Idahotim

Are you sure? Maybe if I........... Just kidding, I get it. That holster is now just a deformed chunk laying on the back edge of the work bench. I sure appriciate all your support folks. I am going to try again. I'll try and post a pic or two when I get a chance to build it.

I am trying that now. If I can get it soft again. Any thoughts on what to use on the leather??? Nexol? Neetsfoot Oil? Saddlesoap??? Suggestions are welcomed!

That much I have learned... I wanted it to be really soft so I tried the warm water as described elsewhere, but that didn't turn out well. I have softened up old saddles and tack but those were usually dried out after being wet or neglected. This holster has acted very strangely the compared to other leather I have worked with.

The leather was not exposed to sunlight, it was in duffel bags in a closet. I suspect my water at 140 degrees was way to hot. The two drops of dish soap was suggested in a tutorial at another site. The leather hardened and twisted while still under water. I have soaked it in cold water most of the day. It has softened a little but is still very hard in spots and still twisted. I am going to start rubbing nexol into it and see it that helps..... If not I will have to find someone with a little bitty automatic possibly with a bent barrel who needs a holster.

Howdy folks, I am a rank newbie to leather work but wanted to try to make a holster. I watched / read most everything I could find on the web on the subject and began.... When I dipped the holster into very warm water to wet form it, it shrank and curled up and is apparently ruined! It is hard as a rock. Is there anyway to salvage it? What went wrong? Here are a few facts about my methods: 1) I used leather I have had for a few years, maybe many years! 2) I warmed the water to 140 degrees and added a couple drops of dish soap. 3) I held the holster under until bubbles quit (about 15 seconds) Thanks in advance for your response and aid.