Jared Report post Posted July 17, 2009 My very first holster, I saw the slip on the stitching. Otherwise any hints, tips, or suggestions would be wonderful. The sunburst was also on purpose. Jared Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
troop Report post Posted July 17, 2009 nice job! i really like that coloring. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomcat Report post Posted July 17, 2009 I think it looks great, especially for a first holster... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dbusarow Report post Posted July 17, 2009 Great job. I like the coloring too. For your first holster it's pretty amazing. Hints. The boning around the slide lock pin, rather than making a circle all the way around it, bone in a U with the open part of the U joining the line you're making along the underside of the frame. The boning where slide and frame meet could be stronger. The leather moisture content has to be just right for boning. Form the holster wet but wait for it to dry until the color comes back and looks dry, cased is the term to look for. It looks like you may have boned a little too well around the ejection port, at least for my tastes. If you get a sharp corner in the leather where it meets the front edge of the ejection port it can be tough to draw until the slide actually scrapes some of the leather away. I'm still learing myself, it's a real balancing act to get enough boning to look nice yet not so much that it starts hampering function. Dan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rybord Report post Posted July 18, 2009 Looks really good for the first holster. The color looks like red hot metal in the center. Looks too hot to touch!!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted July 18, 2009 Everything everyone else has said and the belt slot needs to be a little bit smaller....unless you wear a belt that thick. Don't worry about the leather, it'll flex and whatnot to accept the belt. Having an oversized belt slot can give the holster unwanted 'play'. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BigRiverLeather Report post Posted July 18, 2009 That is a very nice job! I like the sunburst too. I've not tried to do that yet. What is really nice is that each one gets better and better after you learn from each project. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jared Report post Posted July 19, 2009 As to my boning.. it worked perfectly in an advanced shoot today.. though it took a good beating. I felt a little bad abusing it so hard.. rolling in the rocks and what not scratching it up.. and will post some new pics soon. It took the beating well.. funny thing.. it caused the slide to automatically drop when holstered.. I liked it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BOOMSTICKHolsters Report post Posted July 19, 2009 We really put our holsters (and ourselves) through their paces today. It was a long day but we had a lot of fun shooting carbines, pistols and shotguns. It was a great opportunity to test out some holsters (including the Glock holster I just posted - it was for one of the instructors at the class). We really did crawl over rocks and dirt to get some pretty awkward shots from cover. I had to laugh when I saw Jared [and his holster] completely caked with dirt. I wish I would have brought my camera. It was also really funny whenever Jared holstered his H&K with the slide back only to have it fall because he boned it so tightly. Anyhow, I thought this was pretty nice for a first holster. Jared did all of the work and occasionally asked a few questions. It was also his first time using a stitcher, and I think he did a good job for never having done anythig wuite like this before. There is a little room for improvement, but this one definitely puts my first holster to shame. I can see Jared making some really nice holsters as he gets more experience under his belt. GOOD JOB, BUDDY! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jared Report post Posted July 19, 2009 Thanks for the input Jeff.. had a blast.. and am looking forward to some more advancement in punishing my holster. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shorts Report post Posted July 19, 2009 Great job on the holster. Blows my first one out of the water as well. The boning is exceptional for a first run. Glad to hear it was initiated properly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tac Report post Posted July 19, 2009 Looks are great, but function is the key. Sounds like yours functioned exactly as it should. Thats what it's all about. If you are mentoring under Jeff in this craft, you have a sound and accomplished artisan to learn from. My "real job" is that of a full time Police Sergeant and the Range Master for my department. I spend alot of time abusing gear in training. To me a holster is supposed to work, not be an fashion accesory or a piece of art (Although some I have seen from artisans on this site can fill these rolls as well). It bothers me when I hear some of my troops complain that they don't want to use their normal carry gear in training out of fear that it will get dinged or scratched up. I have long been a proponant of the adage that you should fight the way you train and train the way you will fight... that includes using the gear you will have when the fight comes. I am glad to hear that there are craftsman out there who actually USE the gear that they make. This perspective will make you a better craftsman and improve your product. -Tac P.S. Nice thing about making your own gear is that you can make yourself a new holster for "show" and wear the one that you abuse during training.... Besides, it gives you an excuse to make another holster. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jared Report post Posted July 24, 2009 I'm sorry I never posted any new pictures after the shoot. I took the holster home.. got out a paper towel.. ran some water over it and rubbed off all the damage I thought I had done. There were two tiny scratches.. and my fobes mag holder nearly died.. had abrasive gashes in it.. and really showed some wear. I never thought either of my holsters would hold up so well.. the shark had no marks.. and the sunburst only had the two tiny marks. I'm in agreement that if you have these you shouldn't avoid using them.. but after seeing the wear and the abuse.. it will take a lot to mess up a good leather holster. If rolling in the rocks, and sliding on the rocks, laying directly on the holster while you shrimp your way along doesn't do anything more than a 1/8th inch minor scratch.. its the best thing I've ever done for my training. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dbarleather Report post Posted July 24, 2009 (edited) Jared, Beautiful holster! I have to ask, what type of leather is the holster laying on in the photo? Elephant? Daryl Edited July 24, 2009 by dbarleather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jared Report post Posted July 24, 2009 Yes its elephant. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
