JLSleather

I just ordered some RJF in different weights. Never used it before, and haven't got the order in yet. Think it's from Thoroughbred. I have used a good bit of HO. 6 months ago I would have said it tools and colors well, holds shape, pretty clean. But in that last few months, I've got some HO hides (both "A" and "B") which were WAY less than wonderful. In fact, not even acceptable. Some of it I shipped back. I can live with a blemish. If the leather tools and dyes, I don't mind choppin off a rough spot (long as it isn't across the middle). The W&C, which I haven't ordered in a couple of years but am thinking about going back to, was always "tighter" (grain AND flesh sides). It tools and forms a little harder than the HO, but once shaped it stays that way. And yes, they'll split it to the weight you want. HO runs $7.22 at HO $8.32 at Goliger, and $8.99 at SLC (wholesale pricing). THat's for 7/8 sides. Backs or bends would be higher at any of those places by a little more than $1/ft. RJF has backs from 3/4 to 9/10 at $8.00, bends are $8.90. Those prices just quoted last week, so if the leather is good then they certainly win in the pricing category. Price, as you know, isn't everything. Sides at W/C are $8.05/ft (top grade), $9.15 for backs. Doin' a little math, figure a 26' side = $209, and cut the belly off you got 20' back = $182. So, if the belly for $25 is worth it to you, might just go on get the side. W/C states currently they are a bit backed up.

I thought the grip looked a bit Ruger-ish, but with all the mods these days it's just guesswork without seein more.

I LIKE it. But then, I've long been a fan of that natural look. What's the hog leg .. kaint rightly identify it inside there. Holster goes nicely with the shootin' irn color

Why yes - yes it is (manila). This was a fluke. Usually I fold on the CENTER line, and then most auto's will crease (bend) right on the outside lines.(the slide on that .45 is .984, the slide on the glock 17 is about .986, the full-size M&P -- well, ya know - all bets are off with the M&P )

Welcome, fellas. I took a pic now that the color is dry - I mean seriously, you did't think I would post a sketch I hadn't tried out for fit? $$!@#$R@!#!# No finish on it, though .. just a 'fit tester'... Oh, the pencil stitch line is the INSIDE stitch row (closest to the weapon). The second row of stitching is a presser foot away from the first. So, just enough pic so you can see about how deep this sits in the leather, make any adjustments you like (some fellas like it set back a little further on the "business" end). This is the Springfield "1911A1" blue gun.

Typing error in my post. That should have said for a couple $1k .. as in for $2-grand, you'd think we could print a manual ... or at least have a .pdf that's legible.

They didn't have it? You'd think for a couple $1 it would come with a legible manual ...

Small man complex? I've seen people with a $100 "maker stamp" and a $5 awl priorities. Whatever - each his own.

Yes, we have more access to handguns here. This is my point, actually. You'd think that information about specific models would be available everywhere. You might think you could skip some of the "guessing" and "hoping" by more 'asking", but there seems to be more desire to sell you another pattern than just tell you the dimensions of that model. "Blue guns" are popular around here too - we have some our self. But if a fella had the dimensions of the firearm, then the gun, the blue gun, and the 'pattern' are all unnecessary, at least until you're ready to form it.

Exactly my point -- easy is good. Easier is better. Don't even matter if a fella's method is "weird", long as you end up with a solid holster that does its job and looks good doing it.

I'd say that's a pretty good review! Thanks for the info.

Oh, cool.. Narrow 'skirt' loop. Nice

Yep, see it all the time. People over there at Ebay actually pay MORE than you can just walk in the store and buy what you want. Not just once - all the time. Whatever.. warn 'em, and if'n they do it anyway so be it. It LOOKS like some folks like the BIDDIN' more than they care about the price. Fair enough.. what a fella does with his own money. Actually, I wasn't talkin about an ongoing forum thread - I just wonderin' out loud why these cutting patterns are so guarded (or that is sometimes my perception). Not takin' it OVERly perrsonal, cuz my kindegarten teacher showed my how to hold the pencil myself Much of the remainder of the post was just my own sarcasm -- I'm really not petty enough to charge money for some lines I drew on a piece of paper tracin' around a gun. Oh, did you try out the leather from RJF just yet? I ordered some, but waitin' ...

A couple of design questions. You can say it's none of my business - no offense taken If it fits the 85, it should fit the S/W J-frames too. What's for the lower strap? And, why the shape it is? Personal preference, or something more?

+1 on the carving design ... bold but simple ... ornate but clean.. nice. That's a LOT of backgrounding - got one arm bigger than the other ?

For wallets, I go on finish the leather, then assemble. For holsters, I dye / oil first, assemble, then final finish (to avoid excessive flexing of the top coat when forming). For larger projects, again finish last. Same idea - no marring of the finish from forming, stitching, squaring, etc....

Not sure what's with the ad at the top of this site, though. That price ($5.75 for backs) I think has gone away.

I've seen the mission grain stuff. Not my favorite. Too brittle to bend sharply, too thick for lining pocket goods. If you're going to fold in the edges, I'd do it gently and stitch quite close to the edge. I have used it on the occasional flat goods - portfolios / sketch pads and such for the young - since it's redeeming value is is wipes off.

Apparently, cutting patterns for firearms are worth their weight in gold (?). How many times have we seen in the forums, someone asks about a pattern and is told - why not make yer own??? Trace a line. Buy a book. Whatever. So, wondering how widespread this is, I typed "holster pattern" over at Ebay. YIKES! Somebody selling Ghormley's patterns for $36 (plus shipping). PEOPLE - these are currently available from Tandy for $7.95! Or, if you have the gun, you can likely come up with your own in 15 minutes. Oh, one more 'tip' since I'm on about things ... from a holster standpoint, there is NO difference between the Glock 17 and the Glock 19. Using a micrometer, these are identical in the slide, ejection port position, trigger and guard, backstrap, etc. The differences in these models is 1/2" in barrel length (the 19 is shorter) and the length of the grip (again, 19 is shorter). Mold a gun with the 17, and the 19 will snap right in (though it will set back in 1/2" on the business end). Now, I'd like to have a spot where I just throw tips ever-so-of'n, but maybe the trendy thing to do is to charge a subscription price, or a pay-as-you-go download thingery. Nah.. seems like a bit of trouble, all that... Oh, and I don't know who said it around here, but it was a good idea. When doing your own, make it first out of corrugated cardboard. This will simulate the leather thickness, and maybe point out any glaring problems before cutting the leather. I hadn't thought of that, but +1 to whoever said that ... that's actually a pretty good idea.

I ordered shoulders, too, in 3 different weights. Figured that's a good 'look see' order. I'm with you -- the HO I've been seeing is not what it used to be. I ordered "B" grade from one place and "A" grade from another and neither was particularly good (and some went back). When I get a total amount for the order, i'll have to call the bank and have them make out a check. The business account has NEVER had checks printed - just never had call for them

Alrightey, then. Roger called back, and I ordered a few weights to see what we're talkin' about. Definitely gonna figure out the check-sending thing, but I think it'll work out fine. None of you fellas tried the leather yet?

Jumpin' on here. Just talked to Roger -- ordered a few different weights. Friendly fella, think this might just work out

What type of bag are you using, and what type of pigskin? As a rule, I glue down the liner, THEN sew and burnish. Suppose it depends on what you're making.

Line it. Nothing says "cheap" like an un-lined bag. In fact, if you're using 4/5 oz, a little firming up likely wouldn't hurt.

Been trying to call RJF. Is there some 'trick' to getting them on the phone? I filled out the little contact form on the web site, but haven't had a response from that either.