JLSleather

Yeah, I like Rings. Pretty quick most of the time. And I like the aluminum molds from duncans - though they're about the same money ($50+ shipping). But I wouldn't put too much stock in ebay. I just checked -- guns which are $50 (give or take) about everywhere else are listed on ebay for $70 and up. If you're going to check ebay (don't hurt nuthin' to check) I recommend putting "rings" in the search (there are a LOT of "blue guns" which are nowhere near correct size) and then limit the price to max $50. Above $50 you can get them brand new in a number of places, so unless it's one that just simply isn't available ... not smart to pay more for the same thing. And putting $50 in teh max price will save you wading through listings meant for a different kind of 'dummy' The P320 molds I just paid about $50 for -- are $69.99 on ebay. Not good. On the other hand, if you need a mold for a PX4 storm, those are currently available for $20 +shipping.. though, it dont' say if that's the .40 or the .45 (do they make the full size in a 9m?)

Friendly folks and nice leather. What's not to like?!@!

I agree that equal items have equal value. That is my point. But the question was -- how to justify DIFFERENT pricing than someone else's. ANd my point is, if you want a different price, then you need to have a different value. That's because I don't pay more for equal value. And better value is either better materials, or better workmanship, or both. Well, I have never asked anyone in this thread (or others, for that matter) how much they charge or why. Simply put - that's none of my business. One guy charge $10, next guy charge $100 for the same thing. No matter to me. I am always surprised by people who will pay $50 and up for a piece of leather folded over, sewn, and called a wallet. But, long as they aren't spending my money, still not my business When I shop, I compare the ITEM in question. If it isn't better, then I'm not paying more. If it is better, I might pay a bit more. One more example for clarification: Two guys make a holster for the same model, .. from teh same materials, and they are comparable in function and look. I would pay the same for either. from the same materials, but one better work. I'd buy the "nicer" one - even if it was priced a bit higher. 1 guy from leather not as nice, but they both do quality work, I'd buy the "nicer" one - even if it was priced a bit higher. Both same leather, both same okay-ish work, I would pay the same for either. Both same leather, both okay-ish work, both come with a pretty story about how the maker is a disabled / transexual / single parent / ex-cop / veteran / etc...(this is not the whole list, just some of teh more common "lines" I hear). I'll assume there's something about your product you want to distract from.. and I'll buy from some third person who is selling me leather instead of selling me a story.

that's what I said

Yes.

I'm still simple (really -- just ask anyone). I don't pay $100 for a belt. Somebody can tell me stories about how it's 'real' leather, it's laminated, it's hand stitched, uphill both ways.. and that just isn't going to sway me. If there's a guy selling grade A Hermann Oak leather belts, double layer and double stitched, for $70 -- then what will you tell me to suggest that I pay more? If I pay more for something, it's because either it's something I can't get somewhere else, or it's BETTER. Because something is 'handmade' does not make it better. Putting a higher price tag on it does not make it better. Taking longer to do it does not make it better. Adding a video and a blog about it does not make it better. I could go on, but in the end it's simple. If you hope to charge me more, then tell me how it's BETTER. Oh, and I might just walk away from someone who started about how many hours they have in it. Who cares, anyway? Example: Guy1 and Guy 2 both use A-grade leather, the same dyes/glue/thread, all the same materials. The belts look very much alike. Both guys want $30 per hour. Guy1 cut his leather with a 7' straight edge, then used a strap cutter to cut the belt strips, then marked out the tip and buckle ends with a stylus, trimmed and punched with tools and a mallet. This portion of one belt took an hour. Guy2 ran a back through a strap cutter, making 18 strips. Then he clicked the ends of the straps. This portion took an hour. For 9 belts. Both belts are the same materials, had the same things done to them. WHY would I pay more because Guy1 took longer? I've actually seen videos where guys show how SLOW they can go with their sewing machine. Seriously.. anybody ever try that at a job interview? 'Why should we pay you $30 per hour?' "Well, cuz I'm really, really slow!'

Yeah, SLC has sent some REALLY rough leather. At least they've always been good about taking it back (and paying the return shipping as well). I suppose if you send rough leather to enough people, some of them won't know better and will keep it ...

Well, yeah -- there's that too

Didn't see teh search filter for 'local'? I'm currently in zip 56377. Anybody else doing leather in the area? I did look on fakebook, but it seems that people who do leather and the people who do web seo are not always the same people

Just call them -- the folks at W/C will understand what you mean if you just tell them what you said here. And you should be able to email them a pic if that helps (I've done that to get a color I wanted).

Not so!! I put those up there so people could use them, but it's better if people use them as examples to start making their own! Don't tell nobody, but sometimes when I got crap in my wallet (that same one) I rather think I might have made it 1/4" bigger

I actually thought one of the saddle maker boys might like this one.. what with the rings and such. Plus, these days there's so much of that attitude where people want to click a button and be done, expect some benefit. The saddle boys ('n' girls) seem to be less intimidated by the thought of actually DOING something.

My sewing machine isn't even unpacked yet.. and then I have some Sig patterns to verify ... ughh.....

Got a fella wantin' this for 92fs Compact If you are interested in making this rig (and capable, please -- let's not burn up this guy's time) just message me your contact info and I'll pass it on to him. Chicago area. Time frame, price, and payment will be between you and him entirely.

Anybody like being referred when I can't get there? Got a message today about a rig I can't get round to. Responded that I will refer him if he would like. Not giving out his information, but if you are interested I'll give him yours. He wants ...: for 92fs Compact

You can do that with or without a groove. I usually use a creased line, personally Long as the left thread is going on the same side of the right thread - all the time -- you'll get -------- stitches. Using a diamond awl blade (i hate punches) with the flat side parallel to the edge of the leather.

Yep - works good. Wanna see why? Couple short videos on this over there at the 'observation' link below -- one about why I didn't like the one, and one about mounting the drop down version. Otherwise, yep -I use the drop guide, and yep I think it was worth installing it.

You stay at it, youngster! You'll want to work on burnishing, and I don't know if you maybe want to space the stitches a bit further apart. Still, you got some good ideas about shape and style, and already in the shop means definitely more than a toe in the water. Well done!

Either way. I have some of both. Now that the oil dyes are becoming available in more colors (they weren't always) i do use 'em.

If you want straight forward and simple, then I'd get Fiebing's dyes and reducer for color, renia glue (barge is very good, at the cost of brain cells), and finish with diluted resolene (dilute with pure water).

Yer purdy far east to be makin' them "US" rigs, yes? Seriously, those look good!

Well, that certainly went south. Not everything at Tandy (or anywhere else for that matter) is worth buying, even at a discount. I've had people punch me in the eye for FREE, and getting it for free did not make me want another one But some things there are okay, and it would be nice to have a place near where I could pick up a few snaps or a specific buckle without having to store so much here. I was in a tandy years back, struggling to find a stitching awl that would actually cut without hammering on it. Guy says' yep, those work good'. So I grabbed a 10 oz double shoulder from a few feet away, and went to stab it, which nearly caused the guy coronary problems. Told him I'll take the leather, and IF this cuts smoothly, I'll take the awl too. It didn't, and I left without what I came for and carrying a double shoulder I didn't really want If you can get a discount, have at it.

Not sure how stitching is like pinstriping, but you certainly can hand sew straight stitches. It's the only kind I sew (I always thought that angled stuff looked like maybe should be on the trim on some girl's clothes). WIthout going through the whole thing, stohlman covered that extensively.

Welcome to the forums, youngster Your best resource will be the customers, or even that guy with the small gun shop. You made the holsters.. now let them try the fit. Ask 'em what they like, what they don't... IF you are genuinely interested in making a quality product, most of us 'old' folks try to help the new kid out. In fact, there will be some who would help you, but wouldn't help me (or anyone my age) just because of your age. Many of us like to see a young person willing to learn something. IF on the other hand you are "that guy" who asks questions and feigns interest to drum up interest, well -- let's just say we have enough of that already! Now, keep in mind when I say "us" helping you, I mean the average guy looking for a personal holster. Many other holster makers may not be interested in helping you - terrified of any competition really. Don't worry about it. You're on the right track -- ask a question, get what you can use from the responses, and don't sweat too much over anything a bit off the path Some free patterns on my site for holsters - tested to all work. USe 'em as-is, or alter 'em to suit your needs. In fact, I wonder if a guy could take a free pattern, spend $10 making the holster, and then give it to the mom'n'pop shop and ask 'em how they like the fit. Then you'll be able to hold in your hand what works ... and likely (if folks are anything like 'back home') Mom will feed you and Pop will 'show ya the ropes' Now, before I jump to conclusions myself... is it young man or young lady? Maybe we'll just stick to 'youngster' ... Carry on, youngster...

And also figure it into the design. A "pancake" made on a curve, or flat backed, will alleviate most of this.