too busy. The color came out a bit darker than I hoped for, but overall I think I was able to create a good fitting holster based on what I learned from the first pancake holster I made. One thing I learned this time is that maybe I need a checklist or something when making a holster. I completely forgot to clean the leather before the dye process. This could possibly have contributed to the darker color, bit I can't be sure.

Any comments will be appreciated.

Edited January 5, 2014 by vaalpens

[medsar]

What did you use to stain it?

[vaalpens]

What did you use to stain it?

I used Fiebing's oil based saddle tan and then neatsfoot oil.

[jackd942]

That looks great Vaalpens! I like it a lot

[vaalpens]

That looks great Vaalpens! I like it a lot

Thanks Jack. I really enjoy making the pancake style holster since there are not that many variables when it comes to establishing the stitch line. Once you have the stitch line then you basically have a blank canvas to design whatever you want. Then obviously you have to execute. This time after the forming I realized that about 2/16" of my mag release was covered. So I had to redo the back a bit and also cut a new groove. I think the fix actually worked out well, even though you can still see a bit of the old groove. My next holster is going to be a flap style holster for hiking. The keys are going to be to protect the gun, protect the mag release and make sure the flap is secure. The last thing you want is losing your gun or magazine.